New to network tap

Hello,

We are studying a solution based on a network tap.

http://www.netoptics.com/products/product_family_details.asp?cid=1&pid=4&Sec
tion=store&menuitem=1

I'm not a network expert but I need to understand the implications of using
such device.

I'm familiar with layer 3+, but this kind of device addresses problems with
lower layers and I hope you can help with.

For example:
* Marketing material claims "eliminating packet delay and loss as potential
security issues".
-> Implies that Taps of other kind can introduce delay. But such device
looks so basic to me that I can hardly imagine it can introduce latency or
packet drop. Could it ?
* This device supports 10/100 MB.
-> Why cannot it support 1GB ?
* Redundant power supply ?
-> Why is power required ? What wrong can happen if there is a power failure
?
* There is some electronic in the box and probably firmware / software.
-> What does it do ? I thaught it was just hardware.

Thanks for patience :-)

[ Repost from comp.protocols.tcp-ip ]


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