Top 10 Network TAP Vendors in 2025

Network visibility is non-negotiable. With cyber threats evolving daily and data breaches costing millions, choosing the right network TAP vendor can make or break your security strategy.

This guide examines the top 10 network TAP vendors, comparing their key products, strengths, and ideal use cases.

1. Network Critical 
2. Gigamon
3. Keysight Technologies 
4. Garland Technology 
5. Niagara Networks 
6. Cubro Network Visibility 
7. PROFITAP 
8. Netscout Systems 
9. Viavi 
10. Full Control Networks 

1. Network Critical

Network Critical is a global leader in network visibility solutions, offering a comprehensive range of TAPs, packet brokers, and bypass solutions. With over 25 years of experience, the company serves blue-chip clients including Vodafone, HSBC, BP, and Airbus. They've achieved remarkable results, including delivering  Airbus a network solution that maintained full operational capability while capturing 100% of critical test data for their aircraft systems, and enabling  HSBC to achieve zero latency monitoring across their entire global infrastructure spanning from the UK to Hong Kong.

Key Products:

• SmartNA™ series (modular TAPs up to 1G)
• SmartNA-XL™ (1/10/40G modular system)
• SmartNA-PortPlus™ series (scalable up to 100G)
• SmartNA-PortPlus HyperCore™ (up to 400G)
• Passive Fiber Optical TAPs
• INVIKTUS™ zero-trust security solution

Best for: Organizations seeking comprehensive visibility solutions with easy deployment and management, particularly those requiring scalable architectures that can grow with their network needs

2. Gigamon

Gigamon offers an extensive portfolio of physical and virtual TAPs as part of its Deep Observability Pipeline. The company serves enterprise and cloud environments with solutions ranging from basic TAPs to sophisticated visibility fabrics.

Key Products:

• G-TAP® M Series (passive optical TAPs)
• G-TAP A Series 2 (active TAPs with battery backup)
• GigaVUE® Universal Cloud Tap (UCT) for virtual environments
• Inline bypass TAPs for security tool deployment

Best for: Large enterprises requiring unified visibility across hybrid cloud environments, particularly those with significant virtual infrastructure investments.

3. Keysight Technologies 

Keysight Technologies has a wide range of TAPs, supporting speeds from 1Gbps to 400Gbps. The company leverages its test equipment heritage to deliver high-quality network visibility solutions.

Key Products:

• Flex Tap VHD (up to 36 TAPs in 1U)
• iLink Aggregators
• Patch TAPs for low latency applications
• Tough TAPs for industrial environments
• Flex Tap Secure+ for lawful interception 

Best for: Organizations requiring high-density deployments or specialized TAP solutions for unique network environments.

4. Garland Technology

Garland Technology focuses exclusively on network visibility. They emphasize education and customer service while delivering purpose-built visibility solutions.

Key Products:

• Passive fiber TAPs (1G to 100G)
• Active copper TAPs with fail-safe technology
• Bypass TAPs for inline security tools
• EdgeLens™ for cloud visibility
• Aggregation TAPs

Best for: Organizations seeking a specialized TAP vendor with strong support and educational resources, particularly those new to implementing network visibility.

5. Niagara Networks 

Niagara Networks provides passive and active TAP devices supporting networks up to 400Gbps. They focus on delivering "unobtrusive observers" that ensure network visibility without impacting performance.

Key Products:

• Passive fiber TAPs (various split ratios)
• Active TAPs with fail-safe circuitry
• High-density TAP solutions
• TAP aggregation devices

Best For: Organizations requiring flexible TAP solutions across diverse network types and speeds.

6. Cubro Network Visibility 

Cubro is a European vendor specializing in carrier-grade network visibility solutions. Recently selected as a Vodafone supplier, Cubro offers innovative TAPs and packet brokers designed for the most demanding environments.

Key Products:

• OptoSlim TAP Series (1/3RU form factor)
• 400G SR8 TAPs
• MTP/MPO TAPs for high-speed networks
• Converter TAPs for media conversion
• 10/100/1000 Copper TAPs with USB interface

Best for: Service providers and large enterprises requiring carrier-grade reliability and maximum port density.

7. PROFITAP 

PROFITAP specializes in end-to-end visibility solutions with a strong focus on portable packet capture devices. The company offers both permanent infrastructure TAPs and portable solutions for field engineers.

Key Products:

• ProfiShark series (portable TAPs)
• Fiber TAPs with 10-year warranty
• Copper TAPs (10M to 10G)
• Secure TAPs with tamper-evident seals
• IOTA network probes

Best for: Organizations needing both permanent infrastructure and portable troubleshooting capabilities, particularly those in industrial environments.

8. NetScout Systems 

While primarily known for performance management solutions, NetScout offers nGenius Packet Flow Switches and TAPs as part of their comprehensive visibility portfolio.

Key Products:

• nGenius Packet Flow Switches
• TAP integration with nGenius monitoring
• Unified visibility solutions

Best for: Organizations already invested in NetScout's ecosystem or requiring integrated performance management solutions.

9. Viavi 

Viavi Solutions leverages its optical expertise to deliver network TAPs as part of broader test and measurement solutions. The company serves communications service providers and enterprises globally.

Key Products:

• Optical TAPs for various network speeds
• TAPs integrated with monitoring solutions
• Network visibility appliances

Best for: Service providers and organizations requiring TAPs integrated with comprehensive test and measurement capabilities.

10. Full Control Networks

Full Control Networks is a UK-based independent provider of network visibility solutions, specialising in Datacom Systems' comprehensive range of TAPs and aggregators. With 20 years of experience in the networks industry, they offer expert guidance and support for organizations implementing network visibility.

Key Products:

• Standard network TAPs (copper and fiber)
• SINGLEstream™ Link Aggregation TAPs
• G Series multi-tap chassis with built-in aggregation (up to 10G)
• VersaStream multi-link aggregators
• Regeneration TAPs for multiple tool access

Best for: UK and European organizations seeking expert guidance in TAP selection and deployment

The Bottom Line 

Every vendor brings something to the table, but the best choice depends on your specific needs. Investing in the right TAP infrastructure today ensures you're prepared for tomorrow's challenges.