nTap, Optical LC 1Channel, MM,
62.5 Fiber, 50/50 Split Ratio nTap

The TO1-M6-LC-55-K is a single-channel optical network test access point (nTAP),
manufactured originally for Network Instruments, LLC, now part of VIAVI Solutions.
Designed to passively monitor net traffic, (taps into network without disrupting data flow).

It is NOT being sold as a network spy device. Buyer is responsible for proper legal use.
Click here to reveal online purchase price options and discounts.

This particular model is tailored for multimode fiber systems with a core diameter of 62.5 microns and utilizes LC connectors. It offers a 50/50 split ratio, meaning it divides the optical signal equally between the primary and monitoring paths.

Integrating use of the nTAP:

• Analyze captured data/traffic from nTAP via computer or laptop over Ethernet, (via nTAP direct), or monitor port via your data monitoring system.
• Once the data is being monitored, you can use many tools to analyze traffic.

Key Features:

• Single-Channel Design:
  Captures traffic from one network channel for monitoring purposes.
  
  
• Multimode Fiber Compatibility:
  Optimized for multimode fiber networks with a 62.5µm core diameter.
• LC Connectors: Equipped with LC connectors for secure and reliable connections.
• 50/50 Split Ratio: Equally divides the optical signal between the monitoring and primary paths, ensuring balanced signal strength.

This nTAP is particularly useful in network environments to monitor and analyze optical signals essential for performance assessment, troubleshooting, and ensuring network integrity. By implementing the TO1-M6-LC-55-K, network administrators gain insights into network traffic without introducing significant attenuation or disruption to data flow.

nTAP FAQs

Q: Does an nTAP require power?

A: No, Optical nTAPs require no power to operate. Only Copper nTAPs require power to copy the data stream and send it to the monitoring device. However, the data stream continues to pass through the nTAP to the network even if power fails.

Q: Can I use a full-duplex nTAP to provide visibility into a half-duplex connection?

A: Yes, if your monitor device is equipped with a dual-receive capture card.

An nTAP sends copies of the TX and RX of a half-duplex signal out through separate “send” ports to the monitoring device. If your monitoring device is equipped with a dual-receive capture card, you will be able to view both streams of data. However, if your monitoring device is equipped with only one receive port, it will only be able to view one stream of data at a time.

Q: The NIC in my analysis device has a single “receive” port. Will I get visibility into a full-duplex connection with an nTAP?

A: Yes, but you will only be able to view one side of the full-duplex link at a time. This is not recommended. An nTAP sends copies of the TX and RX of a full-duplex signal out through separate “send” ports to the monitoring device. If your monitoring device is equipped with a dual-receive capture card, you will be able to view both streams of data. However, if your monitoring device is equipped with only one receive port, it will only be able to view one stream of data. To view the entire full-duplex stream for analysis, the monitoring device should have two receive ports and the ability to aggregate TX and RX into a single stream.

Q: What split ratio do I need when deploying an optical nTAP?

A: If all devices between the connections are within 30 meters of the nTAP, a 50/50 split ratio is ideal. While we recommend that you always test the strength of your optical signal with a meter, for longer hauls, it may be necessary to choose a split ratio that diverts more of the signal to the distant device.

Q: Can I use standard cables with my nTAP?

A:Yes.

To connect a monitoring device to an optical nTAP:
Split a duplex cable (or use two simplex cables) and connect one end of each of those sides of the cable to the “send” ports on the nTAP, and the other end of each of those sides of the cable to the “receive” ports on the monitoring device’s NIC. We also offer a convenient analyzer (or splitter) cable to ensure this connection can be made without error.

To connect a monitoring device to an optical nTAP:
Use standard straight-through RJ45 Ethernet cables.

Q: Do nTAPs comply with European standards?

A: Yes. All copper nTAPs are CE certified to meet European standards for RF emissions. Optical nTAPs do not require RF certification because they are not electronic devices.

Q: What is an SFP module?

A: For flexibility in link access, some nTAPs include SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable) technology. SFPs are hot-swappable modules that can access different media types (Optical SX, LX, ZX, and Copper TX) and support varying data rates (10/100/1000). The Copper to Optical Conversion nTAP supports SFP technology, so the modules can be swapped out depending on the analyzer’s interface. For example, if a conversion nTAP currently has an SX SFP for the analyzer connection, and the analyzer has an LX interface, the current SX-based SFP can be swapped out with an LX SFP.

Q: What is the connector type in the SFP modules?

A: Optical SFPs (SX, LX, or ZX) have LC connectors; copper SFPs have RJ-45.

Q: What is the difference between single-mode (SM) and multimode (MM) cable?

A: Single-mode (SM) and Multimode (MM) cables differ by which wavelengths of light they are optimized for and the number of light signals they support. MM fiber is the most common cable and supports multiple light signals at various wavelengths simultaneously. The fiber core comes in 62.5 or 50 microns. SM fiber has a much smaller core (≈ 9 microns) and can only support a single wavelength of light signal. Because the SM cable has a smaller core and supports only one signal, there is less attenuation and data can travel longer distances.

Q: What do the labels SX and LX signify?

A: SX is the IEEE 802.3z standard for Gigabit Ethernet over short distances for multimode fiber cable. LX is the IEEE 802.3z standard for Gigabit Ethernet over longer distances for single-mode fiber cable.

Q: What is signal attenuation and how much attenuation does an nTAP cause?

A: Attenuation is the reduction of signal strength during transmission. Greater signal loss equals higher attenuation. A signal can lose intensity, or experience increased attenuation, with each surface or medium it traverses. All devices inserted into an optical link, one side effect of TAP usage is signal attenuation.
An nTAP attenuates the signal for two reasons:

1. Internal TAP cables & connections absorb & refract a portion of the signal.
   
2. A portion of the signal strength is “siphoned off” and sent to the analyzer. How much strength is redirected for analysis depends on the split ratio.

An optical split ratio must be designated for each optical TAP. In most cases, a 50/50 split ratio is ideal, providing sufficient light to the network and to the monitoring device. However, there may be special cases that require an alternative ratio in order to meet signal power needs. For example, if a TAP is cabled close to the analyzer NIC (network interface card), and the link under test requires a long cable run, you may want to provide more power back to the network than the monitoring device. However, it may be more appropriate to implement a repeater on that segment. If you do choose an alternate ratio, keep in mind that the signal has to be strong enough for it to be interpreted at the destination. The table below shows an example of attenuation caused by a TAP at different split ratios. The rate of TAP attenuation can vary by TAP manufacturer.

Maximum insertion loss per split ratio

	Multimode 62.5μm		Multimode 50μm		Single-mode 9μm
	1300nm	850nm	1300nm	850nm	1310nm
50/50	3.9/3.9	4.7/4.7	4.5/4.5	5.5/5.5	3.6/3.6
60/40	3.0/5.0	3.8/5.7	3.7/5.6	4.7/6.6	2.8/4.8
70/30	2.3/6.3	3.0/7.0	2.9/7.0	3.9/8.0	2.0/6.1
80/20	1.7/8.3	2.4/9.0	2.3/9.0	3.2/10.0	1.3/8.0
90/10	1.2/12	1.9/12.5	1.8/12.8	2.7/13.5	.8/12.0

 

Q: What open-source sniffer software tools can be used with the
TO1-M6-LC-55-K optical network test access point (nTAP)?