Network TAPs

Whether you are an IT professional seeking to enhance your knowledge of network security and performance monitoring or simply a curious reader, understanding network taps can be valuable. So let’s delve into the world of network taps!

A network tap is a device that copies the data flowing through a network link and sends it to an external monitoring or analysis device. This allows for real-time analysis of network traffic without interrupting the flow of data. Network taps are essential tools for network monitoring, troubleshooting, and security. If you’re interested in learning more, check out our article titled, “Network Tap Device – What is it and Why YOU Need It“.

Wireshark is a powerful network analysis tool that can capture and analyze network traffic in real-time. By using a network tap such as Dualcomm’s ETAP-2003, to copy the data, Wireshark can analyze and interpret the traffic to help you identify any performance issues or security threats. Wireshark is a popular tool among network administrators and security professionals, as it provides detailed insights into network traffic that can be used to optimize network performance and enhance security. It’s important to note that Wireshark cannot listen to network traffic without a tap. Without a network tap, Wireshark can only capture traffic on the computer it is installed on. It cannot see traffic that is sent or received by other devices on the network. Therefore, network taps are essential tools for capturing and analyzing network traffic.

Using a network tap is straightforward – simply connect the network tap to the network link you want to monitor and connect the monitoring device to the tap. The TAP will then copy the data and send it to the monitoring device for analysis. Network taps are designed to be passive, meaning they do not interfere with the flow of data. This makes them ideal for real-time monitoring and analysis.

Typically, network taps are standalone devices that have multiple ports for connecting to the network link and monitoring devices. They may also come with additional features such as filtering or aggregation. Available in various sizes and configurations, network taps can adapt to a wide range of network environments, making them an ideal solution for network monitoring and security.

Take a look through this section and please note that we support these products locally so you don’t have to worry about having to go overseas for any technical support questions.