NETSCOUT TAP

The NetScout TAP family provides network monitoring devices with full and reliable access to network traffi c. With the versatility of offering multiple options for link types and speeds, the NetScout TAPs can be placed on diverse service provider network links to support always-on, end-to-end service monitoring.

A NetScout TAP provides transparent access to network traffi c. The TAP is invisible
to devices on both ends of the link causing no disruption to data fl ows or protocol
transactions - down to the lowest link level control protocols.

The NetScout TAPs provide monitoring devices with an exact view of all packets on the monitored link, thereby enabling accurate packet analysis and capture. Compared to the use of a network device's traffi c mirroring capabilities, a NetScout TAP avoids any potential limitations in the device's architecture that might cause packet header loss/alteration, or packet loss under heavy load.

Finally, the NetScout TAPs provide the most accurate view of application transaction times since they avoid any added latency or latency variation that might be introduced by a network device's mirroring process. This improves the accuracy of performance evaluation and modeling.

Conserves Switch and Router Ports NetScout
TAPs allow the systems architect to keep network device ports to actual service usage, thereby extending the longevity of network devices at a given location, and simplifying capacity planning for future growth.

Deployment Flexibility
NetScout TAPs offer multiple form factors, monitored link densities, and media support for optimal versatility. In addition, the small form factor TAPs, namely the 1-/4-link fi ber and 1-link copper, can be deployed in densities from one TAP up to 3 TAPs in a single rack unit - using the rackmount adapter kit.

Resilience to Power Failure
NetScout fiber optic TAPs require no power, and hence, are unaffected by power outages. The NetScout copper TAPs are powered by redundant power supplies with non-disruptive, automatic failover in case of power loss or power supply failure. In case of total power loss, the copper TAPs feature rapid failover to passive, pass-through mode in order to minimize disruption to the monitored link. For maximizing availability, system architects can also utilize copper TAPs with built-in battery backup, which maintains active operation and avoids disruptions to the monitored link until TAP power is restored.

Sample Deployment Scenarios
In a service provider network, the flexibility of the NetScout TAPs enables monitoring system architects to gain access to packet- fl ows on both copper and fi ber spans, up to 40 Gbps, from access to core and into the service provider data center. The high- density TAPs can be ideally utilized for providing access to network fl ows in high concentration locations like aggregation points or core sites. With compact form factors and the ability to incrementally add monitored links over time, the system architect can seamlessly scale the packet- fl ow access solution while conserving valuable rack space. This is vital for optimizing the usage of vertical real estate at a service provider site as well as reducing costs in colocation scenarios.