Corning Tap Modules

Network Monitoring with Tap Modules FAQs

Read more about Tap Modules by clicking on the questions below.

• What is network monitoring?

  Network monitoring is the use of a system that constantly monitors a network for performance, usage, failing components, and outside threats and notifies the administrator in case of potential issues.

• Why network monitoring?

  Network monitoring is essential to ensuring the success of your network system. It can automatically detect and respond to threats and performance issues.

• What is being monitored?
  • Profits – to avoid losses caused by system failures
  • Security threats
  • Performance issues
  • Network usage (overload)
  • Optimization (e.g., bottlenecks)
  • Troubleshooting
  • Regulations compliance (e.g., SEC, HIPAA)
• How to extract network data?

  Network layer data must first be extracted in order to apply the analysis tools. There are two commonly used methods to extract the network data so it can be analyzed:

  • SPAN ports, switch port for analysis (active) – SPAN (port mirroring) was created to replicate packets of a single port (or VLAN) for monitoring.
  • TAP (traffic access point) ports – TAP modules use passive splitting to transmit in-line traffic to an attached monitoring device without data stream interference.
• What is passive monitoring?

  Passive monitoring is a method of network monitoring that involves observing network traffic without actively interfering with it. It gathers data on network performance, usage, and potential issues without disrupting the network's normal operations.

• What is the difference between active vs passive monitoring?

  Active monitoring involves actively sending test traffic or queries to the network to assess its performance and identify issues. Passive monitoring, on the other hand, involves observing existing network traffic without introducing additional traffic.

• What are the pros of passive monitoring?

  Pros of passive monitoring include non-intrusiveness, as it doesn't introduce additional traffic, and the ability to analyze real-world network behavior.

• What are use cases for passive monitoring?

  Passive monitoring is useful for collecting historical network data, analyzing long-term trends, and identifying potential security threats or performance issues without affecting network operations.

• What is a passive network tap?

  A passive network tap is a device used to access and monitor network traffic without introducing disruptions. It operates by splitting a portion of network traffic for analysis while allowing the original traffic to continue its course.

• What is the difference between active vs passive taps?

  An active tap replicates and sends network traffic to monitoring tools, potentially introducing additional traffic and affecting network performance. A passive tap, like Corning's Tap Modules, collects and forwards network traffic for analysis without sending any additional traffic.

• How do taps work?

  Taps work by capturing and redirecting a copy of network traffic for analysis purposes. Passive taps, like optical taps, do this without interfering with the original traffic flow.

• What is an optical tap?

  An optical tap is a type of passive network tap that uses optical fibers to capture and split network traffic for analysis. It enables non-intrusive monitoring and analysis of optical network traffic.

• How does an optical tap work?

  An optical tap works by splitting a portion of the optical signal to send it to monitoring devices for analysis. It does this without affecting the main optical transmission, allowing for detailed monitoring of network traffic without disrupting operations.