Span vs. Tap

Attribute	Span	Tap
Definition	A section of text or a document	To strike lightly
Usage	Commonly used in typography and layout design	Commonly used in music and technology
Meaning	To extend over an area or period of time	To touch something quickly and lightly
Examples	"The span of the bridge was impressive."	"She tapped her foot to the beat of the music."

Introduction

Span and Tap are two popular tools used in the field of network monitoring. Both serve the purpose of capturing and analyzing network traffic, but they have distinct differences in terms of their attributes and functionalities. In this article, we will compare the attributes of Span and Tap to help you understand which tool may be more suitable for your specific needs.

Functionality

Span, short for Switched Port Analyzer, is a feature found in network switches that allows you to mirror traffic from one or more ports to another port for monitoring purposes. This means that Span copies the traffic passing through the specified ports and sends it to a monitoring device for analysis. On the other hand, Tap, short for Test Access Point, is a physical device that sits between network devices and passively copies all traffic flowing through the network without affecting the original data flow.

Deployment

Span is typically deployed within the network infrastructure itself, making it a more cost-effective solution compared to Tap. Since Span is a feature of network switches, it does not require additional hardware to function. However, Tap requires dedicated hardware devices to be installed in the network, which can be more expensive and complex to deploy. Additionally, Tap may introduce additional points of failure in the network due to the physical presence of the devices.

Visibility

When it comes to visibility into network traffic, Tap provides a more comprehensive view compared to Span. Tap devices capture all traffic passing through the network, including layer 1 and layer 2 information, without any packet loss. This level of visibility is crucial for monitoring and analyzing network performance, security, and troubleshooting issues. On the other hand, Span may have limitations in terms of the types of traffic that can be mirrored and the potential for packet loss during high traffic volumes.

Security

From a security standpoint, Tap is considered more secure than Span. Since Tap operates passively and does not interfere with the original data flow, it is less susceptible to detection or manipulation by malicious actors. Tap devices are also less vulnerable to attacks compared to Span, which relies on the switch's configuration for traffic mirroring. In a high-security environment, Tap may be preferred over Span to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of network traffic.

Scalability

When it comes to scalability, Span may have limitations compared to Tap. Span is typically limited by the number of ports that can be mirrored on a switch, which may restrict the amount of traffic that can be monitored. In contrast, Tap devices can be deployed at multiple points in the network to capture traffic from various locations simultaneously, making them more scalable for larger networks. Tap also allows for more flexibility in monitoring specific segments of the network without impacting the overall traffic flow.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Span and Tap are both valuable tools for network monitoring, each with its own set of attributes and functionalities. Span is a cost-effective solution that is integrated into network switches, while Tap provides comprehensive visibility and security for monitoring network traffic. The choice between Span and Tap ultimately depends on your specific requirements, budget, and security considerations. By understanding the differences between Span and Tap, you can make an informed decision on which tool is best suited for your network monitoring needs.