Network Packet Brokers (NPBs) have come a long way from their modest roots as data monitoring switches, though their intended application remains nearly the same. The NPB is still primarily used as a device to maximize the performance of monitoring and security tools. The NPB’s most important features remain unchanged, these includes, 1:1, 1:N, N:1, and N:N port mappings, full L2-L4 filtering options, and configurable load balancing options. In the pursuit of gaining a competitive advantage, vendors continue to add advanced features. This adds complexity in selecting the right product for your network. The key to selecting the right product is the understanding of each advanced feature and its alternatives. Looking at Deduplication, SSL/TLS decryption, and Netflow generation are a good place to start.
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