Network TAP

A network TAP is an external network device that creates a “copy” of the traffic for use by various monitoring devices. It allows traffic mirroring and is an intricate part of an organization's network stack. The network TAP device is introduced at a point in the path of the network that is felt should be observed, so that it can copy data packets and send them to a monitoring device. The network designer will decide where the significant points for the network TAPs should be placed in the network infrastructure, based on the reason for network interface observation: data gathering, analysis, general network monitoring (such as for saturation and latency), or more critical, such as for intrusion detection, etc.

Niagara Networks bypass switches have active TAP functionality built-in and have additional ports to feed the tapped traffc to reporting tools or a packet broker. Niagara Networks fixed and modular bypass switches offer active TAP functionality for speeds up to 100Gb. Both passive and active TAPs are offered, along with a wide range of supported connectors and fiber types.

Devices:

Active TAPs: Based on an active switching configuration for generating a “copy” of the traffic. “Copy” traffic is regenerated and there is no loss of signal power. In the case of power failure, “copied” traffic may be lost, but network traffic flows uninterrupted.
Passive TAPs: Based on optical coupler (splitter) so that the tapped network point and appliance are always connected. Passive TAPs don't need a power supply in order for them to work. It's 100% secure and invisible, with full transparency to IP, MAC addresses or any configurations and bandwidth rates up to 400Gbps.