Swiss connectivity systems provider R&M is introducing a new HD traffic access point (TAP) module for supervision of network and application performance.
This module enables ongoing monitoring of network and application performance using passive optical tapping that is fully integrated into the structured cabling infrastructure. The TAP Module is part of the HD product family and compatible with the same HD and R&MinteliPhy hardware as a standard module, allowing for scalable port diagnostic capability.
R&M says the HD TAP Module is the first on the market to offer the combined functionality of an optical tap and physical layer monitoring in one easy-to-use structured cabling module that can be managed through an automated infrastructure management system.
A TAP is based on a passive fibre-optic splitter that creates an identical copy of any optical signal passing through it, without introducing latency or packet loss. One resulting data stream passes on live traffic and the other is used for monitoring purposes. Monitor traffic is sent to third-party test equipment to provide visibility into network traffic via real-time acquisition of error, performance, and utilisation data.
The HD TAP module uses an advanced optical splitter to reduce insertion loss and modal noise and enable high-performance applications such as 10 Gigabit Ethernet and 16G Fibre Channel. Competitive offerings use splitters based on fused bi-conical tapers, which does not offer the same level of performance, the vendor claims.
Usually, optical TAP devices are separate components that take up rack space, present added loss and limit network design flexibility. R&M’s integrated approach allows traffic-monitored ports to be added and removed without disruption to the network operation. Also, by locating the tapped ports to the rear of the module, the HD TAP Module improves rack utilisation by offering 48 tapped ports per 1U and increases network security by restricting access for unauthorised personnel.