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Garland Technology is committed to educating the benefits of having a strong foundation of network visibility and access. By providing this insight we protect the security of data across your network and beyond.

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Don’t let snags unravel IT network deployments

Maximizing the merriment in December requires Santa-like scheduling superpowers. There are friends and family to visit, gifts to buy, cookies to bake, and Hallmark movies to binge.

Likely, there’s also a holiday sweater to dig out and dust off to flaunt your festive self. But, it’s hard to eat, drink, and be merry when you spot a snag or two slowly unraveling your favorite snowman sweater.

Regardless of the level of merrymaking on your calendar, you still have that day job to look after: managing your company’s IT network. And, if you’re like me, you’ll take a sweater snag over a snag in a new IT network deployment every single time. Those little unplanned surprises can get costly quickly.

Have you recently deployed a new
NDR, IDS, SIEM, Lawful Intercept, or DLP on your IT network? Do any of these snags sound familiar?

  1. The newly installed tool - receiving mirrored packets off a SPAN port on a switch - is underperforming because it isn’t seeing all of the network traffic
  2. You’re surprised by a previously unknown network requirement, such as network speeds, cable types, the quantity of links, or other tools connected to the network.
  3. You encounter a problematic network switch and it’s impossible to install the new out-of-band tool in your network using that switch.

These obstacles are not project-enders by any means, but they do introduce delays. Delays are costly and annoying. Good news! Network TAPs can help take the annoy out of deployment.

Network TAPs are plug-and-play devices that immediately start sending copies of network traffic to out-of-band tools like NDR, IDS, SIEM, Lawful Intercept, and DLP. Using a TAP to connect a new tool ensures the tool receives all of the required network traffic.

TAPs are a proven best practice for feeding packets to tools. SPAN ports can drop packets when oversubscribed, which prevents connected tools from delivering on their promise of performance.

Network TAPs come in a wide variety of types and specifications, so you can overcome unexpected network requirements ... without missing the holiday party. TAPs can be passive or active, and can breakout, aggregate, and regenerate traffic. They’re available in various media types including copper, fiber, SFP, SFP+. TAPs come in various speeds from 10/100/1000M all the way to 100G. Form factors include pocket-size portable, rack mount portable, 1U and 2U modular, and high-density chassis.

TAPs are easy to install and manage. They just need to be connected to the network via the correct media cable. Once turned on, they provide 24/7 access to all of the data at that link in the network. Certain types of TAPs can be configured via dip switches or a user-friendly GUI. SPAN ports on a switch require configuration. They can easily be misconfigured or even accidentally shut off. Alvin!

TAP-vs-SPAN

Should you encounter a snag in your deployment of a new NDR, IDS, SIEM, Lawful Intercept, or DLP don’t sweat it. The versatility and reliability of network TAPs can restart your delayed project, without additional surprises. Be prepared to share some details about your project to help identify the correct TAP solution quickly. For example:

  • Is using a SPAN port on a Switch a non-negotiable?
  • What is the network speed?
  • What is the media type and/or connector type?
  • Are there other out-of-band monitoring tools that require copies of network traffic?

An expert in network TAPs can guide you through the selection process to identify the correct the solution for your deployment.

Garland Technology has the largest portfolio of network TAPs in the industry. There are no license fees or hidden long-term commitments. The majority of our network TAPs are in-stock and ready to ship. Also, Garland Technology’s team of expert Engineers are available to discuss any deployment snags you encounter. Often a 15-minute conversation can get your install back on track, without breaking the budget.

Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle this holiday season. Connect with one of our expert Engineers to ensure your next IT network installation is smooth and snag-free. Join us for a brief network Design-IT evaluation or demo. No obligation - it’s what we love to do.

TAP vs SPAN

Written by Jason Drewniak

Jason Drewniak is the Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Garland Technology in the Buffalo, New York office. His experience building brands and delighting customers covers a variety of tech-forward products like computers, toys, and beer. At Garland he is responsible for educating network stakeholders about the "Garland Difference!"

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