FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NETWORK INSTRUMENTS LAUNCHES NETWORK TAPS FOR FULL-DUPLEX NETWORKS

nTAPs meet network administrators’ demand by guaranteeing high-volume data transfer to monitoring and analysis devices without compromising link performance

March 7, 2005 - Minneapolis, MN – Network Instruments, the leading developer of network analysis, monitoring and management solutions, today announced an entirely new product line of hardware network Test Access Ports (nTAPs). The decision to develop and market nTAPs is in response to the increasing demand for accurate analysis of full-duplex gigabit networks.

nTAPs are essential hardware components that guarantee high-volume data transfer to monitoring and analysis devices without compromising link performance. nTAPs are installed between a switch and a network device to provide a copy of the full-duplex data stream to an analysis appliance. nTAPs do not affect traffic or the existing link. Unlike a SPAN port or port mirror mechanisms within a switch, the nTAP™ cannot drop packets nor does it affect switch performance.

“Analyzing high-speed networks without TAPs in place provides an inaccurate picture of the network,” said Douglas Smith, president of Network Instruments. “The world is moving to gigabit networks, which of course are faster, but they are also full-duplex. When your total aggregate link utilization exceeds 1,000 megabits per second, switch SPAN ports can no longer pass all the data to an analyzer, and you must use a TAP to ensure high-volume data capture. Another key advantage nTAPs have over SPAN ports is the ability to pass errors through from the physical layer.”

nTAPs are available in a variety of options for copper and optical fiber connections. Most notably, Network Instruments has created two unique models – the 10/100/1000 Copper nTAP and the 10/100/1000 Copper to Optical Conversion nTAP, which uses SFP-based technology.

“We’ve engineered two distinct configurations for greater flexibility,” said Paul Georgeson, head of hardware engineering at Network Instruments. “The 10/100/1000 Copper nTAP can monitor full-duplex up to gigabit speeds in one convenient device. The Conversion nTAP offers a choice in analysis outputs and is ideal for networks using either copper or optical analysis connections. Conversion nTAPs use SFP modules to convert data from a copper link to an SX, LX, or ZX optical fiber analysis interface.”

nTAPs integrate seamlessly with Network Instruments complete line of full-duplex analyzers. In addition, nTAPs are compatible with all third-party network analyzers, IDS, forensic, and probe appliances.  

“It was important to bring that technology and development in-house to ensure TAP availability, quality and performance for our customer” he said. “The new nTAPs support the company’s vision to offer end-to-end network management solutions, and are included as part of our enterprise-wide deployment scenario. However, not only do our nTAPs integrate seamlessly with our own product line, but they are also flexible enough to be deployed with legacy equipment.

Illinois-based data communications provider, Resource Communications, is a technical partner that works with many customers currently using TAPs. Bob Cook, vice president of test sales at Resource Communications, said he is pleased with Network Instrument’s new nTAP line for several reasons.

“nTAPs bring three dynamics to the table: cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and innovation,” said Cook. “The new GigE Copper TAP provides the ability to monitor a GigE copper link with an analyzer equipped with TX, SX, LX or ZX; all with the same TAP. This was not available previously from any TAP vendor.”

For fast and efficient delivery of nTAP products, Network Instruments has launched an e-commerce website at www.networkTAPs.com that offers complete product specifications, deployment illustrations and a configuration wizard to help network administrators choose the right nTAP that best fits their network architecture.

Copper nTAPs start at $395 with the 10/100/100 conversion Copper to Optical nTAP at $1,995. Optical nTAPs also start at $395 with additional rack mount units available to support higher port densities.

All U.S. orders over $300 placed via www.networkTAPs.com and confirmed before 12 p.m. Central Time include free overnight delivery. In addition, when a Network Instruments 10/100 Full-Duplex Probe, GigaTrunk™ Probe, GigaStor™ Probe or a Gigabit Probe is purchased, an nTAP will be provided at no additional cost. For more information go to www.networkTAPs.com or call (877) BUY-nTAP.

About nTAP
nTAPs were created 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 gigabit networks. All Network Instruments products are designed utilizing a Distributed Network Analysis (NI-DNA™) architecture. With NI-DNA, nTAPs work in conjunction with other products to ensure optimal network troubleshooting and management, network and application performance, and scales to meet the needs of any organization. Founded in 1994, Network Instruments is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota with offices in London, 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.