Corning Tap Modules

Tap Modules

Tap Modules

Why choose EDGE™ or EDGE8® Tap Modules for your network? EDGE and EDGE8 Tap Modules enable passive optical tapping of the network while reducing downtime and link loss, and increasing rack space utilization and density. Unlike other passive optical Tap solutions that must be added as separate layers in the network link, Corning Tap Modules allow network monitored ports to be added without disrupting the system’s live traffic. Insertion loss in the link is reduced by integrating the passive optical tapping into the module. Infrastructure flexibility, speed of deployment, and network uptime are just a few of the benefits offered by our advanced, integrated design.

Ensure the confidence of your optical signal transmission, with our Network Performance Whitepaper. Download today to explore the monitoring of 400Gb/s data rates, 100G BiDi performance and evaluation, and more!

EDGE™/EDGE8® Tap Modules Features & Benefits

 

Benefits of Passive Optical Tapping vs. Spanning
Benefit TAP SPAN
Passive TAPs are passive devices and don't require power or configuration. SPAN ports can cause network issues like bridging loops if spanning tree is not disabled on a SPAN port. Can occur during network refresh when SPAN ports are deployed as network ports.
All Access They make copies of all data in real-time with no traffic delay without burdening the live network. SPAN ports do not receive all data: for example, corrupt and improperly sized packets may not be received, in addition, SPAN data has the lowest priority.
Low-Cost TAPs are low-cost and a highly reliable way to provide data nonintrusively to network tools for multiple generations of optics. The cost of transceivers used for SPAN ports increases with every generation of optic, causing your monitoring cost to increase.
Density Since they are part of the structured cabling, TAPs allow you to retain use of ports on network switches. SPAN requires two ports on network switch when monitoring full-duplex communication between two devices (ingress and egress).
Security & Reliability TAPS are completely secure because they are not part of the network (can't be hacked). SPAN changes the timing (delays) of the frame/packet interaction and places an extra burden on the production network (replication of traffic).

Products

EDGE™ Tap Modules

EDGE™ Tap Modules

EDGE Tap Module for traditional LC duplex systems enables the customer to manage the monitoring access points via the patch cord infrastructure zone at the front of the cabinets.

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EDGE™ Solutions

EDGE™ Solutions

Proven Base-12 Solutions. Density, network uptime, speed, simplicity, and a clear migration path to meet future requirements... EDGE addresses it all.

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EDGE8® Tap Modules

EDGE8® Tap Modules

EDGE8 Tap Module provides significant data center space (and cost) savings by having the monitoring functionality contained within the module itself thereby eliminating the need for additional rack space.

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EDGE8® Solutions

EDGE8® Solutions

Future-ready Base-8 Solutions. Enjoy the future-forward Base-8 design, expanded portfolio of specialty modules for enhanced security and networking, all scaled off your current EDGE architecture.

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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.

What Tap Module is right for me?

What Tap Module is right for me?

Whether you're new to network monitoring, or looking to upgrade your system for optimum network performance and security, discover the 3 Reasons Fiber Taps are the Key to Network Security. Corning provides fast and easy assistance, contact us and we will help you find the right modules for your network.

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