10/100/1000 Copper Aggregator Tap, 256 MB Buffer

Aggregate traffic into a single stream for examination by one or two analysis or security devices.

Copies both sides of a full-duplex 10-, 100-, or 1000-Mbps copper link.

Sends the copied data to its two simplex ports where it buffers the data for output to two analysis devices!

Buffers data during short spikes of high usage, caching packets until the analyzer is ready to receive.

Enables you to tap into a high-speed copper network with no disruption or downtime.

Second simplex port can be used for attaching a logging device.

Helps prevent a monitoring device from being fed incomplete network information and creating false alarms.

Autonegotiates speed to transfer data at rates of 10, 100, and 1000 Mbps.

Operates transparently and can be left in place permanently.

Doesn’t block error packets.

Connect and disconnect monitoring devices without network disruption.

Provides continuous network data flow if the power fails.

Mount three taps in an optional Rackmount Bracket (TS253).

Accurately monitoring network activity often means using more than one analysis device, as well as ensuring that data isn’t lost before analysis.

The BLACK BOX® 10/100/1000 Copper Aggregator Tap gives you the means to that end. As a network tap, it gives you easy access to the data streams passing on a full-duplex link. But because it also works as an “aggregator,” it copies both sides of the link into a single data stream and distributes the copied data to its dual simplex ports. You can then attach up to two analysis devices for further examination.

Even better, the aggregator tap features a 256-MB buffer (512-MB and 1-GB buffers also available), which enables it to store a large amount of data before sending it for analysis. So if there’s a spike in usage on your network, there’s a much smaller chance of data getting lost before it can be examined in its entirely. If the network traffic entering the tap exceeds the capacity of the analyzer’s capturing cards, the buffer goes to work, capturing as much traffic as possible and releasing it only when the analyzer’s capacity to receive returns.

Typically, you install the 10/100/1000 Copper Aggregator Tap between a switch and a DTE. From there, it replicates the full-duplex signal from the network, sending one signal back to the network and the other signal to one or two monitoring devices.

These devices can be network and protocol analyzers, data logging equipment, security monitoring devices, RMON probes, or similar instruments. What’s more, the devices don’t have to be equipped with specialized dual-receive capture interfaces—they can have a standard (single-receive) capture interface, like that of a laptop or network card.

The 10/100/1000 Copper Aggregator Tap operates passively and works regardless of traffic levels. Once you install the tap, you can leave it in permanently without interfering with network operation or introducing a point of failure. You can even connect and disconnect different monitoring devices without interrupting the network.

With the tap installed on your 10-, 100-, or 1000-Mbps links, you’re assured of continuous data flow, even if power to the tap itself fails. It also works well with redundant-enabled devices. If the link on one side of the 10/100/1000 Copper Aggregator Tap fails, it’ll allow the corresponding device to switch over to a redundant path—great for networks that can’t afford any downtime!

The 10/100/1000 Copper Aggregator Tap works with today’s leading security tools, so it helps you quickly isolate vulnerable points in your network. And because it isn’t addressable, the tap can’t be the target of a hacker or virus attack.

If you want to deploy more than one tap between links in, say, a wiring closet, order the optional Rackmount Bracket (TS253) (sold separately). It holds up to three taps and mounts in a single 1U rack panel.