HYBRID TAP AND PACKET BROKERS
Streamline Network Management
Everything you need to monitor, filter, aggregate, and balance network traffic - in one powerful package.

Supplying Adaptable Hybrid TAP and Packet Brokers to
Take the Work Out of Networking
- 100% Visibility
- Spot every threat and address every vulnerability to secure your network.

- 24/7 Availability
- Filter, aggregate, and balance traffic to keep your network at peak performance.

- Zero Latency
- Monitor network traffic in real time – without introducing lag.
- 365 Support
- Get the support you need, when you need it – from general enquiries to technical assistance.
All Your Network Monitoring, All in One Place
Strike the perfect balance between network visibility, performance, and security. Modular by design, our hybrid TAP and packet brokers combine advanced monitoring and packet filtering to give you an uninterrupted view of your network.
- Built for Speed
- Capture 100% of network traffic with scalable hardware designed to support high-speed networks of up to 40Gbps.
- Fully Customizable
- Adapt to your network requirements with interchangeable, hot-swappable TAP modules – including fail-safe copper.
- Advanced Functionality
- Stay in control of your network with advanced features, including traffic aggregation, load balancing, and port mapping.
- Compact Design
- Connect the tools you want quickly and easily with multiple integration points built around a compact, 1-2RU chassis.
- Designed to Integrate
- Integrate effortlessly with existing network security tools, including protocol analyzers, probes, and intrusion detection systems.
- Easy to Install
- Deploy your hybrid TAP and packet broker when and where you need it – from server rooms and data centers to remote offices and manufacturing plants.
SmartNATM
Monitor traffic, protect sensitive data, and optimize performance. SmartNATM offers the unbeatable transparency of network TAPs with the advanced traffic management capabilities of packet brokers to give you complete control of your network.
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Hot-swappable TAP modules
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Powerful 1Gbps chassis backplane
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Compatible with major network monitoring and security tools


SmartNA-XLTM
Effortlessly monitor multi-site networks from a single, centralized location. Our SmartNA-XLTM series integrates with a range of passive, active, and bypass TAP modules, allowing you to connect network monitoring and security tools safely while maintaining optimal performance.
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Supports network speeds of up to 40Gbps
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Advanced packet manipulation with PacketProTM
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Zero latency, zero points of failure
What Our Customers Say
“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.”

US Government
Data Management Systems Analyst
“Network tools like the Network Critical SmartNA-XL enables the State to maintain the quality of service (QoS) and quality of experience (QoE) of our unified communications (UC) network.”

State of Maryland
UC Platform Manager
"With Network Critical Zero Trust Security Solution, we’re able to protect our sensitive data as well as our patients’ private information."
Hospital Organization
Chief Information Officer (CIO)
"Network Critical’s solutions compliment HSBC’s environment perfectly - combining the zero latency with modular functionality and features to maximise their network performance reporting. This resulted in HSBC being able to continue to provide to their customers with first class service while ensuring security and efficiency."
HSBC
Senior Technical Consultant
Proud to Partner With
Find a Hybrid TAP and Packet Broker that Works for You
Product
SmartNA
SmartNA-XL
SmartNA
SmartNA-XL
Height in Rack Units (RU)
1-2RU
1RU
Width
19”
19”
AC Redundant Power Supply (Hot Swappable)
DC Redundant Power Supply (Hot Swappable)
Hot Swappable Cooling Fans
SmartNA
SmartNA-XL
Maximum Visibility (Bi-directional)
1,700Mbps
480Gbps
SmartNA
SmartNA-XL
Physical Interfaces
17
2 x QSFP / 20 x SFP+
(Numbers show maximum physical interface, but these cannot be used all together at once.)
Max. Number of 1GB Ports
17
20
Max. Number of 10GB Ports
20
Max. Number of 40GB Ports
2
SmartNA
SmartNA-XL
10/100/1000BASE-T Copper Port
1Gb SFP Port
10Gb SFP+ Port
25Gb SFP28 Port
40Gb QSFP+ Port
10/100/1000BASE-T Copper TAP
1Gb/10Gb Fiber TAP
SmartNA
SmartNA-XL
1G Optical
1G Bypass Copper
1G Bypass Optical
10G Bypass Optical (This is with the 10G V-Line Module)
SmartNA
SmartNA-XL
10/100/1000BASE-T CopperPhysical Bypass Protection
1Gb Fiber Active BypassProtection
10Gb Fiber Active BypassProtection (Also available in 40G and 100G)
User Defined Bit-level Filtering
Traffic Aggregation
Traffic Distribution
FCC/CE Certified
SmartNA
SmartNA-XL
Layer 2-4 Packet Filtering
Application Session Filtering
Persistent Load Balancing
Static Load Balancing
Header Stripping
Tunneling/De-Tunneling
Packet Slicing
Payload Masking
Source Port Labeling
SmartNA
SmartNA-XL
RESTful API
Role Based User Accounts
Multiple Levels of User Account
SNMP Traps
Event Monitoring and Alarm
Generation
Link Status Trap
Traffic Statistic/Counter in Each Port
WebUI (HTML5) for System Access
CLI Configuration and Management
GUI Configuration and Management
SNMP v2c & 3 Support
Authentication & Authorisation TACACS+
FAQs
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A hybrid test access point (TAP) and packet broker combines the functionality of both solutions in one convenient package. They provide non-intrusive monitoring of network traffic by copying data for analysis while the original traffic flows unimpeded.
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Hybrid solutions overcome the limitations of traditional test access points in complex network environments. By optimizing tool utilization, they simplify network traffic management while improving visibility and security.
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Hybrid TAP and packet brokers provide granular access to network traffic, enabling comprehensive monitoring and analysis.
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Hybrid solutions consolidate multiple network monitoring functions into a single device, reducing complexity and cabling requirements.
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Hybrid TAP and packet brokers optimize tool utilization, reducing the need for additional hardware and simplifying network management.
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While hybrid solutions are flexible, they’re particularly suited to complex network environments with high traffic volumes and diverse monitoring requirements.
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Installation and configuration processes vary depending on the model and network environment. Consult your manufacturer's documentation for detailed instructions.
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The main points of differentiation include advanced filtering, aggregation, regeneration, and port mirroring. Benefits include:
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Improved network visibility
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Reduced network congestion
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Simplified network architecture
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Enhanced tool flexibility
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Cost savings
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This depends on your needs. However, we recommend using solutions that offer:
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Advanced filtering and aggregation
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Port mirroring
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Packet manipulation
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Regeneration
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Support for various network speeds and protocols
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Yes. By filtering and aggregating traffic before sending it to monitoring tools, hybrid solutions reduce the load on your network.
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Hybrid solutions a range of output options and packet manipulation capabilities, ensuring your network monitoring tools receive the traffic they need in the format they require.
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Hybrid solutions provide dependable IT and OT network monitoring for:
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Security analysis
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Compliance monitoring
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Troubleshooting
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Consider these key factors before investing in a hybrid TAP and packet broker to find the best solution for your needs:
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Network speed
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Traffic volume
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Monitoring tool requirements
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Budget
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Most vendors offer technical support and training resources to assist with deployment and troubleshooting. However, the best vendors provide year-round support to keep your system in top condition.