A network tap device that is configured for operation in a copper Gigabit Ethernet communications network using a power-over-Ethernet (“POE”) electrical supply is disclosed. In one embodiment, a network tap device powered by a POE supply is disclosed, comprising first and second network ports that are configured with receptacles for receiving communication cables. The communication cables are configured to carry both data signals and the POE supply to and from the network tap device. The network tap device further includes first and second tap ports that connect with additional communication cables to a monitoring device. The network tap device also includes control and regulation circuitry that is configured to receive the POE supply from the communication cables via the network ports and to enable components of the network tap device to be operated by the POE supply.

Network tap device powered by power over ethernet

A system and method for observing and controlling a programmable network via higher layer attributes is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the system includes one or more collectors, a network manager, and a programmable network element. The one or more collectors are configured to receive network traffic data from a plurality of network elements and extract metadata from the network traffic data. The network manager is configured to receive metadata from the one or more collectors. The network manager identifies a network control objective for the network, identifies a programmable parameter of the programmable network element to achieve the network control objective, and programs the programmable network element. The network manager further determines whether the network control objective is met after programming the programmable network element and applies a control loop based on the network control objective to program the programmable network element.

A system and method for observing and controlling a programmable network using a remote network manager

A network tap device array capable of being powered by a power-over Ethernet (“POE”) supply is disclosed. The array enables data from multiple nodes in a communications network to be tapped and forwarded to a plurality of monitoring devices. In one embodiment the network tap device array includes a chassis that is configured to receive a plurality of network tap devices that are each powered by a POE supply. Each network tap device includes network ports for receiving and transmitting network data via communication cables and tap ports for forwarding the tapped network data to the monitoring device. In another embodiment, a sub-chassis includes a plurality of network tap devices and an aggregator that aggregates tapped data from each of the tap devices. The aggregator then forwards the aggregated data to the monitoring device. The sub-chassis can be included in a chassis that is configured to receive multiple populated chassis.

Network tap/aggregator configured for power over ethernet operation

An active response network tap for use in monitoring a network comprises a first device interface terminal, a second device interface terminal, a first monitor interface terminal, and a second monitor interface terminal. A tap structure is coupled to the first device interface terminal, second device interface terminal, first monitor interface terminal and second monitor interface terminal. A memory is coupled to the tap structure and configured to store data. In one aspect, the tap structure is configured to communicate full-duplex traffic between the tap structure and a monitor device coupled to a monitor interface terminal. In another aspect, the tap structure is configured to insert data from a monitor coupled to the first monitor interface into the traffic between the first device and the second device. Advantages of the invention include the ability to provide monitor access to a network while also supporting communication with other network devices.

Active response communications network tap

A network traffic analyzing device accurately analyzes traffic of a communications network. The traffic analysis device includes a real time statistic information setting/managing unit for collecting information regarding communication data between a primary network and an access network from a traffic collecting device in real time. The device also includes a real time statistic information monitoring unit, an alert condition setting unit for alerting one or more conditions regarding the information collected from the traffic collecting device in real time, and an alert managing/notifying unit for generating an alert regarding traffic between the network and the access network based upon one or more alert conditions.

Network traffic analyzing device, network traffic analyzing method and network traffic analyzing system

Intelligent network tap port aggregators for use in monitoring a network and methods for use therein are presented including: a number of device interface terminals for receiving network feeds; a tap structure coupled with device interface terminals, the tap structure configured to monitor the second network feeds and to aggregate the network feeds into an aggregated network feed; a monitor interface terminal coupled to the tap structure for providing the aggregated network feed to a network monitor; and a display coupled to the tap structure and configured to display selected network parameters corresponding to the network feeds. In some embodiments, the intelligent network tap port aggregator also includes: a network controller coupled with the tap structure for providing communication between the tap structure and a number of managing devices; and a managing device interface coupled with the network controller for providing Internet access to the network controller.

Intelligent communications network tap port aggregator

A network tap port aggregator for use in monitoring a network is provided. The network tap port aggregator includes a first device interface terminal for receiving a first network feed. The network tap port aggregator also includes a second device interface terminal for receiving a second network feed. The network tap port aggregator further includes a circuitry coupled with the first device interface terminal and with the second device interface terminal, the circuitry configured to monitor the first network feed and the second network feed and to aggregate the first network feed and the second network feed into an aggregated network feed. The network tap port aggregator yet also includes a first monitor interface terminal coupled to the circuitry for providing the aggregated network feed to a first network monitor that is external to the network tap port aggregator.

Bob Shaw

Papers

Intelligent communications network tap port aggregator

Intellegent communications network tap port aggregator and methods thereof