Net Optics iTap 10 GigaBit Port Aggregator - Manual (Page 6)

iTap 10 GigaBit Port Aggregator
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Performance Aggregation
The iTap Port Aggregator combines and regenerates both directions of a full-duplex
stream, sending all aggregated traffic to two separate monitoring ports. Typically,
full-duplex monitoring with a network tap requires two network interface cards
(NICs) (or a dual channel NIC), one interface for each side of the full-duplex link.
Net Optics’ iTap Port Aggregator enables one or two devices to simultaneously
monitor a full-duplex link using only one NIC per device.
After the traffic has been aggregated to a single flow, it is difficult for the monitoring
tool to distinguish the utilization levels of each side of the bi-directional link. The
iTap Port Aggregator tracks the utilization levels before aggregation, keeping this
vital information easily accessible from its remote and command line interfaces.
Remote Access
The iTap Port Aggregator is accessible from remote interfaces that provide information
and control from anywhere in the network. Web Manager and System Manager
software communicate over the remote interfaces to enable you to remotely set
parameters, view status information, and monitor traffic statistical data. These tools
provide security and performance information including the number of packets
and bytes transferred, and the CRC error count. You can remotely set the alarm
thresholds, clear the traffic data counters, and turn on or off a Monitor Port using a
Web browser and the IP address of the Aggregator. The remote interfaces operate
through a dedicated Management Port that can be connected to the network or
isolated on a dedicated management VLAN for increased security.
Security, Visibility, and Reliability
A monitoring device connected to the iTap Port Aggregator sees all full‑duplex traffic
including Layer 1 and Layer 2 errors. Redundant power connections provide uptime
protection. You have the option of configuring the iTap Port Aggregator so that it will
not show data on the display. You can also turn off the Management Port, thereby
preventing the device from being accessed over the network. In addition, Monitor
Ports can be turned off to prevent unauthorized access to the network link.
Tap Mode
The iTap Port Aggregator can operate as a Port Aggregator (AGG mode) or as a
conventional network Tap (TAP mode). In Tap mode, the device bridges all traffic
between Network Ports A and B, while copying traffic from Network Port A to
Monitor Port 1, and Network Port B to Monitor Port 2.