Understanding Network TAPs

TAPs (test access points), commonly known as Ethernet or Network TAPs, are stand-alone hardware devices that make an exact copy of all of the traffic that flows between two end-points in a network. They are usually favored because they are independent to the network, making them fully configurable. The copied traffic, from the TAP, is then able to undergo complex packet manipulation, as it is output to various network tools, such as security and performance tools. All this is completed while the live traffic continues to pass through the network, without disturbance.

Network TAPs are the base layer of Smart Network Access and can monitor various events on a local network. This means total visibility is maintained across all security and monitoring platforms of the network, which is vital for the performance of all networks.

nc_diagram_01-qfokiwfnj4n3n423ceznpmmo65n77j2czfv6qg1pk8

Network Critical’s SmartNA™ Network TAP range is unique to the market as each TAP has been built by us from the ground up. This means a more tailored device to suit your needs and makes for an ideal TAP for any purpose – be it monitoring, security, or performance. The SmartNA™ TAPs also aggregate, filter, slice, dice, mask, and strip, along with many other functions to help you get the information you need to ensure your network is performing at its best.

NC-Diagram-edit-2-qfokgsaq5jqvip4op02vlnuc1y2gw1o3oz0uv16n6a

See the range

“We base our deployment on NIST best practices. Using specialized tools to secure our infrastructure and maintain information privacy, our network remains in line with accepted standards. The Network Critical platform allows us to connect all the right tools while maintaining the highest level of reliability.”

– Data Management Systems Analyst

This US Government Agency needed to connect seven specific security and monitoring tools to network links. The security tools require real-time access and the monitoring tools require a copy of all traffic. They used two independent ethernet SmartNA-XL™ modular TAPs that successfully connected these seven tools to a single critical link.

SUCCESS STORY

Intelligent Hybrid TAPs

Network Critical’s hybrid TAPs provide high quality performance and flexibility needed to manage tools that protect network infrastructure, secure information and keep up with the ever-evolving threat landscape.

SmartNA™ Modular Hybrid Ethernet TAP System
SmartNA-XL™ Modular Hybrid Ethernet TAP System

DISCOVER

Active Ethernet TAPs

Bypass TAPs with heartbeat technology provide real-time network security without sacrificing network reliability or availability. Network Critical’s SmartNA-XL™ TAPs with 10/40G Bypass module provides the high-speed performance needed to connect security tools and protect network traffic in real-time.

Active Copper TAP modules for 10Mb~10/40Gb for SmartNA-XL™ System
Active Copper Bypass TAP modules for 10Mb~10/40Gb for SmartNA-XL™ System
Active Fiber Bypass TAP modules for 10Mb~10/40Gb for SmartNA-XL™ System

DISCOVER

Passive Fiber TAPs

These passive TAPs provide secure and simple access to the live traffic in your high speed production networks, without introducing latency or a point of failure. Installed into key links in your production network our passive optical LC and MPO TAPs pass all full-duplex traffic, including errors, to your monitoring network for unbeatable visibility. Network Critical offers several Passive TAP solutions including:

Passive Fiber TAPs for 10Mb~100Gb
Passive Fiber TAP modules for SmartNA-XL™ System
High Density – up to 36 taps in 1U
MTP® Elite Connectors Available
Front/Rear Cable Management

DISCOVER

Explore Our White Papers

Discover a wealth of knowledge tailored to network excellence in our White Paper Collection. Elevate your understanding of visibility, security, and performance through in-depth analyses, expert opinions, and strategic solutions to empower your business.

LEARN MORE

Network TAPs

Gain total intelligent access for 100% of your network's traffic