Top 10 Ethernet TAPs for Network Visibility

In mission-critical environments, such as manufacturing plants, data centers, and government infrastructure, complete network visibility is non-negotiable. Every packet matters. Ethernet TAPs are the gold standard for obtaining an unfiltered, full-duplex copy of network traffic without introducing latency or risk.

What is an Ethernet TAP?

An Ethernet TAP is a hardware device that sits passively between two network endpoints. It copies all traffic that passes through – including packets with errors or malformed frames – and sends those copies to monitoring or security tools.

Unlike SPAN or mirror ports, TAPs capture 100% of network traffic without impacting performance, introducing latency, or risking dropped packets. Most importantly, they are fail-safe: even if the TAP loses power, the network link stays up and traffic continues to flow normally.

This makes ethernet TAPs indispensable for:

• Security monitoring (IDS/IPS, NDR)

• Performance analytics

• Forensic investigation

• Regulatory compliance

• Critical infrastructure management 

Top 10 Ethernet TAP Vendors

1. Network Critical - SmartNA-Port-Plus & SmartNA‑XL™

When it comes to reliability, scalability, and complete visibility, Network Critical remains the gold standard. Their SmartNA-XL and SmartNA-PortPlus platforms go beyond simple TAPs – combining aggregation, filtering, and packet brokering into a modular visibility architecture built for the world’s most demanding environments.

Key features:

• Passive fail-safe copper and fibre options (1G – 400G)

• Aggregation, replication, and intelligent filtering

• Modular design with hot-swappable modules

• Zero packet loss and near-zero latency

• Global enterprise-grade support

Real-world results prove that Network Critical’s technology performs where visibility matters most. One U.S. government agency used two SmartNA-XL chassis to connect seven different security and monitoring tools to critical network links –maintaining 100 % uptime and meeting strict FISMA compliance. Even during power failures, traffic continued to flow uninterrupted.

2. Garland Technology - Aggregator & EdgeSafe™ TAPs

Garland Technology is another powerhouse in network visibility. Their AggregatorTAP and EdgeSafe™ lines support everything from 1G to 100G links and are known for rock-solid performance and ease of integration with security tools.

Key features:

• Passive, fail-safe copper and fibre designs
• Aggregation and filtering support
• FieldTAP portable options for temporary deployments
• Ideal for inline and out-of-band monitoring

3. Keysight - Vision Edge Series

Keysight’s Vision Edge TAPs are purpose-built for high-performance environments and integrate seamlessly with their broader network visibility platform. Supporting speeds up to 400 GbE, they deliver exceptional precision and stability.

Key features:

• Multi-speed (1G – 400G) support

• Hardware-based timestamping

• Packet-level filtering and load balancing

• Integration with Keysight’s Vision ONE platform

4. Datacom Systems - CTP & RDP Series

A long-standing player in the monitoring space, Datacom Systems provides dependable and flexible enterprise-grade packet brokers. 

Key features:

• Passive aggregation and regeneration modes

• Copper and fiber models

• Redundant power and enterprise support options

• Ideal for compliance-driven visibility

5. Dualcomm Technology - ETAP Series

Dualcomm’s ETAP series is the smart choice for smaller or lab-based environments. Offering straightforward, plug-and-play TAPs at accessible price points, they’re perfect for engineers needing reliable packet visibility without enterprise-level cost.

Key features:

• Supports 10/100/1000 Mb/s

• Compact and cost-effective

• Passive full-duplex capture

• Excellent for troubleshooting or small-site monitoring

6. Profitap - ProfiShark & IOTA Series

Profitap specializes in portable, all-in-one TAP solutions that combine visibility and analysis in a compact form factor. Their ProfiShark and IOTA series provide engineers with USB/Thunderbolt connectivity for fast deployment in the field, while still supporting high-speed enterprise links.

Key features: 

• Portable USB-C/Thunderbolt TAPs for field use

• Built-in packet capture and analysis software

• Supports high-speed traffic (up to 10G)

• Easy deployment for troubleshooting or forensic investigations

7. Gigamon - G-TAP Series

Gigamon G-TAPs are designed for large-scale enterprise networks and integrate seamlessly with monitoring, security, and analytics tools. They provide reliable traffic aggregation and distribution while minimizing overhead for monitoring platforms.

Key features: 

• Passive TAPs for copper and fibre links

• Aggregation and load-balancing features

• Supports high-speed enterprise networks

• Deep integration with Gigamon visibility fabrics

8. NetScout - nGenius Packet Flow

NetScout’s nGenius Packet Flow TAPs provide enterprise-grade traffic visibility for large data centers and service provider networks. They support advanced traffic filtering, replication, and packet forwarding for analytics and security applications.

Key features:

• High-availability design for mission-critical networks

• Advanced traffic aggregation and filtering

• Supports copper and fibre interfaces

• Scalable for multi-gigabit enterprise environments

9. Niagara Networks - Open Visibility Platform

Niagara Networks offers modular TAPs and packet brokers for complex, high-performance networks. Their Open Visibility Platform allows flexible deployment of bypass, aggregation, and replication tools for optimized tool utilization.

Key features:

• Modular TAPs with bypass and aggregation options

• Supports high-speed links up to 100G+

• Centralized visibility management

• Enables advanced traffic optimization for security and monitoring tools

10. Cubro Networks - Omnia Series

Cubro Networks’ Omnia Series provides high-performance TAPs and packet brokers designed for demanding enterprise and telecom environments. With advanced aggregation and replication features, Omnia TAPs help organizations monitor multiple links efficiently.

Key features:

• High-density TAPs and packet brokers

• Aggregation, filtering, and replication support

• Compatible with copper and fibre networks

• Enterprise-grade reliability for mission-critical applications

Future-Proofing Network Visibility

As networks grow faster and more complex, full visibility is essential. Ethernet TAPs enable reliable monitoring and rapid troubleshooting, and Network Critical stands out with proven, fail-safe solutions. Choosing the right TAP ensures complete visibility and confidence across your network.