Accessing data in motion down to the packet level is the first step to acquiring network visibility, as nothing else provides a similar level of depth and granularity. The two most common methods to extract this information are SPAN and network TAP port technologies. But when it comes to TAP vs. SPAN ports, how do you decide which to use for a given situation?
A network TAP (Test Access Point)is a simple device that connects directly to the cabling infrastructure. Instead of two switches or routers connecting directly to each other, the network TAP sits between the two devices and all data flows through the TAP. Using an internal splitter, the TAP creates a copy of the data for monitoring while the original data continues unimpeded through the network
As seen in Figure 1, data from a network is transmitted (Tx) from device A to be received (Rx) by device B. At the same time, data can travel in the reverse direction where device B transmits data to device A. Most TAPs separately copy the transmit signals from A and B and send them to separate monitoring ports (TxA and TxB).
This technique ensures every packet of any size will be copied and eliminates any chance of oversubscription. Once the data is tapped, the duplicate copy can be used for any sort of monitoring, security or analysis.
Note that inserting a TAP into an existing network link requires a brief cable disconnect, so TAPs are typically installed during a maintenance window.
A SPAN port (sometimes called a mirror port) is a software feature built into a switch or router that creates a copy of selected packets passing through the device and sends them to a designated SPAN port. Using software, the administrator can easily configure or change what data is to be monitored. Since the primary purpose of a switch or router is to forward production packets, SPAN data is given a lower priority on the device. The SPAN also uses a single egress port to aggregate multiple links, so it is easily oversubscribed.
Both situations can lead to dropped packets. SPANs work best for ad hoc monitoring of low volumes of data in locations where TAPs have not been installed. SPANs still represent the only means for accessing some types of data, such as data crossing port-to-port on the same switch.
In today’s modern, high-speed networks, network TAPs are the recommended choice. Here’s why:
The bottom line is TAPs should be used wherever 100 percent visibility and traffic fidelity is required. Anytime traffic volumes are moderate to high, deploy network TAPs. As a best practice, install TAPs during the early design phase and pass the traffic directly to a Gigamon visibility node. Even if the traffic is not yet required for daily inspection, it will be available for ad hoc troubleshooting or security inspection within seconds and without needing to involve change management.
There are situations where a TAP is not practical. Consider using SPAN ports for the following exceptions:
In summary, both network TAPs and SPAN ports can provide valid access to data if properly positioned.
So TAP where you can, and SPAN where you must.
TAP and/or SPAN are just the first step in the process of achieving pervasive visibility across your entire network infrastructure. Once traffic has been captured over either TAPs or SPAN ports, you can send it to the Gigamon Deep Observability Pipeline to be monitored, managed and secured. GigaSMART® applications are also available to optimize traffic and deliver relevant data to the specific tools you rely upon to improve their performance and efficiency.
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