Netoptics iTap Triple-speed Port Aggregator P/N: IPA-CU3 Reviews | Network Tap Reviews Fiber Copper Gigabit Ethernet

By: Netoptics iTap Triple-speed Port Aggregator P/N: IPA-CU3

The iTap 10/100/1000 Port Aggregator is Net Optics most Intelligent Tap making network monitoring easier than ever. The iTap Port Aggregator displays the link utilization levels for both directions in real time, with the size and time of the last peak, right on the front panel. It is accessible from remote interfaces that provide information and control from anywhere in the network.  iTap gives you the information and the passive access point you need to respond quickly to network events.

Performance Aggregation

The iTap 10/100/1000 Port Aggregator combines and regenerates both directions of a full-duplex stream, sending all aggregated traffic out one or two separate passive monitoring ports. Typically, full-duplex monitoring with a network tap requires two NICs (or a dual-channel NIC)one interface for each side of the full-duplex link. The Net Optics iTap Port Aggregator enables one or two devices to simultaneously monitor a full-duplex link using only one NIC per device.

Buffers Absorb Bursts

When the traffic levels exceed the capacity of the receiving NIC, the iTap Port Aggregator stores the overflow traffic in buffer memory. For high-load links, the iTap 10/100/1000 Dual Port Aggregator is available with 1GB of memory. The buffers clear automatically when the traffic volume falls below the receiving capacity of the NIC. These buffers allow the iTap Port Aggregator to absorb traffic bursts without dropping packets.

Traffic Monitoring

The iTap 10/100/1000 Port Aggregator monitors the utilization levels of both sides of the full-duplex link. This information is displayed on the front panel and is available from the remote interfaces. The iTap Port Aggregator allows you to set a threshold for each side of the full-duplex link at which an alarm is triggered. When a threshold level is exceeded, the alarm LED illuminates and the remote interfaces record the event. The iTap Port Aggregator records the level of the highest peak along with the date and time. Since the iTap Port Aggregator is monitoring the utilization levels, this information is always available regardless of the aggregation process.

Half-duplex (Tap) Mode

If the aggregated traffic exceeds 100 percent of the monitoring port bandwidth, there is no need to switch out the device for a conventional half-duplex Tap. Simply enable Half-duplex Mode, and the iTap Port Aggregator stops aggregating and sends all of the traffic arriving at network Port A to monitor Port 1 and all of the traffic arriving at network Port B to monitor Port 2.

Port Ordering

Port Aggregators cannot guarantee the ordering of the packets in the aggregated traffic stream until now. Enable the Port Ordering feature of the iTap Port Aggregator and internal timestamping ensures that your monitoring tools see the packets in the exact time sequence that they arrived at the Tap's network ports, eliminating false protocol violations that impede speedy problem resolution.

Timestamping

For accurate timing analysis, use the Timestamping feature of the iTap Port Aggregator. When enabled, the CRC bytes of each packet in the monitoring data stream are replaced with an 8 nanosecond resolution timestamp revealing the exact time the packet arrived at the network port. In addition, the most significant bit of the 32-bit timestamp field indicates which of the two network ports received the packet.

Access Information Anywhere

The Web Manager and System Manager allow you to remotely set parameters, view status information, and monitor traffic statistical data. These interfaces provide security and performance information such as the number of over- and under-sized packets, packet collisions, and CRC errors. You can remotely set the alarm thresholds, clear the traffic data counters, and turn on or off a Monitor Port. This access is also available via an optional wireless link from your wireless PDA or laptop.

Web Manager

Net Optics Web Manager is the browser-based interface that allows you to change settings, view status, and retrieve data remotely with simple-to-use controls. When you access an iTap Port Aggregator with Web Manager, all configuration, status, and traffic data are displayed on a single page. Changes to the configuration can be made with a few clicks of the mouse.

System Manager

Net Optics System Manager is an SNMP management tool that offers central management of all Net Optics iTap devices in the network. You can organize iTaps into groups according to workgroup, location, or any other criteria. As with Web Manager, you can view all status, configuration, and traffic information and make changes quickly to any iTap in the system. The iTap Port Aggregator generates SNMP alarm traps for system status, threshold alarm, link status, and power status. If you are already using an SNMP management tool, iTap Port Aggregators can be fully accessed after loading Net Optics Management Information Base (MIB) file.

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.

Security, Visibility, and Reliability

You have the option of setting the iTap Port Aggregator so that it will not display data on the LCD and the Management Port will be disabled, thus preventing it from being accessed from the network. The Monitor Ports can also be turned off to prevent unauthorized access to the network link. The 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.