NetOptics

Net Optics GigaBit Port Aggregator with SFP Monitor Ports provides ultra-efficient access to critical links. Typically, full-duplex monitoring with a network tap requires two NICs – one interface for each side of the tapped full-duplex connection. The GigaBit Port Aggregator combines and regenerates these streams, sending all aggregated data out two passive monitoring ports. The two small form factor pluggable (SFP) monitor ports give network managers greater flexibility when connecting monitoring devices to gigabit fiber networks.

Buffering Prevents Lost Data

The Gigabit Port Aggregator is designed to handle the combined traffic of a single full-duplex link. Normally, the traffic should be below the receiving capacity of the NIC, that is, less than 1 Gbps. When the traffic queue exceeds the capacity of the NIC, the Tap buffers the overflow up to 512 MB per side of the full-duplex connection (1 GB total). The buffers clear automatically when the traffic volume falls below the receiving capacity of the NIC. For example, if there is a traffic burst and a tap connected to a 1 Gbps network port on a monitoring device is now receiving 1.2 Gbps of traffic, the Tap buffers data until the burst is over. The Tap then sends the buffered data to the monitoring device until the buffer is cleared.

SFP Flexibility

Net Optics GigaBit Port Aggregator with SFP Monitor Ports provides connectivity to network links for monitoring devices with dissimilar interface cards. The SFP Monitor Ports allow the Port Aggregator to be field upgraded or reconfigured for increased flexibility. The GigaBit Port Aggregator with SFP Monitor Ports requires the purchase of one or two SFP conversion kits.

Simple to Deploy

Net Optics Gigabit Port Aggregator addresses the fact that many monitoring systems, including most software-based solutions, only offer a single channel NIC, limiting full-duplex visibility. While adding a second NIC can help maintain data integrity and visibility, there is a tradeoff in flexibility and ease-of-use. An operating system and NICs that enable binding are often required to achieve the same functionality as the GigaBit Port Aggregator. In contrast, the GigaBit Port Aggregator requires no configuration on the monitoring devices.

Better than Span Ports

In the past, Span ports were occasionally used to aggregate tapped traffic. However, in addition to missing Layer 1 and Layer 2 errors, Span ports support very limited buffering and can simply drop data during bursts. The generous buffers of the GigaBit Port Aggregators prevent data loss in these conditions.

Security and Visibility

Without an IP address, monitoring devices are isolated from the network, dramatically reducing their exposure to attacks. However, the monitoring device connected to the GigaBit Port Aggregator still sees all full-duplex traffic as if it were in-line, including Layer 1 and Layer 2 errors.

Simply Plug It In

Full-duplex monitoring to a single NIC is a snap with the Port Aggregator Tap. All network and monitoring cables necessary for plug-and-play deployment are included with the Tap. Everything you need, right out of the box.

Reliability

For extra uptime protection, Net Optics Taps offer redundant power connections. Should the primary power source fail, the Tap automatically switches to the backup power source. Even if power is lost and reapplied, the network is not affected. All network and monitoring cables necessary for plug-and-play deployment are included.