TAP stands for Traffic Analysis Point, which is designed to provide real-time monitoring and reporting between two or more points within a fiber optic network.
TAP has two distinct types, active TAP and passive TAP. Passive TAP is a purely passive device which does not require power. It is much more common in enterprise data centers and is used for creating network visibility and enhancing network security. Thin film filter (TFF) technology has become a popular TAP manufacturing technology due to its reflected and transmitted light with low performance and high insertion loss.
The tap is positioned in the cabling system, which allows network traffic to flow from ports A to B, and B to A without interruption, but provides the exact duplicate of the signal on the network link to the monitoring port. There are two points. Firstly, it won’t cause any disruption to the normal network activity. It places no burden on the network, and don’t contribute to dropped packets. Secondly, it creates an exact copy of both sides of the traffic flow to the monitoring ports for data analysis. So the most accurate real-time monitoring and analysis of the network can be achieved by this TAP.
Different split ratios are generally available from 1% up to 50% distribution as needed for the particular installation circumstances. For a 70/30 TAP, you can split 30 is for monitoring port. The ratios are pre-determined and usually depends on the distance of network nodes and monitor ports. The important point is to find the split ratio at which both the primary passthrough link and the monitor link can both function reliably.
What’re the features of TAP?
1. Require no extra powering. When the power to the device is lost, it is impossible to be a point of failure in the network link.
2. It is an effective, and cost-efficient way for real-time network monitoring.
3. It passes all link traffic for monitoring. Even corrupt data will not be rejected, so users can see everything in real-time.
4. It won’t affect network operation. The monitoring is done without adding any disruptions to the network.
5. It is highly reliable and requires no maintenance.
When networks become larger and more complex, monitoring for performance and security is no longer optional, it becomes critical. TAP provides a simple and powerful way to monitor optical networks.
HYC Co.,Ltd（HYC）is a national Hi-tech optoelectronics company engaged in R&D, manufacture and marketing of fiber optical products. Providing professional product and service for fiber connectivity,WDM, PLC splitter and high density datacom cabling. HYC products and solutions widely applied in 4G/5G, Data Center and Cloud Computing industry etc.