Eaton Tripp Lite Series Fiber TAP Cassette - Singlemode, 4x Duplex LC, 70/30 Split

Experience reliable, non-intrusive network visibility with the Eaton Tripp Lite N482TAP-4SM73LC Fiber Tap Cassette. This singlemode TAP (traffic access point) cassette is designed for data centers, campuses, and enterprise networks where continuous monitoring is essential without compromising live traffic. With a precise 70/30 split and four duplex LC paths, it helps you capture accurate traffic data for performance analysis, security monitoring, and threat detection while preserving full-throughput operation for production links. Built to withstand rigorous rack deployments, this passive TAP cassette integrates seamlessly into modular fiber architectures, enabling efficient, scalable network monitoring for complex environments.

• Real-time, non-intrusive traffic visibility: The TAP operates passively, meaning it does not require power or actively alter the signal. It splits a portion of the optical signal to a monitoring tool while maintaining a clean, uninterrupted pass-through for the production link. This reduces the risk of network downtime during monitoring deployments and supports continuous data collection for performance analysis, anomaly detection, and security monitoring across mission-critical applications.
• Precise 70/30 split for accurate analytics: Engineered for accurate traffic capture, this cassette delivers a 70%/30% division that prioritizes essential monitoring data while preserving the majority of the original signal for the primary link. The 70/30 configuration enables security tools, IDS/IPS, NetFlow equivalents, and deep packet inspection systems to analyze representative traffic without overwhelming the monitoring interface, ensuring meaningful insights without sacrificing live operations.
• Singlemode fidelity with four duplex LC paths: Designed for singlemode networks, the N482TAP-4SM73LC provides four duplex LC connections to accommodate multiple monitoring streams or different monitoring devices. This configuration supports parallel traffic analysis, enabling you to route diverse data sets to separate analyzers, storage appliances, or SIEM systems for comprehensive telemetry and threat hunting across multiple fiber branches.
• Compact, rack-friendly design for scalable deployments: Built to complement standard data center racks and modular fiber enclosures, the TAP cassette offers a compact footprint that simplifies cabling and maintenance. Its robust construction and standardized LC interfaces promote quick upgrades and expansion as your monitoring needs evolve, helping you scale visibility without reworking your entire fiber topology.
• Versatile, plug-and-play utility with security-oriented benefits: By enabling passive monitoring without disrupting live traffic, this TAP cassette supports a wide range of monitoring strategies—from performance optimization and capacity planning to security threat detection and network forensics. The 4x duplex LC design gives you flexibility to route multiple data streams to separate security sensors, ensuring thorough coverage of critical segments and faster incident response times.

Technical Details of Eaton Tripp Lite Series Fiber TAP Cassette - Singlemode, 4x Duplex LC, 70/30 Split

• Model: N482TAP-4SM73LC
• Type: Passive fiber TAP cassette (traffic access point)
• Split ratio: 70/30 (monitoring port to production port distribution)
• Fiber type: Singlemode
• Connectors: 4x duplex LC (monitoring and pass-through paths)
• Configuration: 4 TAP paths to support multiple monitoring streams
• Mounting: Designed for compatibility with standard fiber enclosures and data-center racks
• Material and build: Rugged, rack-ready housing built to handle dense data-center environments

How to install Eaton Tripp Lite Series Fiber TAP Cassette

• Plan your fiber topology: Identify the segment where monitoring is required and confirm the fiber type (singlemode) and LC connector compatibility with your switch, analyzer, or monitoring device. Ensure you have the appropriate patch cables and adapters for a clean integration.
• Power down or prepare the live link as required by your organization’s change control policy. Since this TAP is passive, it does not require power, but standard safety procedures should still be followed when accessing live fiber systems.
• Insert the TAP cassette inline with the production fiber path: carefully align the fiber pairs and connect the in-line fibers to the TAP’s appropriate ports. Use proper fiber handling tools to avoid micro-bends and contamination. Ensure the 70/30 split ports are connected as intended for monitoring and production streams.
• Connect monitoring devices to the TAP: attach the monitoring equipment or analyzers to the TAP ports designated for monitoring. Verify that the LC connections are secure and that the cables are organized to minimize crosstalk and mechanical strain.
• Label and document the configuration: clearly label all fiber paths, including production and monitoring lines, to facilitate future maintenance and troubleshooting. Document the split ratio, port assignments, and device targets to support quick incident response and audits.
• Test the deployment: use a light source and optical power meter or a real-time monitoring tool to verify signal integrity on both the production path and the monitoring path. Confirm that the 70/30 split is delivering expected data volumes and that monitoring devices receive sufficient traffic for analysis.
• Finalize integration: once validated, secure all cables and close any chassis doors or enclosures. Establish a change log entry and update network diagrams to reflect the TAP cassette placement and monitoring configuration for ongoing operations and future expansions.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the purpose of a fiber TAP cassette like the Eaton N482TAP-4SM73LC? It provides a passive, non-intrusive method to capture traffic for monitoring, analysis, and security tooling without interrupting live network operation. It enables data centers to gather telemetry, investigate performance issues, and detect threats with dedicated monitoring paths.
• What does a 70/30 split mean in practice? A 70/30 split means 70% of the optical signal is directed to the monitoring path while 30% continues on the production path. This balance is intended to provide adequate data for analytics without excessively degrading the primary link’s signal quality.
• How many monitoring streams can I route with this TAP? The cartridge supports four duplex LC ports, allowing multiple monitoring streams or sensors to be connected simultaneously, enabling parallel analysis from different tools or segments of the network.
• Is this TAP compatible with non-Tripp Lite enclosures or only Eaton/Tripp Lite systems? It is designed for compatibility with standard modular fiber enclosures and data-center infrastructure. Always confirm enclosure compatibility and fiber interface requirements with your specific chassis and management system before deployment.
• Do TAPs require power or active components? No. TAPs are passive devices; they do not require power and do not amplify or regenerate signals. They simply split a portion of light for monitoring while preserving the primary traffic through the channel.
• What maintenance considerations exist for TAPs? Keep connectors clean, avoid bending fibers beyond recommended radii, and label cables clearly. Periodically inspect for contamination or loose connections and verify that monitoring devices remain properly calibrated to ensure accurate analytics.