Network Tap

A network tap is a hardware device which provides a way to access the data flowing across a computer network. Computer networks, including the Internet, are collections of devices, such as computers, routers, and switches that are connected to each other.

Network taps are commonly used for network intrusion detection systems, network probes, RMON probes, packet sniffers, and other monitoring and collection devices and software that require access to a network segment.

Taps are used in security applications because they are non-obtrusive, are not detectable on the network, can deal with full-duplex and non-shared networks, and will usually pass-through traffic even if the tap stops working or loses power.

Once a network tap is in place, networks can be monitored 24x7 with no downtime. Deploying network taps for monitoring applications reduces time spent setting up and managing complicated switch or appliance configurations, conserves network "resources" and requires no management.

Benefits of the Barracuda

Ethernet Tap

Unlike other available

Ethernet tap

s, the Barracuda

Ethernet Tap

10 runs on a nine-volt battery making it a portable device for use with various network applications, such as sniffing, listening or troubleshooting devices. Barracuda IM Firewall customers can use the Barracuda

Ethernet Tap

10 to enable out of band logging and monitoring. In this configuration, customers can connect both

tap ports

into the two ports on the front of the Barracuda IM Firewall, and the rear Ethernet port can be left open for administrative use or for access to the built-in IM server included with the Barracuda IM Firewall.

Using the new Barracuda

Ethernet Tap

, customers now have a way to view or access their network traffic as if they were inline, without adding latency or potential point of failure on the network.