A fiber optic TAP (Test Access Point) is a passive optical device that splits each signal into two outputs: one continues carrying the live network traffic, and the other delivers an exact optical copy to monitoring equipment such as network analyzers, packet brokers or security tools. Because the split is purely optical, monitoring sees 100% of the traffic without joining the network.
TAP MODULES
The Fibernet STAR MTP®-TAP modules are passive fiber optic TAPs (Test Access Points) built in the standard STAR module form factor. Each module contains optical splitters that divide every signal into two outputs – one carrying the live traffic, the other feeding your monitoring equipment – so network analyzers, packet brokers and security tools see a complete copy of the traffic without ever touching the live link.
Because the TAP lives inside your existing STAR ODF instead of a separate TAP chassis, the monitoring layer consumes zero additional rack space. Monitoring equipment connects on demand, and monitored ports can be changed without disrupting the live network – minimum downtime, maximum visibility. Being fully passive, the TAP requires no power and adds no point of failure to the link. The modules are available in three pre-terminated configurations: MTP® to 12 LC with rear TAP connection, MTP® to MTP® with rear TAP connection, and MTP® to MTP® with front TAP connection.
- Zero-footprint monitoring – fits all STAR ODF types (1U, 1U-FX, 2U, 4U), adding a monitoring layer without a dedicated TAP chassis or extra rack units
- Fully passive, no point of failure – optical splitters require no power; the live link keeps running even if monitoring equipment is disconnected or fails
- Monitor without disruption – connect monitoring equipment on demand and change monitored ports without interfering with live network traffic
- Four split ratios – 50:50, 70:30, 80:20 and 90:10 live/TAP coupling ratios match the TAP to your link budget and distance requirements
- Broad protocol support – 10G Ethernet, parallel optics up to 40G, and Fibre Channel up to 16G
- Every fiber factory-tested – all LC fibers and ports individually tested for insertion loss (IL) and return loss (RL), individually numbered for easy identification, with interferometer testing on each connector’s ferrule geometry
- Built-in laser safety – LC adapters include integrated shutters protecting technicians from invisible laser beams; connectors ship with dust caps
- Low-loss splitter technology – advanced multimode splitters preserve link budget for greater reachable distances
- All fiber types – bend-insensitive OM3, OM4 and OM5 multimode, and single-mode G.657.A2
The fiber optic TAP module shall be a passive, pre-terminated optical Test Access Point in a modular enclosure format. The TAP module shall meet the following requirements:
- Shall be a fully passive optical TAP requiring no electrical power
- Shall divide each optical signal into a live-traffic output and a monitoring output using fiber optic splitters
- Shall be mechanically compatible with all Fibernet STAR ODF enclosure types
- Shall be available in MTP® to 12 LC (rear TAP), MTP® to MTP® (rear TAP) and MTP® to MTP® (front TAP) pre-terminated configurations
- Shall be available in 50:50, 70:30, 80:20 and 90:10 live/TAP coupling ratios
- Shall support 10G Ethernet, parallel optics up to 40G, and Fibre Channel up to 16G
- Shall enable changes to monitored ports without disrupting the live network
- Shall provide MTP® connector insertion loss of 0.35 dB max (SM) / 0.3 dB max (MM) and LC insertion loss of 0.15 dB max
- Shall have all LC fibers and ports individually tested for insertion loss and return loss, and individually numbered
- Shall have interferometer testing performed on each connector’s ferrule geometry
- Shall provide LC adapters with built-in shutters for laser safety, and dust caps on all connectors
- Shall support bend-insensitive fibers: MM OM3 (IEC 60793-2-10 type A1a.2), OM4 (type A1a.3), OM5 (type A1a.4) and SM per ITU-T G.657.A2
- Shall operate at -10°C to +60°C
- Shall have dimensions of 180 x 98 x 12 mm (7″ x 3.9″ x 0.5″)
- Shall comply with IEEE 802.3ae, IEEE 802.3ba-2010, TELCORDIA GR-449-CORE, TIA-604-5 (MPO FOCIS 5), TIA-604-10 (LC FOCIS 10), TIA-568-C.3, TIA-942-A, ITU-T G.651, UL94 V-0 and RoHS
| Parameter | TAP 50/50 | TAP 70/30 |
|---|---|---|
| Coupling ratio (live/TAP) | 50:50 | 70:30 |
| Splitter loss live/TAP – SM 9 µm | 3.6 / 3.6 dB | 2.0 / 6.0 dB |
| Splitter loss live/TAP – OM4 50 µm | 3.8 / 3.8 dB | 1.8 / 6.6 dB |
| Splitter loss live/TAP – OM5 50 µm | 3.8 / 3.8 dB | 1.8 / 6.6 dB |
| MTP® connector insertion loss | 0.35 dB (SM) / 0.3 dB (MM) | |
| LC insertion loss | 0.15 dB | |
| Operating temperature | -10°C to +60°C | |
| Dimensions (D x W x H) | 180 x 98 x 12 mm (7″ x 3.9″ x 0.5″) | |
| Weight | 18 g (LC version) / 16 g (MTP version) | |
| Additional ratios | 80:20 and 90:10 available per ordering code | |
Build your part number: FSTAR-T [Fiber] [Adapter] [Ratio] [TAP location]
| Position | Options |
|---|---|
| Fiber type | G = OM3 BI | O = OM4 BI | W = OM5 BI | 7 = SM G.657.A2 BI |
| Adapter in front | LC = 12 LC | MT = MTP® |
| Split ratio (live:TAP) | 50 = 50:50 | 70 = 70:30 | 80 = 80:20 | 90 = 90:10 |
| TAP port location | (none) = Front | F = Rear |
Example: FSTAR-T-GLC70 = OM3 bend-insensitive, MTP® to 12 LC, 70:30 split ratio, front TAP port.