WHAT IS A NETWORK TAP?
A Network TAP (short for Test Access Point) is a small hardware device that essentially allows you to efficiently copy, mirror, or sniff the network traffic on a link passively and unnoticeably. Primarily used for gaining the Network Visibility for security monitoring, performance analysis, and troubleshooting purposes, it operates seamlessly without impacting the network performance itself. It creates an “observation or visibility point” on a network segment, ensuring comprehensive monitoring. Similarly, for virtual and cloud environments, a software-based Virtual TAP (vTAP) effectively performs the same functions, providing consistent visibility across diverse infrastructures. Ultimately, these tools are crucial for maintaining network integrity and performance. Network Traffic TAPs are increasingly becoming the preferred option for organizations seeking robust and scalable network monitoring solutions. They not only provide a much better performance, but also a much more secure, and much longer-lasting mechanism for network visibility. Businesses can benefit from enhanced data accuracy and reduced network downtime, which ultimately leads to improved operational efficiency.
WIRE-LEVEL NETWORK VISIBILITY WITH NETWORK TRAFFIC TAPS
Real-Time Network Data-in-Motion and Network Intelligence Access
01.
Full Network Transparency
- Up to 400G performance
- 100% network data
- No impairment to data
- In-line bypass version
- Cloud or SDDC version
02.
Flexibility with Versatility
- Portable or modular
- Plug-n-play
- PoE+ support
- Various split ratios
- Failure protection on power loss
03.
Zero Trust Security
- Invisible to attackers
- No network access via monitoring port
- Hardened and secure
- Encrypted firmware
- Security seals
Scalable Network Visibility with Tapping
The first step to building a long-lasting, secure, and scalable Network Visibility practice is to carefully select the strategic points in your network and then deploy NEOX Network TAPs there (vs. SPAN). By eliminating packet loss, NEOX Network TAPs support more effective troubleshooting, performance analysis, and security monitoring. As the frames pass through the TAP, it mirrors every frame in the Transmit (Tx) and Receive (Rx) directions separately, with negligible latency, and forwards those out of the dedicated ports toward the network monitoring tools for Full-Duplex Network Visibility. By doing so, you effectively establish a solid foundation for comprehensive Network Monitoring for the long term. Moreover, this approach ensures your network remains secure, efficient, and ready to scale as your needs grow. You immediately start seeing an exact carbon copy of the network traffic going through that fiber, copper wire, or virtual link. As a result, it reveals all network activity for monitoring and analysis by the tools or for forwarding to the Security teams. NEOX Network TAPs significantly improve the effectiveness of network analysis and troubleshooting. Consequently, organizations can maintain optimal application and user experiences, network performance, and security with greater confidence.
Provisioning a Secure and Discrete Way of Monitoring
NEOX Network TAPs are not only secure and undetectable devices, but they can also be passive and require no power or cooling. They are significantly safer as compared to a SPAN port, which not only opens up all kinds of security vulnerabilities but also causes performance interference, making it never a permanent or scalable solution.
NEOX Network TAPs have no MAC or IP address but act simply as a bump in the wire that is not externally visible to anyone, which means it cannot be hacked. Special screws and security seals protect against physical access and tempering. Additionally, air gap and reverse path isolation further ensure foolproof security (such as in OT environments), making it one of the most secure solutions for network monitoring. As a result, organizations can achieve unparalleled protection against cyber threats. Moreover, these inherent security features eliminate the risk of unauthorized access, while maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of network data. Furthermore, by combining these advanced security measures, NEOX Network TAPs provide a robust defense mechanism that aligns with modern zero-trust principles.
Flexibility and Versatility for Multiple Environments
There are a few things to consider when selecting a Network TAP, depending on where you would like to deploy it. For instance, there are NEOX Portable Network TAPs for remote sites, outdoor locations, and field applications, whileNEOX Modular Network TAPs are more suitable for fixed rack-mounted locations such as a data center, mobile cell site, HFT/HPC clusters, or IDF/MDF room. Additionally, it’s important to consider the power and cooling requirements, as you may need to choose between a Passive Network TAP (no power supply or fan) or an Active Network TAP. Specifically, the former is available for “tapping” fiber optics links, whereas the latter is designed for fiber or copper links. Furthermore, you also have the option to select more “hardened” and “extra-secure” models for harsher and more exposed locations and industrial and military applications. Lastly, there are Virtual TAPs for VM-based virtual or container-based cloud deployments, which allow you to mirror and observe the network traffic within or across your VPCs.
YOU CAN’T CONTROL WHAT YOU CAN’T SEE
Network Packet Data Never Lies. Get the Bottomline Truth
FEATURED CONTENT
Creating Solutions for Your Success
Infographic
Why You Need a Network Tap
Product Brochure
A Complete Guide to Products
Case Study
Securing Transport Networks
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