Did You Know? Choosing the Right Network TAP for 100G Ethernet
Introduction
The Ethernet market is continually & rapidly evolving, driven by higher speeds, increased data center demands, evolving traffic profiles, increased services and the need for better network visibility.
Did you know? In 2025, over 80% of data center fiber optic transceivers are already operating at 100G Ethernet, with 400G growing from 16% to 30% between now and 2028. Since 2014, industry revenue has grown by 21%—reaching nearly $1.4 billion.
With network cards and devices supporting 100G speeds becoming more affordable, IT managers and data center architects are upgrading their infrastructure to keep up. Higher bandwidth helps solve network congestion, latency issues, and performance bottlenecks, but choosing the right monitoring and security tools is just as important.
So, how do you ensure seamless visibility and security while upgrading to 100G and beyond?
The Importance of Network TAPs in 100G Environments
Upgrading to 100G Ethernet requires careful consideration of:
• New transceivers
• Cabling infrastructure
• Monitoring & security tools
One crucial decision is whether existing 1G, 10G, or 40G TAPs and fiber can be reused or if a new 100G TAP solution is needed.
Traditional SPAN ports may have been sufficient for 10 Mbps or 1G networks, but at 100G speeds, they introduce limitations like:
• Dropped packets due to buffer overloads.
• Limited scalability as network speeds increase.
• Reduced visibility impacting real-time security monitoring.
For high-speed networks beyond 1G, Network TAPs offer superior performance and accuracy.
Understanding Fiber Optics for 100G Networks
Single-Mode vs. Multi-Mode Fiber
Did you know? The difference between single-mode (SM) and multi-mode (MM) fiber impacts performance, cable length and cost.
Single-Mode Fiber (SM)
• Uses a single light mode for long-distance transmission.
• Best for carrier networks and connections up to 40 km.
Multi-Mode Fiber (MM)
• Transmits multiple light modes, suited for shorter distances.
• Commonly used in data centers, enterprises, and local area networks (LANs).
Due to higher dispersion and attenuation, multi-mode fibers degrade signal quality over long distances but tend to be lower cost and transceivers are lower power and cost.
100G Ethernet Standards & Cabling Requirements
Initial 100G standards were an evolution of 1G and 10G, which typically use two fibers (one for Tx and one for Rx), 100G required multiple fibers per direction to achieve the necessary speed. As the technology evolved and improved this no longer was required and new 100Base-SR was introduced to align with earlier single fiber operation.
Key 100G Transmission Modes:
• 100Base-SR – Uses a Single Lane of 100G, requiring standard SM/MM LC cabling.
• 100GBASE-SR4 – Uses 4 lanes of 25G, requiring MTP/MPO-12 cabling.
• 100GBASE-SR10 – Uses 10 lanes of 10G, requiring MTP/MPO-24 cabling.
Since some 100G multimode optics use multi-lane transmission, they require MTP/MPO cables with 8, 12, or 24 fibers per interface. The choice of fiber type also affects bandwidth, with standards like OM3, OM4, and OM5 supporting different transmission rates and distances.
Network TAPs vs. SPAN Ports: Why TAPs Are Essential for 100G
Network TAPs are passive, hardware-based devices that mirror traffic without affecting the live network. They provide real-time, lossless visibility into network activity, making them ideal for monitoring, security, and troubleshooting.
Key Differences Between TAPs & SPAN Ports:
At 100G speeds, TAPs ensure continuous, real-time monitoring without introducing latency or missing critical data.
How to Choose the Right 100G TAP for Your Network
Not all TAPs are created equal. Choosing the right 100G Network TAP requires considering:
1. Ethernet Standard & Transceiver Type
• Is your network using 100GBASE-SR, SR4 or SR10?
• Do you need single-mode or multi-mode fiber?
2. Connector Type & Fiber Compatibility
• Common options include LC, MPO-8, MPO-12, and MPO-24.
• Ensure the TAP matches your existing fiber infrastructure.
3. Optical Split Ratios
• TAPs use split ratios (e.g., 70/30, 80/20) to balance:
- Sufficient light for monitoring tools
- Minimal impact on network signal strength
Did you know? Incorrect split ratios can lead to low light levels on the monitor link, causing false error detection.
4. Vendor Capabilities & Support
Choosing a trusted vendor ensures long-term scalability, performance, and reliability. Before purchasing a 100G TAP, ask:
• Does the vendor offer a wide range of network TAPs?
• Can their TAPs handle speeds from 1G to 100G?
• Do they provide both single-mode and multi-mode fiber options?
The right vendor will provide not just hardware, but also the expertise to ensure seamless integration into your network.
Why Choose cPacket for 100G Network Visibility?
cPacket’s 100G-ready Network TAPs offer:
• Complete Network Visibility – Full-duplex, real-time traffic mirroring.
• Scalability – Supports 1G, 10G, 40G, and 100G deployments.
• Low-Loss Optical Split Ratios – Optimized for security and performance monitoring.
• Seamless Integration – Works with leading monitoring and security tools.
• Carrier-Grade Performance – Designed for high-speed data centers and cloud environments.
Conclusion: Future-Proof Your Network with 100G TAPs
As 100G Ethernet adoption accelerates, choosing the right TAP solution is critical to ensuring full visibility, security, and performance monitoring.
Want to learn more about how cPacket’s TAP solutions can optimize your 100G network? Contact us today!
