Network Tools
HE.NET Network Tools is a macOS network diagnostics app for checking connectivity, DNS, routing, ports, and other common troubleshooting data.
What is Network Tools?
HE.NET Network Tools is a network diagnostics and troubleshooting app for macOS. It is designed for network engineers, system administrators, and other users who need quick access to common testing and lookup tools from one interface. The app helps you inspect local network information, run connectivity tests, trace routes, check DNS records, calculate IP subnet details, and scan selected TCP ports. It also includes tools for performance testing and SSL/TLS inspection, which can be useful when diagnosing server, routing, or certificate issues. On a Mac, it fits best as a utility for everyday network investigation rather than a general productivity app.
Key features
- View current network interface information
- Look up local devices with ARP and NDP tools
- Query DNS records including A, AAAA, MX, NS, SOA, TXT, and reverse DNS
- Run ping, ping sweep, traceroute, and progressive traceroute tests
- Calculate subnet details such as netmask, host range, and broadcast address
- Scan custom or predefined TCP ports on remote servers
- Inspect SSL/TLS protocol, cipher, and certificate details
- Run iperf TCP and UDP performance tests
Review app leftovers with diCleaner
Inspect caches, support files, containers, and login items before cleaning.
Safety overview
Status: Mostly safe
This app’s network-scanning and diagnostics functions are consistent with its purpose, but those features can reach local devices and remote hosts, so you should use it only on networks and systems you are authorized to test. Network access is expected for DNS lookups, ping, traceroute, port scans, and performance tests. The publisher states that the app does not collect personal information for app use, while crash data may be sent through Apple if you have enabled that reporting. If you do not recognize this app, confirm that the installed copy is HE.NET Network Tools from Hurricane Electric before granting ongoing trust.
Recommendation: Keep it if you use your Mac for network troubleshooting, server checks, or diagnostic testing. If you never use these tools, removing the app should only affect your ability to run its network tests from this interface. If it was installed unexpectedly, verify the app’s source and whether anyone on the Mac needs network diagnostic utilities before keeping it.
Common paths
/Applications/HE.NET Network Tools.app
Share your experience
Be the first to share your experience.