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Selecting the Right Datacom Systems Products

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TAPs

Unlike out-of-band traffic capture devices, Network TAPs (test access ports) are placed in-line between two network endpoints in order to access data that is flowing across a network link.

Use a Standard TAP when:

  • You can’t afford to lose packets regardless of traffic volume
  • You need to see Layer 1 and Layer 2 errors
  • You need to monitor non-aggregated* traffic from one network link with one monitoring tool
  • You are out of SPAN ports
  • You can’t or don’t want to configure SPAN ports for monitoring (Not sure?  See Tap vs. Span)

*monitoring tool receives copies of network traffic in two separate half duplex streams

Use a SINGLEstream™ Link Aggregation Tap when:

  • You need to monitor both directions of full duplex transmissions but your monitoring tool only has one NIC (full duplex aggregation)
  • You need to monitor aggregated* or non-aggregated** traffic from one link with multiple tools (regeneration)
  • You need to monitor aggregated or non-aggregated traffic from multiple links with one tool (link aggregation)
  • The number of links you need to monitor exceeds the number of tools you have available (link aggregation)
  • You network links and tools are not the same made up of various media types (media conversion)

*   The sum of aggregated traffic from all network links should not exceed 100% of the monitoring port bandwidth
** Most SINGLEstream™ models can be configured to perform aggregation and/or function like a standard non-aggregating tap

Deciphering the SINGLEstream™ Code

SINGLEstream Product Code Description

How Many Links Do You Need to Monitor?

Depending on model, the SINGLEstream™ Link Aggregation Tap will have either one (1), two (2), or four (4) built-in network taps, which will allow each unit to be placed between 1-4 network links to copy traffic to the connected monitoring tools.

  • One in-line network segment: SS-1200 Series*
  • Two in-line network segments: SS-2200 Series
  • Three or Four in-line network segments: SS-4200 Series
  • More: Daisy-chain to meet your needs

* 100 Series for 10/100

Do You Also Need to Receive Input from SPAN Ports?

The monitoring/tool ports on the SINGLEstream™ Link Aggregation Tap are “any-to-any ports”, so they can be configured as either inputs (i.e. receive traffic from SPAN port or external taps) or outputs (i.e. send traffic to a tool).  All SINGLEstream™ models* have from two (2) to eight (8) any-to-any ports, so they can function as both in-line and out-of-band devices, allowing you to tap links and monitor SPAN traffic at the same time with as little as one device.
* Any-to-any ports not available in 100/200 Series for 10/100 Mbps

How Many Tools Need to See the Data?

SINGLEstream™ models range from two (2) to eight (8) monitoring ports allowing you to connect multiple tools.

Examples:

  • 4 – 10/100/1000 links, 2 – 10/100/1000 tools:  SS-4210BT-SFP
  • 2 – LX links, 6 – various media tools:  SS-2210LX-SFP
  • 1 – SX link, 4 – 10/100/1000 tools:  SS-1206SX-BT
  • 1 – SX link, 2 – 10/100/1000 SPAN Ports, 6 – various media tools:  SS-1210SX-SFP
  • 1 – 10 GigE LR link, 2 – 10 GigE SR Tools:  SS-1204LR-10G

Selecting the Right Media Type (some examples)

  • Match the TAP port to the media type of the network link being monitored:
    • 10/100/1000 link = 10/100/1000 tap (RJ45 connectors)
    • Gigabit SX link = Gigabit SX tap (SC or LC connectors)
    • 10 GigE SR link = 10 GigE SR tap (SC or LC connectors)
  • Match the monitoring ports of the tap to the media type of the monitoring tool:
    • 10/100/1000 tool = 10/100/1000 tool port on tap (RJ45 or SFP connectors)
    • Gigabit LX tool = Gigabit LX tool port on tap (SC, LC, or SFP connectors)
    • 10 GigE LR tool = 10 GigE LR tool port on tap (SC, LC, or XFP connectors)
  • If required, many Datacom Systems products have SFP or XFP Ports that can allow you to connect tools to networks even if both media types are different:
    • Copper to Fiber (SX or LX)
    • Fiber (SX or LX) to Copper
    • Fiber (SX or LX) to Fiber (SX or LX)

Ensuring Proper Fiber Connectivity

Power and Cables

  • Standard fiber taps are passive, non-powered devices
  • Most products have dual redundant and load balanced power supplies
  • Power supplies (internal or external) and power cords are always included
  • Most power supplies are AC; some models have DC power available
  • To reduce power strips, transformers, and clutter, use a 12-unit power supply (AC or DC) when installing more than a few taps in the same rack

Rack Mounts

  • All Individual tap units come with a rack mount ear for easy standalone installation
  • Taps come in three sizes
    • 5 inches (12.7 cm) wide
      • Standard 10/100 and 10/100/1000 Taps
      • Standard Single and Dual Channel Fiber Taps
      • WAN Taps
      • 10/100 SINGLEstream™ Link Aggregation Taps
    • 8 inches (20.32 cm) wide
      • Standard Quad Channel Fiber Taps
      • 10/100/1000 and Gigabit SINGLEstream™ Link Aggregation Taps
    • 19 inches (48.26 cm) wide
      • 10 GigE SINGLEstream™ Link Aggregation Taps
      • Filtered SINGLEstream™ Link Aggregation Taps
  • Rack mount chassis units are available for racking multiple taps
    • RMC-2: Rack two 8-inch units in 1U
    • RMC-3: Rack three 5-inch units in 1U
    • RMC-12*
      • Rack 12 5-inch units in 4U
      • Rack 12 8-inch units in 6U
    • RMC-14: Rack 14 5-inch units in 3U

*ideal for deployment with RPS-12-5 Multi-Unit Power Supplies