Network TAPs

Network TAPs are key components of a visibility architecture. Sitting between the IT infrastructure and tools to give you access to all the traffic traversing the virtual and physical links.

Understanding Network Test Access Points (TAPs)

A Test Access Point allows you to set up a permanent in-line monitoring device that mirrors all the traffic that is passing between network nodes. The TAP will then copy the data continuously, 24/7 to your packet brokers, packet analyzers, intrusion detection systems or other security tools, without introducing a point of failure.

Network TAPs come in variety of configurations and capabilities to fit the requirements of IT and OT networks.

Electrical hardware access point for Copper infrastructure from 10/100M to 10/100/1000 all the way to 10Gig Copper.

extracts signal from the optical fiber without breaking the connection

Software-based tap that that captures a copy of the east west data flowing between virtual machines (VMs)

(Copper to fiber) – Bridge the gap between copper and fiber infrastructures and extension of fibre from multimode to single mode

Create multiple copies of network data to support multiple devices from a single connectivity point

Merge traffic streams into one monitoring port to reduce appliance costs, often used in combination with filtering taps, ie: filter, aggregate data streams

For monitoring devices – TAPs which can only export traffic and not receive any traffic on the monitoring ports.

Inline network TAPs that provide a failsafe for security tools – Prevents in-line devices from causing a network downtime if they fail or need to be updated.