The 10/100/1000 Aggregator nTAP efficiently copies full-duplex traffic and aggregates the traffic into a single stream to any analysis or security device with a single-receive capture interface. 

Purpose
To pass network traffic from a low utilization full-duplex copper link into a copper single-receive analysis or security device.

How the nTAP Works
The nTAP replicates the copper signal and sends one signal back to the network. The other signal is sent to one or two copper analysis or security devices

A Better Alternative to a SPAN Port
The buffer (256 MB, 512 MB, or 1 GB) provides greater protection than a SPAN port against packet loss.

If the network traffic entering the Aggregator nTAP exceeds the capacity of the analyzer’s capture cards, the buffer attempts to capture the excess traffic, releasing it to the analyzer when the analyzer’s capacity to receive returns.

Aggregator nTAP Advantages:

1. Replicates the full-duplex signal from network devices
2. Ensures that the network continues to send and receive data, even if the power to the nTAP fails
3. Combines the full-duplex data from the network; sending a copy to one or two analysis devices
4. Three buffer size options: 256 MB, 512 MB, or 1 GB  
5. Economical to install
6. Will not block error packets
7. Compact design
8. Meets international RF emission standards

Supports Leading Security and Analysis Products
nTAPs work with the leading security and network management tools so you can quickly and easily deploy them into the network. Once you install an nTAP, you never need to bring down the link to connect a monitoring device.

• Network/protocol analyzers
• Security monitoring devices
• Forensic tools     
• Application analyzers
• Remote monitoring appliances
• RMON probes

Supports Redundant Failover Links
All nTAPs work well with redundant-enabled devices. If the link on one side of the nTAP fails, the nTAP will allow the corresponding device to switch over to a redundant path.

Technology

• Transfers network data at line rate from 10 Mb or 100 Mb or 1 Gb full-duplex links to a device equipped with 1 NIC
• Can be permanently deployed without interfering with network performance or introducing a point of failure
• Guarantee continuous network data flow, even if power to the nTAP fails
• Because nTAPs are not addressable devices, they cannot be the target of a hack or virus attack   
• Three nTAPs can be mounted in a single 1U rack panel                

Important notes:

• Because the incoming capacity of the Aggregator nTAP is 2x the outbound capacity, it is best to deploy them in low to moderate utilization networks.