FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Network Instruments® Releases 10 Gigabit Optical Network TAP
New nTAP™ Provides Full-Duplex Data Delivery from 10 Gb Optical Links

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – June 29, 2005 – Network Instruments, the leading developer of network analysis, monitoring, and management solutions, announced today it has released a 10 gigabit optical network TAP (Test Access Port). The Single-Channel 10 Gb Optical nTAP is designed to support full-duplex data monitoring up to 20 Gbps.

“As consumers continue to demand higher bandwidth in data networks, the ability to manage that traffic is critical and becomes challenging,” said Pete Hage, director of nTAP sales for Network Instruments. “Part of the equation to successfully monitor the network requires a device that can transfer all of the data on a full-duplex link to the monitoring device. Our new 10 Gb nTAP provides that assurance regardless of traffic levels by transferring all data, including errors. That way you can be confident you are obtaining a realistic picture of the network.”

Optical nTAPs split the signal from the full-duplex connection between the network and the monitoring device. For networks that demand full-duplex gigabit analysis, TAPs are a preferred option when compared to SPAN ports or port mirroring. Unlike a SPAN port, a TAP cannot drop packets, will not affect switch performance, and the 10 Gb nTAP can assure up to 20 Gbps of data delivery to the analysis device.

“A SPAN or mirror port can deliver satisfactory results when used to monitor lightly-used, non-critical networks,” said Hage. “If usage exceeds 50 percent, however, the SPAN or mirror port’s bandwidth will be insufficient to keep up with the traffic. The result is packet loss—which invalidates analysis, and makes monitoring for certain kinds of network activity impossible. For example, you might miss a virus signature because packets are being dropped. On the other hand, TAPs never drop packets, regardless of bandwidth saturation.”

The new 10 Gb optical nTAP is the latest addition to the nTAP product line, which Network Instruments launched earlier this year. nTAPs are passive, full-duplex devices that provide complete visibility into network links regardless of traffic levels. The nTAP product line works with all leading security and network management tools, including the award-winning Network Instruments Observer® product family. nTAPs are also transparent—preventing them from being the target of a hack or virus attack and allowing network administrators to monitor critical links without data stream interference.

The 10 Gb nTAP is available in a single-channel form factor, is configured for multimode and SC-type connections, and comes in a variety of split ratios for $595.00. The 10 Gb nTAP is available now with free overnight delivery on U.S. orders confirmed before 12 p.m. Central Time at www.networkTAPs.com.

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About nTAP
The nTAP product line is engineered and manufactured by Network Instruments, LLC, the industry-leading developer of distributed, user-friendly and affordable network management, analysis, and troubleshooting solutions. nTAPs provide 100 percent guaranteed data delivery for monitoring full-duplex networks up to 10 gigabit speed. Founded in 1994, Network Instruments is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota with offices in London, Munich, Paris, Toronto, and multiple cities throughout the United States with distributors in over 50 countries. More information about the company, products, innovation, technology, NI-DNA, becoming a partner, and NI University can be found at www.networkinstruments.com. For nTAP product descriptions, configuration options, and pricing, go to www.networkTAPs.com.