Network TAPs provide a "Test Access Port" for analyzing high-speed networks in half or full duplex mode.
When operating high-speed, high-capacity, data communications systems it is often necessary to monitor and analyze traffic with an
absolute minimum disturbance to the data stream.
Network taps provide inexpensive, permanent access ports throughout the network, enabling monitoring and analysis without interrupting transmission.
TAPs Advantages
TAP technology supports network monitoring and intrusion detection for almost any network configuration,
including GigaBit SX, LX or ZX; ATM, DS3, T1 and Fast Ethernet copper.
In addition, just introduced the GigaBit TX to SX tap,
the market's first copper-to-fiber tap.
Network taps are extremely reliable, featuring passive-link integrity enabling the network to operate at a
continuous flow.
These rack-mountable taps feature easy installation and broad compatibility: network managers can
simply plug in the network cables to
communicate with all major analyzer manufacturers' products including Network Generals'
Sniffer®, Agilent's Internet Advisor
& Cisco's SwitchProbe products, to name just a few.
To enable monitoring and intrusion detection, most of the major switch vendors now
support span (or mirror) ports on their switches.
This allows the traffic to be sent to an analyzer port as well as the original designated port.
First, it puts an increased load onto the switch that often increases CPU
or memory requirements.
Second, when packets are sent to a span port, most vendors' switches remove low level
(Layer 1, select Layer 2) errors from the stream of data.
This makes low level troubleshooting impossible.
Third, if the link is a full duplex link running at full line rate,
then to mirror this data would require a
span port running at full line rate to get both directions of traffic.
Unless a non-blocking switch is being used, large amounts of data could be lost
because span port traffic is a low priority.
The tap solution for network monitoring and intrusion detection utilizes passive fiber or copper splitter
taps on the main network links.
This solution mitigates the trouble and expense associated with the three drawbacks mentioned above.
TAPs Versus In-Line Connection
Another common solution for monitoring and intrusion detection is to attach the analyzer in-line.
An in-line solution has two major drawbacks:
First, because it is not cost effective to leave an analyzer in-line,
network managers must break a connection whenever they need to monitor.
Second, because the analyzer is not passive, attaching an analyzer
in-line introduces a point of failure into the network.
The permanent, passive tap solution eliminates the risk and inefficiency associated with monitoring
with an in-line analyzer connection.
Flexibility
Network taps provide network managers with the flexibility to monitor all aspects of the network 24/7.
As network security and reliability continue to grow in importance,
taps are an integral solution for any network.
Tap Types
Taps come in several varieties with different purposes and features.
If you are confused about what type of Tap device you need in your network,
here is a quick overview of the capabilities each type of Tap provides:
When a monitoring tool is needed, simply connect
the device to the Tap instead of taking down the link, moving cables, and causing
traffic interruptions. Even if Taps lose power, they are completely passive and
feature fail-open technology that ensures traffic continuity.
Network Taps
pass all network
traffic - including Layer 1 and 2 errors - without introducing bottlenecks or
points of failure for 100% visibility.
Regardless of where in the network or the types of interfaces that need to be monitored,
Net Optics has a Tap solution. Copper, multimode and singlemode fiber, and coax are
supported, at speeds up to 10Gbps. Media conversion models are also available to support
disparate interface types.
A Port Aggregator
does essentially the same thing as a Tap; it allows you to access a single network segment.
The difference is that you can plug in one or two monitoring devices (depending on the model)
and view full duplex traffic with only a single NIC per device, rather than two NICs.
A Link Aggregator
does essentially the reverse of a Regeneration Tap. This device accepts multiple network
segments and "aggregates" all the traffic to 1 to 24 monitoring devices
(depending on the model).
Net Optics Regeneration Taps
provide permanent passive monitoring access ports for 100%
visibility into your network's critical links with multiple devices.
Compatible with all leading security and network management tools,
Regeneration Taps
support simultaneous passive deployment of intrusion detection
and prevention systems, protocol analyzers, RMON probes, and other key devices.
Each monitoring device connected to the
Regeneration Taps
sees the same traffic at
the same time, providing a complete picture of link health for troubleshooting and
analysis.
Net Optics´ Optical Bypass Switches provide a permanent and trouble-free access port for in-line network security and monitoring devices. The Optical Bypass Switch
automatically switches network traffic through added in-line devices or bypasses devices that are about to be removed.
With a heartbeat, the Optical Bypass Switch protects network traffic against both signal and power
loss on the attached in-line device.
Net Optics Converter
products are designed to complement our core Network Taps,
Regeneration Taps, and Switches for easy deployment. These solutions include
media converters for all major network topologies, redundancy products for high
availability scenarios, test equipment to simulate any fiber link, and a wide
array of premium multimode, singlemode, and CAT5E cables to suit every network.
Take control over your mission-critical, high-speed converged networks with
Director, a new monitoring and data aggregation solution from Net Optics, the leader in monitoring
access.
Director connects dozens or hundreds of critical high-volume data links to a sub-station
of monitoring tools, enabling you to send just the traffic of interest from any links to any tools
you choose, with remote, dynamic control.
Indigo Pro is a family of network management appliances that includes Indigo Collector Pro
and Indigo Manager Pro. These 1U 19" rack-mount appliances provide simple, effective
solutions for monitoring and managing large numbers of all types of Net Optics devices
through a single pane of glass (a single management console). It is an advanced management
solution providing element management, dashboard, rich graphics, and collection and
visualization of traffic statistics that are emitted from Net Optics devices throughout
the network. Indigo Pro works hand-in-hand with your other network management systems to
expand overall network intelligence while greatly improving IT operational efficiency.
Indigo Pro is a family of network management appliances that includes Indigo Collector Pro
and Indigo Manager Pro. These 1U 19" rack-mount appliances provide simple, effective
solutions for monitoring and managing large numbers of all types of Net Optics devices
through a single pane of glass (a single management console). It is an advanced management
solution providing element management, dashboard, rich graphics, and collection and
visualization of traffic statistics that are emitted from Net Optics devices throughout
the network. Indigo Pro works hand-in-hand with your other network management systems to
expand overall network intelligence while greatly improving IT operational efficiency.
+49 6103 906-767