Unmasking the Internet: A Survey of Fine-Grained Network Traffic Analysis

Fine-grained traffic analysis represents an advanced evolution beyond traditional traffic analysis, using sophisticated data mining techniques like deep learning to deduce application-layer activities, user behaviours, and even message content despite encryption. This survey examines frontier developments in FGTA, which has become essential for network administrators and attackers seeking network visibility. 

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The research investigates different FGTA approaches across critical applications including intrusion detection, website fingerprinting, location estimation, and user activity inference, whilst elaborating on operating principles, limitations, countermeasures, and promising future research avenues.

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