Description
Cubro Network Visibility OptoSlim Network Tapping Device
The Cubro OptoSlim LC TAP Series delivers crucial network visibility with real-time access to a physical optical data link, all while guaranteeing zero performance degradation or disruption to the live traffic. Built for modern data centers, enterprise networks, and carrier environments, these taps are designed to be fully passive, meaning no power supply is required and there are no active electronics in the signal path. That makes them inherently reliable and safe to place inline on active links, dramatically reducing the risk of downtime or packet loss while enabling seamless monitoring, troubleshooting, and security analysis. Whether you’re deploying network performance monitoring, IDS/IPS systems, packet brokers, or traffic analytics platforms, the OptoSlim LC TAP Series provides a compact, high-density solution that preserves signal integrity and preserves your network’s throughput. By delivering a precise optical split to a monitoring port, Cubro helps IT teams gain visibility into every moment of data flow without compromising the reliability of critical links.
- Real-time visibility with zero impact on live traffic: The OptoSlim LC TAP Series splits a tiny portion of the optical signal to a dedicated monitoring port, enabling continuous, real-time capture for analysis tools while keeping the primary data path pristine and uninterrupted.
- Fully passive, power-free design: Since the TAP is entirely passive, there are no power supplies, no heat, and no potential power-related failures in the signal path. Place it inline on active links with confidence, knowing it introduces no additional latency or interference.
- Compact, high-density LC footprint: Engineered for dense data-center environments, these LC-tap modules offer a slim profile and robust construction that fit neatly into standard patch panels and chassis, supporting scalable visibility as networks grow.
- Safe inline operation with excellent isolation: The TAP preserves the integrity of the original link while providing a clean monitoring port with sufficient isolation to ensure monitoring devices can analyze traffic without perturbing the data stream or triggering alarms.
- Flexible monitoring integration and compatibility: Designed to work with a wide range of monitoring and analytics solutions, the OptoSlim LC TAP Series supports multi-rate optical links and is suitable for a variety of wavelengths and fiber types typically found in enterprise, data-center, and service-provider networks.
Technical Details of Cubro OPTOSLIM LC TAP Series
- Product family: OPTOSLIM LC TAP Series, an optical tap designed for network visibility on LC fiber links
- Operation mode: Fully passive tapping (no electrical power required), with no modification to the primary signal path
- Connector type: LC optical connectors for single-mode fiber paths, enabling compact deployment in standard fiber architectures
- Monitoring port: Dedicated tap output to connect monitoring devices, analyzers, or packet brokers without affecting the live link
- Insertion characteristics: Low impact on through-path signal integrity; designed to minimize insertion loss on the active data path while providing a stable monitoring sample
- Physical construction: Rugged, rack- or panel-mountable form factor suitable for data-center environments and field deployments
- Environmental considerations: Built to operate within typical data-center temperature and humidity ranges, with materials chosen for reliability in network infrastructure settings
how to install Cubro OPTOSLIM LC TAP Series
Installing the OptoSlim LC TAP is a straightforward, non-disruptive process that preserves existing network performance while enabling full visibility. Follow these guidelines to ensure a clean, reliable deployment:
First, plan the tap location by identifying the segment of the optical link where visibility is required. The TAP should be placed inline on the fiber path between network devices, with the monitoring port accessible to your data-analysis or security equipment. Confirm the fiber type (single-mode typically used in enterprise and data-center networks) and ensure you have compatible LC connectors for both the main link and the monitoring path. If your environment requires hot-swappable or easily replaceable components, consider labeling and documenting the TAP’s position within the patching scheme to simplify future maintenance.
Next, prepare the link by ensuring the fiber ends are clean and undamaged. Handle connectors with care to avoid contamination that could degrade signal quality. Attach the TAP in the correct orientation so that the through-path fiber continues uninterrupted from the source toward the destination. The optical tap is designed to be inserted in-line without tools that would disrupt the active connection; you simply align the LC connectors, click them into place, and secure them as per your rack or panel configuration. The monitoring port is then connected to your traffic analysis device, packet broker, or NIC-based visibility tool using the appropriate optical interface on the monitoring side.
After installation, perform a basic verification to ensure the live link remains stable. Check the link status on the network devices and verify that the monitoring device is receiving traffic through its optical input. Because the TAP is passive, there is no power-up sequence required, and under normal conditions, there should be no noticeable impact on latency, jitter, or error rates. If your monitoring device has diagnostics or error counters, review them to confirm that traffic is being replicated properly and that there are no faults introduced by the TAP installation. Finally, document the TAP’s location, port assignments, and monitoring objectives for future audits and troubleshooting.
Maintenance is minimal for this type of device. Periodic inspection of fiber cleanliness and connector integrity is recommended, especially in high-traffic or dusty environments. If you need to remove or relocate the TAP, simply disconnect the monitoring cable from the TAP port and then gently disengage the LC connectors from the main and monitoring paths. Reinsert into the new location with the same careful handling, ensuring the alignment and seating are secure to maintain signal integrity. The passive design means there are no configuration changes or firmware updates required, and the device remains ready for immediate operation after installation.
Frequently asked questions
- Q: Is the OptoSlim LC TAP Series truly passive? A: Yes. It is a fully passive optical tap with no power supply needed, ensuring zero power-related risk in the signal path and no additional heat generation in the rack.
- Q: Will installing a TAP affect my network performance? A: No. The unit is designed to be inserted inline without introducing additional latency or jitter to the primary data link, preserving throughput and reliability.
- Q: What kind of monitoring devices can connect to the TAP? A: The TAP provides a dedicated monitoring port suitable for a wide range of visibility tools, packet brokers, and traffic analyzers. Any device with the appropriate optical input compatible with the LC interface can be used.
- Q: Can the TAP be used on active links? A: Yes. The passive design makes it suitable for inline deployments on active links in data centers, campuses, and enterprise networks without downtime for installation.
- Q: Are there any environmental or operating limits? A: The device is built for typical data-center environments, with standard temperature and humidity ranges. For extreme environments, verify compatibility with your specific conditions before deployment.
- Q: Do I need to configure anything after installation? A: No configuration is required. The TAP is plug-and-play, delivering a mirrored optical sample to the monitoring port immediately after installation.
- Q: How does this help with security and performance monitoring? A: By providing real-time visibility into live traffic, security teams can observe anomalies, intrusions, and suspicious patterns, while performance teams can verify link health, measure utilization, and troubleshoot bottlenecks without impacting the network.
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