Network Packet Broker (NPB) and Network TAP are two different technologies in network monitoring and management. Each of them has different roles and functions.
Network (TAP)Test Access Point
A network TAP is a hardware device that provides a direct and accurate way to replicate the actual packets flowing in the network for monitoring and analysis purposes. Taps are typically deployed at critical nodes of the network, such as switches, routers, or near servers, in order to capture packets flowing through these nodes. The main features of network TAP are:
Data replication: TAP is able to losslessly replicate network traffic, ensuring that the data received by the analysis tool is exactly the same as the original network traffic.
Independence: As an independent hardware device, TAP will not interfere with or affect the normal operation of the network.
Flexibility: TAP supports multiple types of network traffic capture, including full packet capture and deep packet inspection.
Network Packet Broker(NPB)
Unlike network taps, a network packet broker is a higher level device that sits between TAP and SPAN (port mirroring) points and analysis tools and is responsible for directing raw packets to required security, monitoring, and performance devices. The main functions of NPB are:
Data Distribution: NPB is able to intelligently distribute data packets to multiple analysis tools, ensuring that each tool receives the data it needs.
Filtering and transforming: NPB can filter and transform packets as needed to meet the requirements of different analysis tools.
Centralized management: NPB provides the ability to centrally manage multiple TAP and SPAN points, simplifying the network monitoring and management process.
What's the difference between network packet broker and network tap?
The main differences:
Functional level: Network TAP mainly focuses on data replication and capture, while network packet broker focuses more on data distribution, filtering and transformation.
Deployment location: Network taps are usually deployed on critical nodes of the network to directly capture packets. However, the network packet broker acts as a "mediator" between the TAP and SPAN points and the analysis tool.
Management complexity: Network TAP is relatively simple and mainly focuses on data capture. However, the network packet broker provides higher level management functions, such as centralized management, intelligent distribution, etc.
In summary, network packet broker and network test access point each play different roles in network monitoring and management. Network TAP provides accurate data replication function, which is the basis of network monitoring. The network packet agent improves the efficiency and flexibility of network monitoring through intelligent data distribution and management functions. When choosing which technique to use, there are trade-offs to be made based on the specific network environment and monitoring requirements.
