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Network TAPs

Observe and monitor high-speed optical networks with zero performance impact.

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What is a Network TAP?

Network TAPs (Test Access Points) are devices used in network monitoring and troubleshooting. They create a passive access point in the network, allowing the capture of data packets without affecting the network's performance.

100% passive. Zero impact on throughput, latency, or network availability.
TAPstack

How Network TAPs Work

Insertion

TAPs are inserted between two network devices, typically in a line, for example between a router and a switch.

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Copying Traffic

TAPs copy the data passing through hardware and send it to a monitoring device for analysis or for security purposes.

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Pass-Through Mode

TAPs allow data flow with minimal delay, ensuring the network continues to operate without affecting performance.

Benefits of Network TAPs

Why organizations choose hardware TAPs over software SPAN ports for mission-critical monitoring.

Transparency

TAPs never alter in-flight packets. Every bit that enters exits unchanged — no rewriting, no buffering, no timing distortion.

100% Passive

Reliability

SPAN ports silently drop packets the moment a switch hits capacity. TAPs operate independently of switch load — full fidelity, always.

Zero Drops

Security

Passive copies are air-gapped from the live path. Monitoring tools receive traffic without any route back into production — ideal for lawful intercept and forensic workflows.

Air-Gapped

Hardware TAP vs SPAN Port

The case for purpose-built monitoring hardware over software-based port mirroring.

SPAN Port
  • Drops packets under high load
  • Consumes switch CPU resources
  • Misses errored frames entirely
  • Limited to one destination per session
  • No failsafe — config change brings it down
  • Alters timestamps and frame ordering
Hardware TAP
  • Zero packet loss at any load
  • Fully passive — no CPU impact
  • Captures all frames including errored
  • Multiple monitor ports simultaneously
  • Fail-safe pass-through by design
  • Preserves exact timing and ordering

Types of Network TAPs

Discover the different types of Network TAPs for your infrastructure needs.

Optical SLIM TAPs

SLIM Series

Cost-effective, high-density fiber TAPs in a compact 1RU footprint. Supports 1G to 800G with BIDI options.

  • 100% passive, fault-tolerant
  • Up to 24 TAPs per 1RU
  • LC duplex and MTP options
  • Multiple split ratios available

MODULAR Series

Flexible framework for distributed networks. Mix LC and MTP modules within a single 1RU chassis.

  • Supports 10G to 800G
  • Up to 20 modules per chassis
  • Mix SMF/MMF in one enclosure
  • Fully passive and maintenance-free
Intelligent Copper TAP

Intelligent Copper

Designed for copper Ethernet monitoring with intelligent bypass technology ensuring link continuity.

  • 10/100/1000 Mbps support
  • Automatic fail-safe bypass
  • Link-state monitoring
  • Full duplex capture
High-Density Copper TAP

High-Density Copper

Powerful copper visibility hub with 8 TAP interfaces and intelligent fail-safe functionality.

  • 8 × 10/100/1000 Ethernet TAPs
  • Link-Reflect and SafeSwitch
  • Automatic link aggregation
  • Ideal for NOC/SOC clusters
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Compare Our TAPs

Choose the right TAP based on key features and requirements.

Feature SLIM Optical SLIM Optical Modular Optical Intelligent Copper Intelligent Copper High-Density Copper High-Density Copper
Type Passive Optical TAP Modular Optical Platform Active Copper TAP 8-Port Active Copper TAP
Media LC, MTP, BIDI LC LC / MTP modules RJ45 RJ45
Speed Range 1G - 800G + BIDI 40G/100G 10G - 800G 10/100/1000 10/100/1000
Density Up to 24 TAPs / 1RU Up to 20 modules / 1RU 1 TAP 8 TAPs
Split Ratios Device dependent Module dependent N/A N/A
Requires Power
Key Advantage Simple, passive, high-density with BIDI support Maximum flexibility and scalability Fail-safe inline copper visibility High-density copper aggregation

Use Cases

Network Performance
Monitoring

Network Performance Monitoring

Helps in pinpointing and analyzing performance issues and bottlenecks, enabling targeted optimizations for improved system efficiency.

Security Analysis
Security

Security Analysis

Enhances the capability to detect and thwart malicious activities by offering an unaltered and comprehensive view of network traffic.

Compliance
Compliance

Compliance Auditing

Secures precise data capture processes to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, maintaining accuracy and integrity.

Complement Your Network TAPs with PacketMaestro

PacketMaestro is designed to seamlessly complement your network taps, providing an advanced layer of traffic management and visibility. It aggregates, filters, and distributes network traffic to the appropriate monitoring and security tools — ensuring no data goes unnoticed.

Learn More →
PacketMaestro