Network monitoring involves the continuous collection, analysis, and visualization of network traffic to ensure optimal performance and security. This process typically starts with using Network TAPs (Test Access Points) or SPAN ports to capture data packets traversing the network. TAPs, preferred for their comprehensive data capture, provide complete visibility into all network traffic, which is critical for accurate analysis.

Once captured, the data is often routed through Network Packet Brokers (NPBs) to filter, deduplicate, and optimize the traffic before it reaches monitoring tools. These steps help reduce bandwidth consumption and enhance the efficiency of monitoring solutions.

In advanced setups, real-time monitoring platforms, such as Profitap's IOTA, allow businesses to detect and respond to network anomalies instantly while providing detailed forensic analysis for in-depth investigations. This combination of real-time visibility, traffic optimization, and in-depth analysis ensures that networks remain secure, efficient, and resilient against potential threats.

Two methods of capturing

In a previous article, we compared the two methods of capture in detail, with all their pros and cons: https://insights.profitap.com/span-ports-vs.-network-taps

Profitaps security features

Profitap is committed to delivering high network observability while ensuring that network operations remain unaffected. We achieve this by securing our monitoring tools end-to-end, from production to deployment. By rigorously safeguarding TAPs, transceivers, cables, and other components, we prevent potential network issues caused by malicious activity or user error. This comprehensive approach not only enhances network security but also ensures that monitoring processes do not disrupt or impact the ongoing operations of the network. These are some of our safety features:

Secured firmware	Data diode	Security seals	Secured packaging
Secured firmware installed on active TAPs cannot be read or altered by third parties, ensuring the devices' safe operation.	All Secure TAPs act as data diodes. This means copper TAPs are physically isolated from the operational network. For Fiber TAPs, an optical data diode prevents light insertion from the monitor ports into the operational network.	Tamper-evident security seals covering the screw head make unnoticed opening and tampering with the devices impossible. The randomized paint pattern on the seals helps to verify and ensure that the seals have not been replaced.	Each package containing secured data access products is also provided with a security seal with a randomized pattern.

Secure TAPs 

These are some examples of Profitap’s secure network TAPs, purpose-built, dedicated tools designed to meet the highest security standards and help you meet ANSSI Standards. They are globally recognized, ensuring end-to-end security of your network data access.

Diode fiber TAP	1-Link gigabit copper TAP	8-Link gigabit copper TAP
Fiber TAP with diode feature preventing light injection from the monitor ports.	10M/100M/1G copper TAP with diode feature protecting the network from data injection from the monitor ports.	High density 10M/100M/1G copper TAP with diode feature protecting the network from data injection from the monitor ports.

Secure accessories

Rx Only transceivers for BiDi connections

Another type of products we've designed with security in mind is the BiDi SFP transceivers. We developed a pure Rx-based 40G and 100G BiDi receiver modules, which offer the possibility of secure monitoring, as the hardware is physically unable to transmit or inject a light signal in the reverse direction. This provides a secure monitoring environment without any risk of interference or signal injection. Our design provides better security compared to software-based Rx-disabled solutions.

Y cables for normal transceivers

Profitap’s LC Y-cables feature one dual LC connector on one end (for the TAP output), and two dual LC connectors on the other end (for the transceivers input), set up such that the signal will always be fed to the Rx (receive) side of the transceivers. These patch cords add an extra layer of security in that there is only one way to connect them to the corresponding tools. This helps prevent connection mistakes and save time that would have been spent troubleshooting such mistakes, thereby improving the ease with which TAPs can be integrated into your network.