The Top 10 Packet Broker Vendors in 2025
Network packet brokers are essential for enterprises with complex, high-speed networks. They help organizations manage and secure their network traffic by aggregating, filtering, and distributing data across a complex network infrastructure.
As networks scale to support 100G, 400G, and beyond, choosing the right packet broker vendor is critical for maintaining performance, visibility, and security.
This comprehensive guide examines the top 10 packet broker vendors in 2025.
1. Network Critical SmartNA-PortPlus™
Network Critical offers a unique scale-out approach to packet brokering with its SmartNA-PortPlus range.
Key Features:
- Scalable from 48 ports up to 194 ports of 1/10/25/40 and 100Gbps visibility
- SmartNA-PortPlus HyperCore™ supports up to 400G with 32 QSFP-DD interfaces
- Drag-n-Vu™ software for intuitive graphical configuration
- API integration for automated filtering and port mapping
Best for: Growing organizations seeking scalable solutions that can expand incrementally without replacing existing infrastructure.
Proven results:
Vodafone: Reduced customer churn rates and achieved 100% accurate traffic visibility on key links.
BP: Enabled centralized monitoring of critical systems across refinery buildings.
HSBC: Achieved zero latency on monitoring technologies for real-time financial updates.
2. Gigamon Deep Observability Pipeline
Gigamon specializes in network visibility and has built its business around packet broker technology and related solutions.
Key Features:
- SSL inspection and mobile network traffic monitoring
- Advanced threat and network intelligence
- Support for on-premises, virtual, and cloud environments
- Real-time traffic intelligence and threat detection
Best For: Large enterprises requiring comprehensive visibility across hybrid-cloud infrastructures and advanced security analytics.
3. Keysight Network Packet Brokers
Keysight combines testing expertise with packet broker technology.
Key Features:
- Zero packet loss architecture
- SSL decryption to detect emerging threats and encrypts exploits within application traffic
- Dynamic filter compiler handles all filter rule complexities automatically
- AI-powered visibility solutions with enhanced memory and storage
Best For: Organizations requiring high-performance packet processing with zero packet loss and advanced threat detection capabilities.
4. Cisco Nexus Dashboard Data Broker
Cisco approaches packet brokering as an extension of its switching infrastructure, offering integrated visibility within its broader ecosystem.
Key Features:
- Software-defined, programmable solution for packet brokering
- Simple, scalable, and cost-effective solution for monitoring high-volume traffic
- Real-time traffic visibility with event-based approach through northbound APIs
- Integration with Cisco's broader networking portfolio
Best For: Organizations already invested in Cisco infrastructure seeking a unified networking and visibility solution.
5. Arista Data ANalyZer (DANZ)
Arista delivers packet brokering through standard ethernet switches with specialized software.
Key Features:
- Datacenter traffic capture and analysis
- Software defined networking (SDN) controls with scale-out fabric
- Integrated analytics and packet recording
- Multi-tenant capabilities
Best for: Cloud-native organizations and service providers implementing SDN architectures.
6. APCON
APCON provides chassis-based packet brokers with advanced packet processing capabilities.
Key Features:
- Real-time packet processing of 100G network traffic
- Automatic detection of over 1,600 applications and 400 protocols
- 400G QSFP-DD connections with multiple breakout speeds
- Modular chassis systems from 1RU to 9RU
Best for: Enterprises requiring application-aware visibility and compliance features.
7. Garland Technology
Garland Technology focuses on purpose-built packet brokers and TAP solutions for network visibility.
Key Features:
- Advanced aggregation and filtering capabilities
- Support for monitoring 40G and 100G links with existing tools
- Deduplication and packet optimization features
- Range of form factors from portable to rack-mount
Best For: Organizations seeking targeted solutions for specific monitoring requirements.
8. Cubro Network Visibility
Cubro specializes in advanced packet brokers with extensive tunneling protocol support.
Key Features:
- Support for MPLS, GRE, NVGRE, VXLAN, CFP, ERSPAN and GTP tunneling protocols
- High-performance ARM CPUs for applications like deduplication and NetFlow generation
- 8-byte timestamp information with 1 nanosecond resolution
- G5+ series with programmable architecture
Best for: Service providers and enterprises with overlay networks and tunneled traffic.
9. Broadcom
Broadcom is a major player in networking and infrastructure, with strong expertise in high-performance switching silicon and datacenter technologies.
Key Features:
- Software-defined monitoring fabric
- Multi-tenant administrative separation
- SDN controller integration
- Physical and virtual environment support
Best For: Organizations implementing SDN-based architectures with multi-tenancy requirements.
10. NetScout Systems
NetScout combines packet brokering with service assurance in an integrated platform approach.
Key Features:
- Integration with nGeniusONE platform
- Real-time and historical analysis
- Service assurance capabilities
- End-to-end visibility features
Best For: Enterprises focusing on service assurance and performance management.
Top 10 packet broker vendors at a glance
| Vendor | Speeds supported | Key features | Best for |
| Network Critical | 1/10/25/40/100G, 400G (HyperCore) | Scale-out SmartNA-PortPlus, Drag-n-Vu™ GUI, API automation | Growing organizations needing scalable visibility |
| Gigamon | 1/10/25/40/100/400G | Deep Observability Pipeline, SSL/TLS decryption, hybrid-cloud integration | Large enterprises needing hybrid-cloud visibility & advanced analytics |
| Keysight | 1/10/25/40/100/400G | Hardware-accelerated zero-loss architecture (vendor claim), SSL decryption, AI-driven visibility | High-performance, test-grade environments needing reliable packet capture |
| Cisco | 1/10/25/40/100/400G | Nexus Dashboard Data Broker, API programmability, integration with Cisco stack | Organizations already invested in Cisco infrastructure |
| Arista | 1/10/25/40/100/400G | DANZ & Monitoring Fabric, SDN controls, analytics, Big Switch integration | Cloud-native organizations and service providers with SDN architectures |
| APCON | 1/10/25/40/100/400G | IntellaView chassis, HyperEngine real-time processing, app-aware visibility | Enterprises needing modular chassis & application-aware monitoring |
| Garland | 1/10/40/100G | TAP-focused design, deduplication, packet slicing, aggregation | Targeted monitoring solutions & cost-conscious deployments |
| Cubro | 1/10/25/40/100/400G | Advanced tunneling protocol support (VXLAN, GRE, MPLS, GTP), ns-level timestamping (20–200ns) | Service providers managing overlay/tunneled traffic |
| Broadcom | 1/10/25/40/100/400G | High-performance switching silicon, VMware integration | Data centers needing silicon-driven scalability & integration |
| NETSCOUT | 1/10/25/40/100/400G | nGenius Packet Flow Switches, service assurance via nGeniusONE | Enterprises prioritizing service assurance with integrated packet brokering |
Finding Your Ideal Packet Broker Partner
The packet broker market offers diverse solutions for every network need and budget.
Focus on matching vendor capabilities to your specific requirements – whether that's advanced protocol support, scalability, or seamless tool integration. By carefully evaluating your needs and testing solutions in your environment, you'll find the right partner to ensure comprehensive network visibility for years to come.