What is a Bypass in networking?

A Bypass TAP keeps your network running even if an inline device like a firewall or intrusion prevention system fails or needs maintenance. It automatically routes traffic around the failed device so there’s no downtime.

What happens if the connected inline security tool fails or needs maintenance?

The bypass TAP automatically bypasses the tool, ensuring uninterrupted traffic flow.

Will adding a bypass TAP impact my network performance or introduce latency?

Passive fiber TAPs don’t introduce any latency, and bypass modes add minimal overhead with high-speed switching.

Can I connect redundant tools?

Yes. You can deploy identical tools in active/standby mode with automatic failover.

Can I filter traffic before it reaches my tools?

Yes. You can implement L2-4 filtering, VLAN tagging, packet slicing, header stripping, and payload masking to ensure your security tools only receive relevant traffic. This significantly improves efficiency and extends their life.

What are Bypass devices?

They’re essential safety nets for inline security tools. If something goes wrong, the Bypass device steps in and keeps traffic flowing. Our Bypass TAPs help prevent outages and maintain uptime for critical applications.

Network Bypass TAPs | Network Critical

Maintaining Network Uptime For

Keep Your Finger on Your Network’s Pulse

Drag-n-Vu™: Configure and manage network security with a dashboard that’s ready in minutes.

Advanced Filtering: Inspect, slice, and refine packets with advanced PacketPro™ technology.

Tool Continuity: Deploy, maintain, and upgrade inline tools without the risk of downtime.

Scalable Design: Adapt at speed with a flexible 1RU chassis supporting 1G, 10G, and 40G connections.

SmartNA-XL™ Bypass TAPs

Keep your network flowing without compromising security. The SmartNA-XL™ bypass TAPs detects when inline security tools fail and redirects traffic in real-time.

Dual hot-swappable power supplies
Modular chassis supporting 1G, 10G, and 40G
Flexible deployment options

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How Do Bypass Taps Detect If The Appliance Is Online?

Bypass TAPs continuously send small test signals, known as heartbeats, to your security appliances.

When your security tool returns these signals, the bypass TAP knows everything is working correctly.

If your security tool stops responding to these heartbeat checks, the bypass TAP redirects network traffic around the problematic device. This happens automatically, without the need for manual intervention.

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FAQs

A Bypass TAP keeps your network running even if an inline device like a firewall or intrusion prevention system fails or needs maintenance. It automatically routes traffic around the failed device so there’s no downtime.
The bypass TAP automatically bypasses the tool, ensuring uninterrupted traffic flow.
Passive fiber TAPs don’t introduce any latency, and bypass modes add minimal overhead with high-speed switching.

Yes. You can deploy identical tools in active/standby mode with automatic failover.
Yes. You can implement L2-4 filtering, VLAN tagging, packet slicing, header stripping, and payload masking to ensure your security tools only receive relevant traffic. This significantly improves efficiency and extends their life.
They’re essential safety nets for inline security tools. If something goes wrong, the Bypass device steps in and keeps traffic flowing. Our Bypass TAPs help prevent outages and maintain uptime for critical applications.

Bypass TAPS

Network Protection That Never Skips a Beat