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Understanding Network TAP/Network TAP Devices
A network TAP (test access point; sometimes also called an "ethernet TAP") is an external monitoring device that mirrors the traffic that is passing between network nodes. A network TAP can be a hardware device or virtual (G-vTAP agentless G-vTAP VM) inserted at a strategic point in the network or public and private cloud to monitor specific data. Because they are more effective, efficient and reliable, network TAPs are generally preferred over switch port analyzers (SPANs).
As part of the Gigamon Visibility and Analytics Fabric™, network TAP technology provides access to the traffic required to secure, monitor and manage your network infrastructure continuously and efficiently. Network TAPs are the first step in the process to provide pervasive visibility across the physical, virtual and cloud infrastructure.
Instead of two switches or routers connecting directly to each other, a network TAP sits between the two endpoint devices connected directly to each of them. Then traffic is seen and copied, providing visibility into the networked traffic. Network TAPs capture data and forward it to the Gigamon Visibility and Analytics Fabric (physical nodes) or V Series (virtual nodes) for aggregation, filtering and application of traffic intelligence before distributing the data to the network and security tools.
Passive fiber optical TAPs create perfect copies of all traffic at full bandwidth. They require no power or management and do not actively interact with other components of the network. Gigamon offers several passive optical TAP solutions:
- High-density network TAPs: G-TAP® M Series
- Embedded bypass network TAPs: GigaVUE-HC2
- Network TAPs for Cisco BiDi links: G-TAP BiDi
- Economical network TAPs: G-TAP G Series
Active TAPs are used in networks where copper cabling or optical budgets do not allow for passive TAPs. In the event of a power failure, active TAPs have battery backup to keep them running and will send an alert to indicate the failure. A type of active TAP called a bypass TAP also has a relay that closes when it loses power, maintaining the network connection and minimizing traffic disruption. Gigamon active network TAP solutions include:
- Active network TAPs: G-TAP A Series
- Embedded tapping for 1Gb Copper: GigaVUE-HC1, GigaVUE-HC2
- Embedded bypass TAPs: GigaVUE-HC2
For traffic acquisition, light weight G-vTAPs are deployed within AWS, Microsoft Azure or OpenStack instances that mirror traffic via IPSec to GigaVUE® V Series nodes.
Key benefits include:·
- Single, light weight instance minimizes impact on Gigamon nodes
- Reduces application downtime — there is no need to redesign applications when adding new tools
- Agents filter traffic of interest prior to sending it via IPSec to the GigaVUE V Series nodes to reduce data-egress and application costs
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Learn more about our public and private cloud solutions.
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“My highest priority was finding a solution that allowed us to watch more than the ocean of data passing at the network border, that allowed us to sharpen our focus on the data we care about most. Now, we feel more comfortable that we’re not missing traffic and are better able to highlight and inspect traffic of interest to reduce false positives and optimize inline security tool performance.”
John Hoyt • Security Information and Operations Director • Clemson University
Related Pages
NETWORK VISIBILITY
Visibility and Analytics Fabric
Deliver a smarter, more proactive approach to monitoring and security.
TRAFFIC INTELLIGENCE
GigaSMART®
Optimize traffic sent to your tools.
MANAGEMENT
GigaVUE-FM
Single pane-of-glass orchestration and management.
TAPS AND AGGREGATORS
Traffic Aggregators
Aggregate low-utilization network links.
COMPANY
PRODUCTS & SOLUTIONS
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