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.

Optical Specifications:
Gigabit SX 850nm, VCSEL, Corning Multimode 50 or 62.5/125um

Environment:
Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C
Storage Temperature: -10°C to 70°C
Relative Humidity: 10% min, 95% max, non condensing

Power:
Input: 100-240 VAC, 0.5A, 47-63Hz
Output: 12V, 3A

Mechanical Specificatons:
Dimensions: 1.125" high x 11.0" deep x 8.75" wide

Connectors:
(2) Duplex LC connectors (network ports)
(2) SFP slots for SFP modular connectors

Certifications:
Fully RoHS compliant

Part Numbers:
TPA-SX5-SFP
TPA-SX4-SFP
TPA-LX5-SFP
TPA-LX4-SFP

Passive, Secure Technology

 

Regeneration Tap technology enables two devices to simultaneously monitor all aggregated traffic – using only one NIC per device

1 GB total buffer memory prevents data loss during excessive traffic loads

Provides complete full-duplex visibility at 1 Gbps without data stream interference or introducing a point of failure

Passes all traffic (including errors) from all layers for comprehensive troubleshooting

No IP address is needed for the Tap or monitoring device, enhancing monitoring security

Redundant power ensures monitoring uptime

Fully RoHS compliant

Warranty

 

All Net Optics products come standard with a 1 year manufacturer's warranty

Optional 1 or 2 year extended warranty available at time of product purchase

 

Ease of Use

Small form factor pluggable (SFP) Monitor Ports increase monitoring options

LED indicators show redundant power, speed, link, and activity status

Front-mounted connectors support easy installation and operation

All network and monitoring cables included

Optional 19-inch rack frames hold up to two Taps

Available with -48 VDC power

Tested and compatible with all major manufacturers’ monitoring devices, including protocol analyzers, probes, and intrusion detection/prevention systems

Part Numbers

GigaBit Fiber SFP Port Aggregator Tap

- TPA-SX5-SFP
  Port Agg, IL, Fiber, 1G, SX 62.5µm,
  50:50, 850nm, SFP Ports
- TPA-SX4-SFP
  Port Agg, IL, Fiber, 1G, SX 62.5µm,
  60:40, 850nm, SFP Ports    
- TPA-LX5-SFP
  Port Agg, IL, Fiber, 1G, LX 8.5µm,
  50:50, 1310nm, SFP Ports
- TPA-LX4-SFP
  Port Agg, IL, Fiber, 1G, LX 8.5µm,
  60:40, 1310nm, SFP Ports

  

SFP Modules

- SFPKT-SX
  Kit, Fiber, 1G, SX, SFP
  Transceiver(850nm) w/cable 62.5µm
- SFPKT-LX
  Kit, Fiber, 1G, LX, SFP
  Transceiver(1310nm) w/cable 8.5µm
- SFPKT-CU3
  Kit, Copper, 10/100/1000, SFP
  Transceiver w/cable
  (minimum order Qty 1 per unit)

  

2 Slot Rack Mount Frame

- RK-ITP2
  Rack Panel Frame, 2-Slot 19" - (for
  Port Aggregator)

- TPA-SXx-SFP-W1
- TPA-LXx-SFP-W1
  1 Year Extended Warranty
- TPA-SXx-SFP-W2
- TPA-LXx-SFP-W2

  2 Year Extended Warranty
* "x" denotes numerical value in part number

Net Optics - manufacturer of iTap™ - 10/100/1000 - GigaBit Network Taps, 10/100 - GigaBit Aggregator Taps, TX-SX, LX-SX All Converter Taps, IPS & IDS Bypass Switches, Matrix Switches and Teeny Tap™.

Resources

For more information, pricing, demonstration or evaluation on Net Optics Products please contact us here.

Questions? Call  1-805-277-2400