Network Taps

A network TAP (Test Access Point) is a hardware device that creates a copy of network traffic for monitoring and analysis purposes. TAPS are installed in a live network link to provide a copy of the traffic, typically to a Network Packet Broker, which optimizes it before feeding it to network security and performance solutions.

There are 2 different TAP Solutions

	Optical Taps are passive devices that sit on fiber links to provide a perfect copy of the full-duplex traffic running on the links without impacting the network. Supports up to 400 GB.
	Electrical (Copper) Taps allow the uninterrupted passage of full duplex data over standard Category 5/6 copper network cable. They do not influence the live traffic even if the TAP is not powered