Fiber TAPs
The GigaVUE‑HC2 node provides Internal TAP (Tapping Access Point) capabilities to passively copy optical traffic flowing between two external sources (typically switches, routers, and servers).
The fiber modules contains 24 fiber ports set up in pairs to allow bidirectional traffic to continue to flow between the original sources and destinations. Since there are 12 sets of port pairs, the modules provide for 12 TAPs. An internal optical splitter passively copies the traffic to the backplane at line speeds. Even in the event of a power loss in the chassis, traffic will continue to pass between the original and destination.
Unlike an external TAP, an internal TAP has no external ports for the copied traffic; rather the traffic goes directly to the backplane of the unit. This maximizes TAP density. This also prevents unauthorized users from attaching a local packet capture device to capture and see the packets without permission. Thus, only users properly logged into the system gain access to sensitive information.
The GigaVUE‑HC2 supports three fiber TAPs. TAPs can operate at 10Gb speed or 1Gb. This can be customized using the commands in How to Set Port Speeds. Refer to the following:
