A Network TAP device is a hardware device that is used to physically connect to a network allowing you to see every packet of data flowing into and out of your network. (“TAP” is an acronym for “Traffic Access Point” or “Test Access Point”.) It is typically used by network administrators to troubleshoot network problems, and by security professionals to monitor network traffic for signs of malicious activity.
Network TAPs work by connecting to the network at a point where the physical cable runs from one networking device to another. This connection point is typically between a switch and a router, or between a router and a computer. That means that a TAP is placed inline between network devices. Once the TAP is connected to the network, it will copy all of the traffic that passes through it and send it to a monitoring device. This monitoring device can be a computer running software that captures and analyzes the traffic. A major advantage of TAP over SPAN is that you don't need to reconfigure Ethernet switches in a network, avoiding the risk of incorrect configurations.
Network TAPs are usually transparent to the users on the network. This means that users will not notice any difference in performance when a TAP is in place. However, it is important to note that most TAPs can introduce a small amount of latency into the network. In some real-time industrial networks, TAPs that introduce zero or very low latency must be used.
Why do you need a Network TAP Device?
If you are responsible for managing a network, it is important to be able to monitor traffic in order to troubleshoot problems and ensure that the network is running smoothly. Network TAPs can be used to monitor traffic at specific points in the network, which can be helpful for identifying issues.
In addition, TAPS can be used to monitor network traffic for signs of malicious activity. By monitoring traffic, security professionals can look for patterns that may indicate an attempted attack. This can help to prevent attacks before they cause damage to the network.
Network TAPs are an essential tool for network administrators and security professionals. By connecting physically to the network, you can gain complete visibility into your network, which can be helpful for improving network performances, troubleshooting connectivity issues, and detecting security threats. Interestingly, a Network Tap cannot be hacked. The Network TAP has No IP address, No MAC address and is invisible to the network.
So now where do you TAP your network?
TAPing every link in your network might seem like a good idea, however this could get quite expensive and its just not a possibility for many companies. If you use Network TAP in the physical layer, or also referred to as access layer, then out-of-band monitoring tools such as Wireshark and network analyzers, will be able to see 100% of the traffic flowing through the network. It is advantageous to place TAPs throughout the physical layer so that you can compare traffic to the baseline not only to spot suspicious activity, but also to ensure your monitoring tools are set up correctly.
You can also place a Network Tap device at the edge of the network. There are a large number of inline security tools, such as firewalls, data leakage prevention and intrusion prevention systems to name a few, that operate here; thus, it makes sense to ensure that each tool has the necessary traffic to do its job, which is to protect your network.
And finally, it makes sense that network TAPs also play a crucial role within the data center through the use of a modular network TAP chassis operated by purpose-built packet brokers. This solution allows you to use multiple links and then filter, aggregate and distribute to multiple monitoring/analysis tools to ensure no packets are dropped.
Choosing the correct network TAP device and implementing the right strategy will ensure you have the visibility you need to ensure your monitoring and security tools are working as the should. If you require assistance in selecting the right Network TAP for your security and monitoring needs, click here. If you need help implementing a strategy or have any questions, get in touch with us here.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- What type of monitoring uses a network TAP?
Network TAPs are commonly used for passive monitoring. They provide a way to tap into the network traffic flowing through a specific link or port, allowing network admins or security professionals to monitor the data without interrupting or altering its flow. Passive monitoring is crucial for tasks like network analysis, security monitoring, and performance optimization. - Where do you put a network TAP?
A network TAP is typically placed between network devices, such as switches, routers, or firewalls. It sits inline with the network connection, receiving a copy of the traffic passing through that link. By inserting a TAP in this strategic location, you can access and monitor the network traffic without interfering with the normal operations of the devices connected to it. - What are the advantages of network TAP?
Network TAPs offer several advantages over alternative monitoring methods.- They provide complete visibility into network traffic, capturing both incoming and outgoing data without relying on device-specific monitoring features.
- TAPs operate in a passive manner, ensuring no disruption or degradation of network performance.
- TAPs being hardware-based, makes them more reliable than software-based monitoring solutions.
- TAPs offer is greater flexibility, as they can be used with any network equipment, regardless of vendor or protocol.
You can also view its disadvantages here.
- Is a network TAP active or passive?
A network TAP is a passive monitoring device. Unlike active monitoring methods that can modify or manipulate network traffic, a TAP simply copies the traffic passing through it, allowing you to monitor it in real time or record it for later analysis. This passive nature ensures that the TAP has no impact on the network's performance or behavior. - Does a network TAP alter the data flow?
No, a network TAP device does not alter the data flow. It operates transparently, ensuring that the network traffic continues to flow undisturbed. The TAP makes an exact copy of the packets passing through it, forwarding one copy to the intended destination while sending another copy to the monitoring tool or device. This non-intrusive approach allows for accurate monitoring and analysis without introducing any changes or disruptions to the original data flow.