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SPAN vs TAP

Introduction

To be able to start forwarding events an agent must be deployed on a SPAN port or a network TAP. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

  • A SPAN port (Switch Port Analyzer), is a feature provided by most managed switches allowing a device to be plugged into a special port where traffic is mirrored from the other switch ports.

  • A network TAP (Test Access Point) a dedicated device that transmit both the send and receive data streams simultaneously on separate channels. They are deployed in-line and are a single point of failure. Be careful when choosing a network tap!

Pros and Cons

Span Ports

  • Available on almost all managed switches
  • Does not sit inline, if the span port fails, it will not disrupt network connectivity.
  • Remotely configurable

Network Taps

  • A high quality tap typically handles much better under high traffic load (will not drop packets.)
  • Court admissible and provides forensically sound data/evidence.
  • Have no IP address and no MAC address and are not vulnerable to conventional network attacks.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, network TAPs usually emerge as the best option, but SPAN ports are a very reasonable alternative if you expect low-medium levels of traffic or do not care especially about dropped packets.