Methods for tapping and interrupting communications on a fiber optic cable

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses for tapping a fiber optic communication cable are described herein. The tap comprises a first fiber port to receive via the fiber optic communication cable a first optical signal comprising a communication, a second fiber port to send via the outgoing fiber optic communication cable a second optical signal comprising the communication, one or more monitoring ports to send via the conductor-based monitoring cable a monitoring electrical signal, one or more converters in electrical communication with the first fiber port and the second fiber port, the one or more converters operable to convert optical signals into electrical signals, and a splitter in electrical communication with the one or more converters and the monitoring port, the splitter operable to convert the first electrical signal into the second electrical signal and the monitoring electrical signal.

Description

TITLE: METHODS FOR TAPPING AND INTERRUPTING COMMUNICATIONS ON A FIBER OPTIC CABLECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to US Patent Application No. 63 / 641 ,212 filed May 1 , 2024; US Patent Application No. 63 / 646,213 filed May 13, 2024; and US Patent Application No. 63 / 745,401 filed January 15, 2025, the entirety of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to network taps for fiber optic communications systems, and in particular to the monitoring of communications entering and leaving the system for high-speed applications.INTRODUCTION

[0003] The following is not an admission that anything discussed below is part of the prior art or part of the common general knowledge of a skilled in the art.

[0004] The monitoring of incoming and outgoing communications to a device or a network is crucial in certain data exchange environments. For example, in the case of financial exchanges, certain regulatory requirements mandate the monitoring of all communications going into and out of each cabinet containing devices that interact on the exchange.

[0005] Network taps are commonly used to monitor the incoming and outgoing communications in a network. Such devices are typically used at the point where communications enter and leave a cabinet.SUMMARY

[0006] The following introduction is provided to introduce the reader to the more detailed discussion to follow. The introduction is not intended to limit or define any claimed or as yet unclaimed invention. One or more inventions may reside in any combination or subcombination of the elements or process steps disclosed in any part of this document including its claims and figures.

[0007] The present disclosure generally relates to systems, methods, and devices for duplicating a network communication. The method comprises receiving, through a first fiber optic communication cable at one or more converters, a first optical signal, the first optical signal comprising the communication, converting, at the one or more converters, the first optical signal into a first electrical signal, the first electrical signal comprising the communication, splitting, at a splitter in electrical communication with the one or more converters, the first electrical signal into at least a second electrical signal and a third electrical signal, each of the second and third electrical signals comprising the communication, converting, at the one or more converters, the second electrical signal into a second optical signal, the second optical signal comprising the communication, and sending, through a second fiber optic communication cable at the one or more converters, the second optical signal.

[0008] The one or more converters may include a first converter for converting the first optical signal into a first electrical signal and a second converter for converting the second electrical signal into the second optical signal.

[0009] The splitter may send the second electrical signal to the second converter through a loopback module, the loopback module configured to redirect an electrical signal from a first terminal to a second terminal.

[0010] The first fiber optic communication cable may be arranged at a first direction and the second fiber optic communication cable is arranged at a second direction, where the directions are defined as a spatial direction of data transmission within the cable, and wherein the first direction is substantially different from the second direction.

[0011] The first direction and the second direction may differ from one another by an angle of at least 30 degrees.

[0012] The method may relate to a method for monitoring incoming communications and outgoing communications of a network, and may further include, sending, through a first conductor-based monitoring cable at the splitter, the third electrical signal to one or more monitoring devices.

[0013] The method may further include detecting a kill condition; and upon detecting the kill condition, interrupting the communication such that the second optical signal is not sent through the second fiber optic communication cable.

[0014] The kill condition may include receiving a transmission interruption command through a power-data cable.

[0015] The communication may be interrupted by turning off at least one input port or output port in a plurality of input ports and output ports at the splitter, wherein the plurality of input ports and output ports provide connection points between: the splitter and the one or more converters; and the splitter and the first conductor-based monitoring cable.

[0016] An output port in the plurality of input ports and output ports corresponding to the connection point between the splitter and the first conductor-based monitoring cable may be maintained when the communication is interrupted.

[0017] The kill condition may be determined based on a determination made at the one or more monitoring devices in relation to the third electrical signal.

[0018] In accordance with another aspect, there is generally disclosed herein a tap for a fiber optic communication cable. The tap comprises a first fiber port for connection with the fiber optic communication cable to receive via the fiber optic communication cable a first optical signal comprising a communication, a second fiber port for connection with an outgoing fiber optic communication cable to send via the outgoing fiber optic communication cable a second optical signal comprising the communication, one or more monitoring port for connection with a conductor-based monitoring cable to send via the conductor-based monitoring cable a monitoring electrical signal, one or more converters in electrical communication with the first fiber port and the second fiber port, the one or more converters operable to convert the first optical signal into a first electrical signal, and convert a second electrical signal into the second optical signal, and a splitter in electrical communication with the one or more converters and the monitoring port, the splitter operable to convert the first electrical signal into the second electrical signal and the monitoring electrical signal.

[0019] The one or more converters may include a first converter operable to convert the first optical signal into a first electrical signal and a second converter operable to convert the second electrical signal into the second optical signal.

[0020] The tap may further include a loopback connection operable to redirect an electrical signal from a first terminal to a second terminal, and wherein the splitter is further operable to send the second electrical signal to the second converter through a loopback module.

[0021] The first fiber optic communication cable may be arranged at a first direction and the second fiber optic communication cable may be arranged at a second direction, where the directions are defined as a spatial direction of data transmission within the cable, and wherein the first direction is substantially different from the second direction.

[0022] The first direction and the second direction may differ from one another by an angle of at least 30 degrees.

[0023] The splitter may be further operable to send, through a monitoring cable at the splitter, the third electrical signal to one or more monitoring devices.

[0024] The splitter may be further operable to: detect a kill condition; and upon detecting the kill condition, interrupting the communication such that the second optical signal is not sent through the outgoing fiber optic communication cable.

[0025] The kill condition may include receiving a transmission interruption command through a power-data cable.

[0026] The splitter may include a plurality of input ports and output ports, and the communication is interrupted by turning off at least one input port or one output port of the plurality of input ports and output ports, wherein the plurality of input ports and output ports provide connection points between: the splitter and the one or more converters; and the splitter and the first conductor-based monitoring cable.

[0027] An output port in the plurality of input and output ports corresponding to the connection point between the splitter and the first conductor-based monitoring cable may be maintained when the communication is interrupted.

[0028] The kill condition may be determined based on a determination made at the one or more monitoring devices in relation to the third electrical signal.

[0029] In accordance with another aspect, there is generally disclosed herein a method of interrupting a network communication through a fiber optic communication cable.The method comprises receiving, through the fiber optic communication cable at a first converter, one or more incoming optical signals, the one or more incoming optical signals comprising one or more communications, converting, at the first converter, at least one first signal of the one or more incoming optical signals into at least one intermediary electrical signal, the at least one intermediary electrical signal comprising at least one of the one or more communications, routing, at a switching module in electrical communication with the first converter and a second converter, the at least one intermediary electrical signal from the first converter to the second converter, converting, at the second converter, the at least one intermediary electrical signal into at least one converted optical signal, the at least one converted optical signal comprising the at least one of the one or more communications, sending, through a second fiber optic communication cable at the second converter, the at least one converted optical signal, detecting, at the switching module, a kill condition, and upon detecting the kill condition, interrupting the one or more communications such that the converted optical signal is not sent through the second fiber optic communication cable.

[0030] The kill condition may include receiving a transmission interruption command through a power-data cable.

[0031] The communication may be interrupted by turning off at least one input port or output port of a plurality of input ports and output ports at the switching module, wherein the plurality of input ports and output ports provide connection points between: the switching module and the first converter; the switching module and the second converter; and the switching module and the first conductor-based monitoring cable.

[0032] The method may further include: splitting, at the switching module, the at least one intermediary electrical signal into at least one first monitoring signal, the at least one first monitoring signal containing the at least one of the one or more communications; and sending, through a monitoring cable at the switching module, the at least one monitoring signal to one or more monitoring devices.

[0033] The kill condition may be determined based on a determination made by the one or more monitoring devices relating to the at least one monitoring signal.

[0034] An output port in the plurality of input ports and output ports corresponding to the connection point between the switching module and the monitoring cable may be maintained when the communication is interrupted.

[0035] The first converter, the second converter, and the switching module may be powered through the power-data cable.

[0036] In accordance with another aspect, there is generally disclosed herein a device for interrupting a network communication. The device comprises a first fiber port for connection with the fiber optic communication cable operable to receive one or more incoming optical signals, the one or more first optical signal comprising one or more communications, a second fiber port for connection with a second fiber optic communication cable operable to send at least one converted optical signal, the at least one converted optical signal comprising at least one of the one or more communications, the first converter in electrical communication with the first fiber port, operable to convert at least one first signal of the one or more incoming optical signals into at least one intermediary electrical signal, the at least one intermediary electrical signal comprising at least one of the one or more communications, the second converter in electrical communication with the second fiber port, operable to convert the at least one intermediary electrical signal into the at least one converted optical signal, and a switching module in electrical communication with the first converter and the second converter, the switching module operable to route the at least one intermediary electrical signal from the first converter to the second converter, detect a kill condition, upon detecting the kill condition, interrupt the one or more communications such that the converted optical signal is not sent through the second fiber optic communication cable.

[0037] The device may further include: a monitoring port for connection with a conductor-based monitoring cable and in electrical communication with the switching module, the monitoring port being operable to send a monitoring electrical signal.

[0038] The kill condition may include receiving a transmission interruption command through the power-data cable.

[0039] The switching module may further include a plurality of input ports and output ports, and the communication is interrupted by turning off at least one input port or outputport of the plurality of input ports and output ports, wherein the plurality of input ports and output ports provide connection points between: the switching module and the first converter; the switching module and the second converter; and the switching module and the first conductor-based monitoring cable.

[0040] The switching module may be further operable to: split the at least one intermediary electrical signal into at least one first monitoring signal, the at least one first monitoring signal containing the at least one of the one or more communications; and send, through a monitoring cable, the at least one monitoring signal to the one or more monitoring devices.

[0041] The kill condition may be determined based on a determination made by the one or more monitoring devices relating to the at least one monitoring signal.

[0042] An output port in the plurality of input ports and output ports corresponding to the connection point between the switching module and the monitoring cable may be maintained when the communication is interrupted.

[0043] The first converter, the second converter, and the switching module may be powered through the power-data cable.

[0044] In accordance with another aspect, there is generally disclosed herein a network tap for monitoring incoming communications and outgoing communications of a system. The tap comprises a first fiber port for connection with one or more incoming fiber optic communication cables to receive a first optical signal, the optical signal comprising the incoming communications to the network, a second fiber port for connection with one or more outgoing fiber optic communication cables to send a second optical signal, the second optical signal comprising the outgoing communications from the network, a main electrical port for connection with a conductor-based communication cable to send or receive an electrical signal, the electrical signal comprising at least one of the incoming communications to the network and the outgoing communications from the network, a first monitoring port for connection with a first monitoring cable to send a first monitoring signal to one or more monitoring devices, a second monitoring port for connection with a second monitoring cable to send a second monitoring signal to the one or more monitoring devices, one or more converters operable to convert the first optical signal into a first intermediary electrical signal,convert the second intermediary electrical signal into a second optical signal, one or more switching modules operable to split the first intermediary electrical signal into the first electrical signal and the first monitoring signal, and split the second electrical signal into the second monitoring signal and the second intermediary electrical signal.

[0045] In accordance with another aspect, there is generally disclosed herein a method for monitoring incoming communications and outgoing communications of a system. The method comprises receiving, at a first port of a network tap, a first optical signal, converting, at one or more converters of the network tap, the first optical signal into a first intermediary electrical signal, splitting, at one or more switching modules, the first intermediary electrical signal into a first electrical signal and a first monitoring signal, sending, at a first monitoring port of the network tap, the first monitoring signal to one or more monitoring devices, sending, at a main electrical port of the network tap, the first electrical signal, receiving at the main electrical port, a second electrical signal, splitting, at the one or more switching modules, the second electrical signal into a second intermediary signal and a second monitoring signal, sending, at a second monitoring port of the network tap, the second monitoring signal to the one or more monitoring devices, converting, at the one or more converters, the second intermediary electrical signal into a second optical signal, and sending, at the second port, the second optical signal.

[0046] In accordance with another aspect, there is generally disclosed herein a method of duplicating a network communication with reduced latency. The method includes: receiving, through a primary RX port connected to a first communication cable at one or more converters, a primary RX signal, the primary RX signal containing the network communication, converting, at the one or more converters, the primary RX signal into a first intermediary signal, the first intermediary signal containing the network communication, and wherein the first intermediary signal contains a lower transmission latency relative to the primary RX signal, splitting, at a splitter in communication with the one or more converters, the first intermediary signal into at least a first output signal and a second output signal, each of the first and second output signals containing the network communication, sending, through a first mirror port connected to a first mirror communication cable, the first output signal and sending, through a second mirror port connected to a second mirror communication cable, the second output signal, wherein a distance between the firstcommunication cable and at least one of the first mirror communication cable and the second mirror communication cable is less than 85 mm.

[0047] The primary RX signal may include a first optical signal. The first communication cable may include a first fiber cable. The primary RX port may include a first fiber optic port. The intermediary signal may contain a include intermediary electrical signal. The first mirror communication cable may include a first conductor-based cable. The first output signal may include a first output electrical signal, the first mirror port may include a first mirror electrical port. The second mirror communication cable may include a second conductor-based cable. The second output signal may further include a second output electrical signal. The second mirror port may include a second mirror electrical port.

[0048] The method may further include: receiving, through the first mirror electrical port, an input electrical signal, splitting, at the splitter, the input electrical signal into a third output electrical signal and a second intermediary electrical signal, converting, at the one or more converters, the second intermediary electrical signal into a second optical signal, sending, through a primary TX port connected to a second fiber cable, the second optical signal, the primary TX port including a second fiber optic port, sending, at a third mirror electrical port connected to a third conductor-based cable, the third output electrical signal.

[0049] The method may further include: receiving, through a selected duplex port, an input electrical signal, the selected duplex port being selected, based on a selection setting, from one of an eligible port set, the eligible port set including at least the first mirror electrical port and the second mirror electrical port, splitting, at the splitter, the input electrical signal into a third output electrical signal and a second intermediary electrical signal, converting, at the one or more converters, the second intermediary electrical signal into a second optical signal, sending, at a primary TX port including a second fiber optic port and connected to a second fiber cable, the second optical signal, sending, at a third mirror electrical port connected to a third conductor-based cable, the third output electrical signal.

[0050] The method may further include: splitting, at the splitter, the first intermediary electrical signal further into a fourth output electrical signal and a fifth output electrical signal, sending, at a fourth mirror electrical port connected to a fourth conductor-based cable, thefourth output electrical signal, and sending, at a fifth mirror electrical port connected to a fifth conductor-based cable, the fifth output electrical signal.

[0051] The eligible port set further may further comprise the fourth mirror electrical port and the fifth mirror electrical port.

[0052] The method may further include: splitting, at the splitter, the first intermediary electrical signal further into a third output electrical signal and a fourth output electrical signal, sending, at a third mirror electrical port connected to a third conductor-based cable, the third output electrical signal, and sending, at a fourth mirror electrical port connected to a fourth conductor-based cable, the fifth output electrical signal.

[0053] The method may further include: splitting, at the splitter, the first intermediary electrical signal further into a fifth output electrical signal, a sixth output electrical signal, a seventh output electrical signal, and an eighth output electrical signal, sending, at a fifth mirror electrical port connected to a fifth conductor-based cable, the fifth output electrical signal, sending, at a sixth mirror electrical port connected to a sixth conductor-based cable, a sixth output electrical signal, sending, at a seventh mirror electrical port connected to a seventh conductor-based cable, a seventh output electrical signal, and sending, at an eighth mirror electrical port connected to an eighth conductor-based cable, an eighth output electrical signal.

[0054] The method may further include: splitting, at the splitter, the first intermediary electrical signal further into a fourth output electrical signal, a fifth output electrical signal, a sixth output electrical signal, a seventh output electrical signal, an eighth output electrical signal, and a ninth output electrical signal, sending, at a fourth mirror electrical port connected to a fourth conductor-based cable, the fourth output electrical signal, sending, at a fifth mirror electrical port connected to a fifth conductor-based cable, the fifth output electrical signal, sending, at a sixth mirror electrical port connected to a sixth conductor-based cable, a sixth output electrical signal, sending, at a seventh mirror electrical port connected to a seventh conductor-based cable, a seventh output electrical signal, sending, at an eighth mirror electrical port connected to an eighth conductor-based cable, an eighth output electrical signal, and sending, at a ninth mirror electrical port connected to a ninth conductor-based cable, a ninth output electrical signal.

[0055] At least one of the primary TX port and the primary RX port may be oriented in a first direction. The first mirror electrical port, the second mirror electrical port, and the third mirror electrical port may be oriented in a second direction. The first direction and second direction may differ from one another by an angle of at least 30 degrees. Optionally, the angle may be at least 60 degrees. Optionally, the angle may be at least 90 degrees.

[0056] The one or more converters may include a first converter for converting the first optical signal into the first intermediary electrical signal and a second converter for converting the second intermediary electrical signal into the second optical signal.

[0057] The method may further include: detecting, at the splitter, a kill condition, and stopping, at the splitter, a subsequent signal upon detecting the kill condition.

[0058] The kill condition may include receiving a transmission interruption command through a power-data communication line.

[0059] The stopping a subsequent signal may include deactivating at least one input port or output port in a plurality of input ports and output ports at the splitter, where the plurality of input ports and output ports are operable to provide connections between the splitter and the one or more converters, the first mirror electrical port, the second mirror electrical port, and the third mirror electrical port.

[0060] At least one of the second and third conductor-based cables may be connected to a monitoring device such that the monitoring device is operable to receive at least one of the second and third output electrical signal. The transmission interruption command may be generated at the monitoring device based on the network communication.

[0061] The selection setting may include a changeable setting that can be set by a user.

[0062] The selection setting may include a pre-determined configuration that cannot be changed.

[0063] In accordance with another aspect, there is generally disclosed herein a low latency tap for duplicating a network communication. The tap includes: a primary RX port at one or more converters for connection with a first communication cable to receive via the first communication cable a primary RX signal containing the network communication, a firstmirror port for connection with a first mirror communication cable to send via the first mirror communication cable a first output signal, a second mirror port for connection with a second mirror communication cable to send via the second mirror communications cable a second output signal, one or more converters in communication with the primary TX port, the one or more converters operable to convert the primary RX signal into a first intermediary signal, the first intermediary signal containing the network communication, and wherein the first intermediary signal has a lower transmission latency relative to the primary RX signal, and a splitter in communication with the one or more converters, the splitter operable to convert the first intermediary signal into at least a first output signal and a second output signal, each of the first and second output signals containing the network communication, where a distance between the first communication cable and at least one of the first mirror communication cable and the second mirror communication cable is less than 85 mm.

[0064] The primary RX signal may further include a first optical signal. The first communication cable may include a first fiber cable. The primary RX port may include a first fiber optic port. The intermediary signal may include a first intermediary electrical signal. The first mirror communication cable may include a first conductor-based cable. The first output signal may include a first output electrical signal. The first mirror port may include a first mirror electrical port. The second mirror communication cable may include a second conductorbased cable. The second output signal may further include a second output electrical signal. The second mirror port may include a second mirror electrical port.

[0065] The tap may further include: a primary TX port, including a second fiber optic port, at the one or more converters, for connection with a second fiber cable, configured to send a second optical signal, and a third mirror electrical port for connection with a third conductor-based cable, configured to send a third output electrical signal, where the first mirror electrical port is further configured to receive an input electrical signal, the splitter is further configured to split the input electrical signal into the third output electrical signal and the second intermediary electrical signal, and the one or more converters is further configured to convert the second intermediary electrical signal into a second optical signal.

[0066] The tap may further include: a selected duplex port, selected from one of an eligible port set, the eligible port set including at least the first mirror electrical port and thesecond mirror electrical port, configured to receive, based on a duplex selection setting, an input electrical signal, a third mirror electrical port for connection with a third conductor-based cable, configured to send a third output electrical signal, and a primary TX port, containing a second fiber optic port, at the one or more converters, for connection with a second fiber cable, configured to send a second optical signal, where: the splitter is further configured to split the input electrical signal into the third output electrical signal and a second intermediary electrical signal, and the one or more converters is configured to convert the second intermediary electrical signal into the second optical signal.

[0067] The tap may further include: a fourth mirror electrical port for connection with a fourth conductor-based cable, configured to: send a fourth output electrical signal, and a fifth mirror electrical port for connection with a fifth conductor-based cable, configured to: send a fifth output electrical signal, where the splitter is further configured to split the first intermediary electrical signal further into the fourth output electrical signal and the fifth output electrical signal.

[0068] The eligible port set may further include the fourth mirror electrical port and the fifth mirror electrical port.

[0069] The tap may further include: a third mirror electrical port for connection with a third conductor-based cable, configured to send a third output electrical signal, and a fourth mirror electrical port for connection with a fourth conductor-based cable, configured to send a fourth output electrical signal, where the splitter is further configured to split the first intermediary electrical signal into the fourth output electrical signal and the fifth output electrical signal.

[0070] The tap may further include: a fifth mirror electrical port for connection with a fifth conductor-based cable, configured to send a fifth output electrical signal, a sixth mirror electrical port for connection with a sixth conductor-based cable, configured to send a sixth output electrical signal, a seventh mirror electrical port for connection with a seventh conductor-based cable, configured to send a seventh output electrical signal, an eighth mirror electrical port for connection with an eighth conductor-based cable, configured to send an eighth output electrical signal, where the splitter is further configured to split the firstintermediary electrical signal into the fifth output electrical signal, the sixth output electrical signal, the seventh output electrical signal, and the eighth output electrical signal.

[0071] The tap may further include a fourth mirror electrical port for connection with a fourth conductor-based cable, configured to send a fourth output electrical signal, a fifth mirror electrical port for connection with a fifth conductor-based cable, configured to send a fifth output electrical signal, a sixth mirror electrical port for connection with a sixth conductorbased cable, configured to send a sixth output electrical signal, a seventh mirror electrical port for connection with a seventh conductor-based cable, configured to send a seventh output electrical signal, an eighth mirror electrical port for connection with an eighth conductor-based cable, configured to send an eighth output electrical signal, and a ninth mirror electrical port for connection with a ninth conductor-based cable, configured to send a ninth output electrical signal, where the splitter is further configured to split the first intermediary electrical signal into the fourth output electrical signal, the fifth output electrical signal, the sixth output electrical signal, the seventh output electrical signal, the eighth output electrical signal, and the ninth output electrical signal.

[0072] At least one of the primary TX port and the primary RX port may be oriented in a first direction. The first mirror electrical port, the second mirror electrical port, and the third mirror electrical port are oriented in a second direction. The first direction and second direction may differ from one another by an angle of at least 30 degrees. Optionally, the angle may be at least 60 degrees. Optionally, the angle may be at least 90 degrees.

[0073] The tap may include a first converter for converting the first optical signal into the first intermediary electrical signal and a second converter for converting the second intermediary electrical signal into the second optical signal.

[0074] The splitter may be further configured to detect a kill condition, and to stop splitting a subsequent signal upon detecting the kill condition.

[0075] The kill condition may include a transmission interruption command received through a power-data communication line.

[0076] The stopping a subsequent signal may include deactivating at least one input port or output port in a plurality of input ports and output ports at the splitter, where the plurality of input ports and output ports are operable to provide connections between thesplitter and the one or more converters, the first mirror electrical port, the second mirror electrical port, and the third mirror electrical port.

[0077] At least one of the second and third conductor-based cables may be connected to a monitoring device such that the monitoring device is operable to receive at least one of the second and third output electrical signal. The transmission interruption command may be generated at the monitoring device based on the network communication.

[0078] The selection setting may include a changeable setting that can be set by a user.

[0079] The selection setting may include a pre-determined configuration that cannot be changed.

[0080] In accordance with another aspect, there is generally disclosed herein a low latency tap for duplicating a network communication. The tap may include: primary RX / TX port at one or more converters for connection with a first communication cable configured to: receive via the first communication cable a primary RX signal containing the network communication, and send via the first communication cable a primary TX signal containing the network communication, a splitter in communication with the one or more converters, the splitter operable to convert the first primary RX signal into at least a first output signal, a second output signal, a third output signal, and a fourth output signal, each of the output signals containing the network communication, and convert an input electrical signal into the primary TX signal and a mirror TX signal, a first mirror port for connection with a first mirror communication cable to send via the first mirror communication cable the first output signal, a second mirror port for connection with a second mirror communication cable to send via the second mirror communications cable the second output signal, a third mirror port for connection with a third mirror communication cable, configured to send a third output signal, a fourth mirror port for connection with a fourth mirror communication cable, configured to send a fourth output signal, a fifth mirror port for connection with a fifth mirror communication cable, configured to send a mirror TX signal, where a distance between the primary RX / TX port and one or more of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth mirror ports is less than 85 mm, and an eligible port is configured to receive the input electrical signal, the eligible portbeing selected from an eligible port set, the eligible port set including the first, second, third, and fourth mirror ports.

[0081] The tap may further include a sixth mirror port for connection with a sixth mirror communication cable, configured to send a fifth output signal, a seventh mirror port for connection with a seventh mirror communication cable, configured to send a sixth output signal, an eighth mirror port for connection with an eighth mirror communication cable, configured to send a seventh output signal, and a ninth mirror electrical port for connection with a ninth conductor-based cable, configured to send an eighth output signal, where the splitter is further configured to convert the first primary TX signal into a fifth output signal, a sixth output signal, a seventh output signal, and an eighth output signal, each containing the network communication; and the eligible port set further includes the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth mirror ports.

[0082] In accordance with another aspect, there is generally disclosed herein a system for low-latency distribution of a transmission to a plurality of network devices. The system includes a splitter connectable to a fiber-based communication cable, the splitter operable to convert an incoming fiber signal received through the fiber-based communication cable into an intermediate electrical signal, the incoming fiber signal comprising the communication, and split the intermediate electrical signal into at least a first distribution electrical signal to be sent through a first conductor-based communication cable and a second distribution electrical signal to be sent through a second conductor-based communication cable, a first modular interface device, including at least one port connectable to the first conductor-based communication cable to receive the first distribution electrical signal, and at least one connector connectable to a first network device of the plurality of network devices.

[0083] The system can include a second modular interface device, the second modular interface device including at least one port connectable to the second conductorbased communication cable to receive the second distribution electrical signal, and at least one connector connectable to the second network device of the plurality of network devices.

[0084] The first modular interface device may be operable to receive a first outgoing electrical signal from the first network device and transmit the first outgoing electrical signal through the first conductor-based communication cable. The second modular interfacedevice may be operable to receive a second outgoing electrical signal from the second network device and transmit the second outgoing electrical signal through the second conductor-based communication cable. The splitter may further be operable to convert the first outgoing electrical signal into an outgoing fiber signal.

[0085] The at least one port of the first modular interface device may further include at least four ports connectable to at least four conductor-based communication cables.

[0086] The at least one connector of the first modular interface device may include at least four data channels, where each data channel of the connector is connectable to one of the conductor-based communications cables in the at least four conductor-based communications cables.

[0087] In accordance with another aspect, there is generally disclosed herein a system for breaking out a multi-channel electrical communication with reduced latency. The system includes a modular interface device, the modular interface device including a high-bandwidth connector connectable to a higher bandwidth port of a primary network device, where the multi-channel electrical communication is received at the high-bandwidth connector, the multi-channel electrical communication comprising at least a first channel communication and a second channel communication; a first port connectable to a first conductor-based communication cable, wherein the first electrical channel communication is sent through the first conductor-based communication cable through the first port, and a second port connectable to a second conductor-based communication cable, where the second electrical channel communication is sent through the second conductor-based communication cable through the second port, and the first conductor-based communication cable, including a first length and connectable to connect to a first lower bandwidth port on a first downstream device, and the second conductor-based communication cable, comprising a second length and connectable to a second lower bandwidth port on a second downstream device.

[0088] The first downstream device may be located at a first distance away from the primary network device, the second downstream device may be located at a second distance away from the primary network device, the second distance being greater than the first distance, and the second length of the second conductor-based communication cable may be greater than the first length of the first conductor-based communication cable.

[0089] The system may further include a third conductor-based communication cable, including a third length and connectable to connect to a third lower bandwidth port on a third downstream device, and a fourth conductor-based communication cable, having a fourth length and connectable to a fourth lower bandwidth port on a fourth downstream device, and where the modular interface device further includes a third port connectable to the third conductor-based communication cable, where a third electrical channel communication is sent through the third conductor-based communication cable through the third port, and a fourth port connectable to a fourth conductor-based communication cable, where the fourth electrical channel communication is sent through the fourth conductor-based communication cable through the fourth port, and where the multi-channel electrical communication further includes at least the third electrical channel and the fourth electrical channel communication.

[0090] The third downstream device may be located at a third distance away from the primary network device. The fourth downstream device may be located at a fourth distance away from the primary network device. The third and fourth distances may be greater than the first and second distances. The third and fourth lengths may be greater than the first and second lengths.

[0091] The system may further include a fifth conductor-based communication cable connectable to connect to a fifth lower bandwidth port on a fifth downstream device, a sixth conductor-based communication cable connectable to a sixth lower bandwidth port on a sixth downstream device, a seventh conductor-based communication cable connectable to connect to a seventh lower bandwidth port on a seventh downstream device, an eighth conductor-based communication cable connectable to an eighth lower bandwidth port on an eighth downstream device. The modular interface device may further comprise a fifth port connectable to the fifth conductor-based communication cable, where a fifth electrical channel communication is sent through the fifth conductor-based communication cable through the fifth port, a sixth port connectable to a sixth conductor-based communication cable, where the sixth electrical channel communication is sent through the sixth conductorbased communication cable through the sixth port, a seventh port connectable to a seventh conductor-based communication cable, where the seventh electrical channel communication is sent through the seventh conductor-based communication cable through the seventh port, an eighth port connectable to an eighth conductor-based communication cable, where theeighth electrical channel communication is sent through the eighth conductor-based communication cable through the eighth port. The multi-channel electrical communication may further comprise at least the fifth electrical channel communication, sixth electrical channel communication, seventh electrical channel communication, and the eighth electrical channel communication.

[0092] It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that an apparatus, computer program product, system, or method disclosed herein may embody any one or more of the features contained herein and that the features may be used in any particular combination or sub-combination.

[0093] These and other aspects and features of various examples will be described in greater detail below.DRAWINGS

[0094] For a better understanding of the described examples and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0095] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example system for monitoring network traffic.

[0096] FIG. 2A is a block diagram of an example tap for monitoring network traffic in accordance with a first connection configuration.

[0097] FIG. 2B is a block diagram of an example tap for monitoring network traffic in accordance with a second connection configuration.

[0098] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an example tap.

[0099] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the tap of FIG. 3A, viewed from a second angle.

[0100] FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of an example method of monitoring network traffic.

[0101] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of an example method of interrupting a network communication.

[0102] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example connection configuration for the tap of FIG. 2A.

[0103] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an example modular interface device.

[0104] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of another example modular interface device with an outer casing removed.

[0105] FIG. 70 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 7B shown in a different orientation.

[0106] FIG. 7D is a perspective view of another example modular interface device.

[0107] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an example 4-way fiber-to-electrical tap.

[0108] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an example 8-way fiber-to-electrical tap.

[0109] FIG. 10A shows a perspective view of an example 8-way electrical-to-electrical tap.

[0110] FIG. 10B shows a perspective view of the tap of FIG. 10A viewed from another angle.

[0111] FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of an example method of monitoring network traffic.

[0112] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of an example modular interface device with four ports with outer casing opened.

[0113] FIG. 13 shows the modular interface device of FIG. 12 with outer casing closed.

[0114] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of an example modular interface device with eight ports with outer casing opened.

[0115] FIG. 15 shows the modular interface device of FIG. 14 with outer casing closed.

[0116] FIG. 16a shows an example rack mountable frame.

[0117] FIG. 16b shows the example rack mountable frame of FIG. 16a with a different set of devices mounted thereon.

[0118] FIG. 16c shows a close-up view of a portion of example rack mountable frame of FIG. 16b.

[0119] FIG. 16d is a schematic diagram of an example connection between a tap mounted on a rack mountable frame and an example network device.

[0120] FIG. 16e is a schematic diagram of an example connection between a conventional splitter and an example network device.

[0121] FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an example connection configuration for a modular interface device.

[0122] The drawings, described below, are provided for purposes of illustration, and not of limitation, of the aspects and features of various examples described herein. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale. The dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity.DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

[0123] Various apparatuses or methods will be described below to provide an example of the claimed subject matter. No example described below limits any claimed subject matter and any claimed subject matter may cover methods or apparatuses that differ from those described below. The claimed subject matter is not limited to apparatuses or methods having all of the features of any one apparatus or methods described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses or methods described below. It is possible that an apparatus or methods described below is not an example that is recited in any claimed subject matter. Any subject matter disclosed in an apparatus or methods described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicants, inventors or owners do not intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.

[0124] Furthermore, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the examples described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the examples described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the examples described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the examples described herein.

[0125] It should also be noted that the terms “coupled” or “coupling” as used herein can have several different meanings depending on the context in which these terms are used. For example, the terms “coupled”, or “coupling” can have a mechanical, electrical or communicative connotation. For example, as used herein, the terms “coupled”, or “coupling” can indicate that two elements or devices can be directly connected to one another or connected to one another through one or more intermediate elements or devices via an electrical element, electrical signal or a mechanical element depending on the particular context. Furthermore, the term “communicative coupling” indicates that an element or device can electrically, optically, or wirelessly send data to another element or device as well as receive data from another element or device.

[0126] It should also be noted that, as used herein, the wording “and / or” is intended to represent an inclusive-or. That is, “X and / or Y” is intended to mean X or Y or both, for example. As a further example, “X, Y, and / or Z” is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.

[0127] It should be noted that terms of degree such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. These terms of degree may also be construed as including a deviation of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the term it modifies.

[0128] Furthermore, the recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints herein includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1 , 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.90, 4, and 5). It is also to be understood that all numbers and fractions thereof are presumed to be modified by the term "about" which means a variation of up to a certain amount of the number to which reference is being made if the end result is not significantly changed.

[0129] Some elements herein may be identified by a part number, which is composed of a base number followed by an alphabetical or subscript-numerical suffix (e.g., 112a, or 112i). Multiple elements herein may be identified by part numbers that share a base number in common and that differ by their suffixes (e.g., 112i , 1122, and 112s). All elements with acommon base number may be referred to collectively or generically using the base number without a suffix (e.g., 112).

[0130] The example systems and methods described herein may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of both. In some cases, the examples described herein may be implemented, at least in part, by using one or more computer programs, executing on one or more programmable devices comprising at least one processing element, a data storage element (including volatile and non-volatile memory and / or storage elements), and at least one communication interface. These devices may also have at least one input device (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen, and the like), and at least one output device (e.g., a display screen, a printer, a wireless radio, and the like) depending on the nature of the device. For example, and without limitation, the programmable devices (referred to below as computing devices) may be a server, network appliance, embedded device, computer expansion module, a personal computer, laptop, personal data assistant, cellular telephone, smart-phone device, tablet computer, a wireless device or any other computing device capable of being configured to carry out the methods described herein.

[0131] In some examples, the communication interface may be a network communication interface. In examples in which elements are combined, the communication interface may be a software communication interface, such as those for inter-process communication (IPC). In still other examples, there may be a combination of communication interfaces implemented as hardware, software, and a combination thereof.

[0132] Program code may be applied to input data to perform the functions described herein and to generate output information. The output information is applied to one or more output devices, in known fashion.

[0133] Each program may be implemented in a high-level procedural, declarative, functional or object-oriented programming and / or scripting language, or both, to communicate with a computer system. However, the programs may be implemented in assembly or machine language, if desired. In any case, the language may be a compiled or interpreted language. Each such computer program may be stored on a storage media or a device (e.g., ROM, magnetic disk, optical disc) readable by a general or special purpose programmable computer, for configuring and operating the computer when the storage mediaor device is read by the computer to perform the procedures described herein. Examples of the system may also be considered to be implemented as a non-transitory computer- readable storage medium, configured with a computer program, where the storage medium so configured causes a computer to operate in a specific and predefined manner to perform the functions described herein.

[0134] Furthermore, the example system, processes and methods are capable of being distributed in a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium that bears computer usable instructions for one or more processors. The medium may be provided in various forms, including one or more diskettes, compact disks, tapes, chips, wireline transmissions, satellite transmissions, internet transmission or downloads, magnetic and electronic storage media, digital and analog signals, and the like. The computer useable instructions may also be in various forms, including compiled and non-compiled code.

[0135] Conventional network taps for fiber optic communications systems typically operate by copying an optical signal carried by a fiber strand into multiple optical signals carried by multiple fiber strands. For example, data being received by a network through a fiber strand may be split into two paths, with one path being a first fiber strand that goes to the destination switch and the other path being carried by a second fiber strand to a monitoring device. In this way, the monitoring device can receive a copy of the data that is received by the destination switch. For systems that use single mode fiber communications, monitoring will typically be performed on each cable that carries communications entering or leaving a server cabinet by using a network tap that splits each fiber, and the signal carried thereon, into two or more fibers.

[0136] Fiber taps can split an optical signal in a number of different ways. Typically, fiber taps operate using either passive splitting techniques or active splitting means. In passive splitters, input fibers are divided into multiple output fibers using passive optical splitting techniques. Passive splitting works by using the properties of light and requires no external power. Passive splitters generally produce exact copies of the incoming data, with the power of the signal varying between the output fibers in accordance with a split ratio. Passive tap splitters for fiber cables may be arranged in a way that requires a turn, such as a 180-degree turn, in the fiber within the device. This may result in additional lengths of fiberrequired within the tap due to bending radius requirements. In some instances, due to this extra length of cable, latencies on the order of nanoseconds can be added to communications.

[0137] Such unnecessary delays can be highly disadvantageous in high-speed applications, such as, but not limited to, high-frequency trading. In such applications, the reduction of latencies within the system can result in significantly improved outcomes. High- frequency trading can involve performing a large number of trades (e.g., exchanging financial securities and / or derivatives) within a small period of time, for example, executing millions of orders within fractions of a second. In order to be effective (e.g., profitable), high-frequency trading may require executing trades at very high speeds. Network devices that have relatively low latency can determine and execute trades relatively quickly and accurately.

[0138] There is therefore a need to develop network taps for communications carried within fiber optic cables that contribute a lower amount of latency.

[0139] Active splitters operate by receiving the signal through an input fiber strand and retransmitting the signal on multiple output fiber strands. However, such systems are associated with increased latencies.

[0140] Additionally, there is a need to be able to discontinue all communications at a port in as short a time as possible. For example, if a monitoring device detects, from a copy of the data being received by the network at a port, any signs of malicious activity passing through, it is advantageous to be able to cease all communications at that port. Passive splitters do not have this capability.

[0141] The presently disclosed systems and methods may advantageously convert fiber signals into electrical signals at the splitting stage, taking advantage of the lower transmission latency of electrical signals on mediums such as twinaxial cabling over optical signals being carried on fiber cabling. The presently disclosed systems and methods may further facilitate the distribution of the signals in the electrical medium to other devices in the network, such as network devices and monitoring devices, by providing interface devices capable of connecting the devices with the electrical distribution infrastructure. Thus, the presently disclosed system and methods may describe a connection ecosystem for facilitating lower latency distribution of data and signals to networked devices.

[0142] Prior approaches of switching at the electrical level use standard-sized fiber transceivers (e.g., SFP type transceivers) with electrical switching / splitting modules. Additionally, previous approaches may generally split at electrical level, but distribute as optical for connecting with downstream devices, requiring a conversion from fiber to electrical and then back to fiber. Thus, two standard SFP type transceivers may be required, with one at the input end to convert from optical to electrical and one at the output end for electrical back to optical. The presently disclosed systems (such as, e.g. taps 300, 800, 900, 1000, as shown in FIGS. 3, 8, 9, 10A, and 10B) may integrate all of the components on one transceiver-sized circuit board 320, 820, 920, 1020, and only require one conversion from optical to electrical, as the downstream distribution may be entirely electrical. Thus, the presently disclosed systems and methods may result in appreciably decreased latency compared to previous methods.

[0143] Existing network devices may be configured to work with a primarily fiber-based infrastructure. The present disclosure provides interface devices usable to integrate these existing networking devices into a system that primarily distributes at an electrical level.

[0144] For example, existing devices may be configured to accept SFP form factor transceivers for converting optical signals into electrical. Accordingly, fiber-based distribution may be required to interface with such devices. The presently disclosed systems and methods may enable such devices to interface with conductor-based distribution infrastructure. This can eliminate any need to reconvert back to fiber after switching at an electrical level and may provide advantages from a latency perspective.

[0145] For instance, the physical length of a data path associated with systems that use standard transceiver packages in a fiber-electrical-fiber splitting scheme may be at least 113mm due to just the lengths of the transceivers (at 56.5mm each), as the transceiver lengths may be fixed by standard. This length may result in latencies of 550 ps per transceiver, resulting in a latency no lower than 1.1 ns, without taking into account addition latencies associated with, e.g., splitting the signals. In contrast, the presently disclosed systems and methods integrate all components onto one standard sized package, resulting in a total data path of with physical length of around 85 mm or less. The latency associatedwith the presently disclosed approaches may be as low as 500 ps, which may be appreciably lower than prior approaches.

[0146] Reference is made to FIG.1 , which shows a schematic diagram of an example system 100 for monitoring network traffic. As shown in FIG. 1 , system 100 is in communication with a communicating system 170. Data is transferred between system 100 and communicating system 170 through communication line(s) 175, which may include fiber optic cables.

[0147] System 100 generally refers to any network, sub-network within a network, device, or group of devices for which monitoring of incoming or outgoing network traffic is desired. It should be noted that system 100 does not have to be a network or consist of multiple devices. For example, system 100 could simply consist of one or more devices performing some or all of the functions of system 100.

[0148] Communicating system 170 may be any device or network in communication with system 100 for which traffic monitoring therebetween is desired. For example, communicating system 170 may be the internet (through an internet service provider) or a connected campus on a Wide Area Network (WAN). Communicating system 170 may also consist of devices or a group of devices in communication with system 100. As with system 100, communicating system 170 may consist of a single device or multiple devices depending on the implementation of the communicating system 170.

[0149] In the example shown in FIG. 1 , system 100 includes a network device 150, monitoring equipment 160, management device 180, and network tap 300. The system 100 is in communication with communicating system 170 through network device 150. Network device 150 may be any device, or multiple devices, capable of being connected to and communicate on a network. For example, network device 150 could be a switch, a router, a gateway, or any other such device.

[0150] Network tap 300 is configured to monitor the communications between the system 100 and communicating system 170. The network tap 300 can send copies of the communications to monitoring equipment 160. Data entering system 100 on route to network device 150 from communicating system 170 can be copied at network tap 300. The network tap 300 can then distribute the copies of the data to various downstream systems or devices.For example, a first copy of the data can proceed to network device 150 through communication line(s) 155. Optionally, a modular interface device may be used to connect communication line(s) 155 to network device 150, for example as described herein below with reference to FIG. 6.

[0151] A second copy of the incoming data can be delivered to the monitoring equipment 160 for monitoring, e.g. through communication line 165 as shown. The monitoring equipment 160 can be configured to monitor and analyze received network traffic data. Monitoring device 160 can be any device, or multiple devices, used to monitor and analyze network traffic data for performance, security, compliance, or troubleshooting purposes. For example, monitoring equipment 160 could include protocol analyzers, intrusion detection systems, performance monitors, probes, and other such equipment. The functionality of monitoring device 160 can be implemented in hardware, software, or both.

[0152] In a similar fashion, a copy of the data exiting system 100 may be monitored. Data to be transmitted to communicating system 170 from system 100 (i.e. through communications line 175) may pass through network tap 300 and be duplicated. Copies of the outgoing data may then be transmitted to other systems or devices such as monitoring equipment 160, e.g. through communication line 165. In this way, data entering and leaving system 100 can be duplicated for monitoring.

[0153] Optionally, tap 300 can produce multiple copies of the data entering or exiting system 170. For example, tap 300 may be configured to produce 4 or 8 copies of the data entering the system. The data can then be transmitted to downstream systems and devices including network devices. For example, tap 300 may send the copied data to the same number of trading servers simultaneously with reduced latency.

[0154] Management device 180 is configured to manage the operation of the network tap 300. Managing the operation of tap 300 may include, but is not limited to, changing a communication mode of the tap and providing power to the tap. For example, management device 180 may provide power to the network tap 300 to enable the operation of network tap 300. Additionally, management device 180 can transmit and receive data with network tap 300. For example, management device 180 can transmit signals to switch tap 300 between operational modes, as described in further detail herein below with reference to FIG. 3.Optionally, power and data transmission between management device 180 and network tap 300 can be provided through a common cable, for example, a copper-based cable terminating in a USB-C port. Management device 180 can be any one or a combination of devices capable of communicating with tap 300 and providing power to tap 300.

[0155] Management device 180 can be configured to define a communication mode of the tap 300. Tap 300 may be operable in a plurality of communication modes. The communication modes can define or determine how data is transmitted by and through the tap 300 (including the prevention or restriction of data transmission through tap 300).

[0156] For example, the plurality of communication modes can include a first communication mode and a second communication mode. The first communication mode can be defined to configure the tap 300 to allow data to pass through tap 300. The second communication mode can be defined to configure the tap 300 to prevent any and all data transmission therethrough. Management device 180 can be configured to define communication mode control signals usable to switch tap 300 between the communication modes in the plurality of communication modes (e.g. between the first mode and the second mode).

[0157] Management device 180 may select or determine a desired communication mode for the tap 300 based on monitoring of the data and communications passing through system 100. For example, management device 180 can be in communication with monitoring device 160. The monitoring device 160 can provide management device 300 with monitoring data relating to the communications passing through system 100. The management device 300 can then determine the desired communication mode for the tap 300 based on the received monitoring data.

[0158] For example, the management device 180 may be configured to prevent data from entering or leaving system 100 in response to the detection of malicious network traffic passing through the system, such as malware code or unauthorized access attempts.

[0159] For instance, monitoring device 160 may detect problematic network traffic entering system 100 by monitoring traffic through tap 300. Monitoring device 160 may then send a monitoring signal to management device 180 related to the traffic being monitored. The management device 180 can, in turn, determine that the second communication modeis the desired communication mode for the tap 300. The management device 180 can then send a command to network tap 300 to adjust the tap 300 to the second communication mode and thereby cease all data transmission through network tap 300. Management device 180 may accomplish this by, for example, sending an instruction between to tap 300 through a wired connection, such as a copper-based cable terminating in a USB-C port on top 300.

[0160] In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the management device 180 and monitoring equipment 160 are provided as separate components. Alternatively, management device 180 and monitoring equipment 160 may be combined. For example, management device 180 and monitoring equipment 160 may be combined into a single device or a group of devices that provides the functionalities of both components.

[0161] It should be noted that while one tap 300 is depicted, one or more taps 300 may be used in a system to monitor network traffic. For example, network device 150 can be configured communicate with multiple different external systems. The system 100 may then include a separate tap 300 configured to monitor network traffic to / from each external system.

[0162] Reference is next made to FIG. 2A, which shows a schematic diagram 200A of components within an example tap 300 and data flows therebetween in a first connection configuration. In the first connection configuration, the tap 300 can monitor bidirectional data transmissions between an internal network and an external network (i.e., both incoming communications and outgoing communications). For example, primary RX signal 204 and primary TX signal 206 are shown entering and leaving converter module 202, respectively. For example, with reference to example system of FIG. 1 , primary RX signal 204 may contain incoming data to system 100 (the internal network) from communicating system 170 (the external network). Primary TX signal 206 may contain outgoing data from system 100 to communicating system 170.

[0163] Primary RX signal 204 and primary TX signal 206 may be optical communications signals carried on fiber optic communications cables connected to tap 300. Converter module 202 can be configured to convert a signal carried in a first medium to a signal carried on a second medium, and vice versa. For example, converter module 202 may be a fiber-electrical converter module configured to convert optical signals received on fiber optical cabling to electrical signals output on conductor-based cable or vice versa. Aselectrical signals on mediums such as twinaxial cabling can have lower transmission latency compared to optical signals on fiber mediums, converting optical signals to electrical signals for downstream splitting and distribution can result in overall reduced transmission latency.

[0164] For example, primary RX signal 204 and primary TX signal 206 may be optical signals carried on fiber optic cabling. Converter module 202 may take in optical signal 204 and convert optical signal 204 to an electrical signal 212. Additionally, fiber module 202 may take in electrical signal 214 and convert the electrical signal 214 to an optical signal 206.

[0165] Converter module 202 may be any device that can receive or transmit optical signals and convert optical signals into electrical signals and vice versa. For example, converter module 202 can be an optical transceiver. Additionally, converter module 202 may include one or multiple circuits, modules, or subsystems for performing various functions therewithin. For example, converter module 202 may contain one or more converters for converting one or more optical signals to one or more electrical signals.

[0166] Optionally, primary RX signal 204 and primary TX signal 206 may be electrical signals. In such cases, converter module 202 may not be required to convert the RX or TX signals into another medium. That is, the electrical RX and / or TX signals may be split directly without requiring conversion.

[0167] Switching modules 208 and 210 are configured to split one input electrical signal into one or more substantially identical output electrical signals. Switching modules 208 and 210 may additionally route the one or more output electrical signals to one or more output paths. In the example shown in FIG. 2A, switching module 208 receives electrical signal 212 as input and outputs electrical signals 218 and 220. Splitting signal 204 at the electrical level (i.e. , after converting the signal from optical to electrical) may result in reduced latency as compared to splitting the optical signal.

[0168] To this end, switching modules 208 and 210 may contain one or multiple circuits, modules, or subsystems for connecting, splitting, and routing electrical signals between one or more inputs and one or more outputs. For example, each of switching modules 208 and 210 may be a digital crosspoint switch.

[0169] Optionally, the functionality of switching modules 208 and 210 may be combined into a single combined module. For example, one single digital crosspoint switchwith a plurality of input and output channels could perform the functionality of both switching modules within one physical device. Referring to FIG. 2A, the one single digital crosspoint switch may accept, as input, signals 212 and 222 on the plurality of input channels, and produce, as output, signals 218, 220, 216, and 214 on the plurality of output channels.

[0170] Optionally, either of or both of switching modules 208 and 210 may split signals into multiple copies for transmission to multiple devices, such as to multiple monitoring or network devices. For example, switching module 208 may split electrical signal 212 into up to 8 copies for transmission onto up to 8 separate communications lines to up to 8 different communication devices.

[0171] Electrical signal 220 may carry a copy of the incoming data to network 100, which may be going to, for example, a destination network device 150. Electrical signal 222 may carry outgoing data from system 100, which may be, for example, coming from a network device 150, to communicating system 170. Distribution of the incoming data through electrical signals, carried through conductor-based cable mediums, may result in reduced latency as compared to the distributing the signals at the optical level.

[0172] Electrical signal 218 may carry a copy of incoming data to the internal network for monitoring and analysis purposes. For example, referring back to FIG.1 , electrical signal 218 may carry a copy of the incoming data to system 100 to monitoring device 160 for monitoring the incoming network traffic. The incoming data can be monitored for any purpose, such as for detecting malicious network traffic.

[0173] Switching module 210 may similarly take in electrical signal 222 from network device 150. Switching module 210 may split electrical signal 222 into electrical signal 214 and 216, each of which may carry copies of the outgoing data from system 100. Electrical signal 216 may be routed to a monitoring device for monitoring outgoing network traffic. Electrical signal 214 may be routed to converter module 202 for conversion to optical signal 206 and subsequent transmission to communicating system 170.

[0174] Electrical signals 216, 218, 220, and 222 may be carried in communication cables connecting tap 300 to network device 150 and monitoring device 160. The distribution of the incoming data through electrical signals may provide reduced latency as opposed to distribution using optical signals. Optionally, a modular interface device may be used tointerface the communication cables with network device 150 as shown in FIG. 6. The modular interface device may enable the electrical distribution scheme to work with existing infrastructure, which may be primarily fiber-based.

[0175] Optionally, additional output electrical signals may be generated. Additional output electrical signals may be carried in additional communication cables connecting tap 300 to network device 150, monitoring device 160, and / or other devices that may require additional copies of the incoming or outgoing data.

[0176] Optionally, tap 300 can support connections to multiple fiber optic cables. Tap 300 may contain multiple fiber modules 202 and multiple switching modules to support the connections. For example, tap 300 can support the connection of 2, 4, 6, or any other number of fiber optic cables through the addition of fiber modules. Additionally, one or more switching modules as necessary may be used to perform splitting of the data as necessitated by the multiple fiber optic cables.

[0177] Reference is next made to FIG. 2B, which shows a schematic diagram 200B of components within an example tap 300 and data flows therebetween in a second connection configuration. In the second connection configuration, the tap 300 can monitor data transmissions in a single direction (e.g., incoming data from an external network to an internal network or vice versa). For example, primary RX signal 204 and an output signal 206 are shown entering and leaving converter module 202, respectively. In this connection configuration, primary TX signal 204 may carry communication data, entering the tap, and output signal 206 may carry the same communication data, leaving the tap. The communication data may be data that needs to be monitored and can be either received data to the internal network or transmitted data from the internal network. In the example system of FIG. 1 , signals 204 and 206 may contain either incoming data from communicating system 170 or outgoing data to communicating system 170.

[0178] Optionally, primary RX signal 204 and primary TX signal 206 may be optical signals. The optical signals can be converted to / from electrical signals for splitting and monitoring at the electrical level. For example, converter module 202 may take in optical signal 204 and convert the optical signal 204 to electrical signal 212. Additionally, converter module 202 takes in electrical signal 214 and converts the electrical signal 214 to opticalsignal 206. Switching module 208 takes in electrical signal 212 as input and outputs electrical signals 218 and 224, one of which can be a copy of the signal for monitoring. Electrical signal 224 may carry a copy of the communication data back to switching module 210. This may be accomplished, for example, by using a loopback cable connected to the outputs of switching modules 208 and 210. Switching module 210 may take in electrical signal 224 and split the signal into electrical signals 208 and 210, one of which may be a copy for monitoring. Electrical signal 214 may be routed to fiber module 202 for conversion to optical signal 206 and, subsequently, for transmission to communicating system 170.

[0179] Electrical signals 216 and 218 may both contain copies of the communication data for monitoring. Either or both electrical signals 216 and 218 may be routed to monitoring equipment. However, only one signal is strictly required for monitoring purposes as both copies carry substantially identical data.

[0180] Reference is next made to FIGS. 3A and 3B, which are perspective views of an example network tap 300. Tap 300 is an example of a network tap that can be used to duplicate network communications in a system for monitoring network traffic such as the example system 100 shown in FIG. 1 . As noted above, the network tap 300 can be operated in a plurality of connection modes, such as the example first connection configuration and second connection configuration shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B respectively.

[0181] FIG. 3A shows the tap 300 in one orientation, and FIG. 3B shows the tap rotated 180 degrees about the minor axis of the tap. As shown, example tap 300 contains a converter module 202, a power and data port 304, a mirror ports 306, 308, 310, and switching modules 208, 210.

[0182] Tap 300 may be configured to transmit copies of signals passing through the tap 300 to downstream devices or systems, including monitoring devices. For example, mirror ports 308, 310 may be configured to interface with copper-based cables for the purposes of transmitting signal copies to downstream systems or devices, such as monitoring signals to monitoring devices. For example, with reference to the system of FIG. 1 , mirror ports 308 and 310 may connect to cabling that connects tap 300 to monitoring devices 160. Signals passing through the tap 300 may be transmitted to their destination device after beingcopied. For example, mirror port 306 may be configured to interface with copper-based cables for carrying data to network device 150.

[0183] Mirror port 306 may be configured for duplex bi-directional data transmission. For example, mirror port 306 may be configured for duplex bi-directional data transmission when operating in a first connection configuration such as the example first connection configuration shown in FIG. 2A. Alternatively, mirror port 306 may interface with a loopback cable for re-routing electrical signals between switching modules. For example, mirror port 306 may interface with the loopback cable when operating in a second connection mode such as the example second connection mode shown in FIG. 2B.

[0184] Mirror port 306 can be implemented using various different types of high-speed ports. The mirror port 306 can be configured to provide a mateable coupling for a connector that can handle high speed data transmission, such as a USB type C male connector for example. As an example, the mirror port 306 may be provided using an AcceleRate Mini Form Factor Socket configured to mate with AcceleRate Mini Form Factor male connectors.

[0185] Converter module 202 may convert optical signals carried on fiber optic cabling into electrical signals carried on conductor-based cabling. For example, converter module 202 is connected to primary RX port 302A and primary TX port 302B, which may connect to fiber optic cabling carrying optical signals. Converter module 202 may be configured to convert the optical signals into electrical signals and vice versa.

[0186] Ports 302A and 302B may be fiber connector ports configured to interface with fiber optic cables. For example, ports 302A and 302B may be configured to mate with LC- type male connectors. Optionally, ports 302A and 302B can be combined into one port. Optionally, ports 302A and 302B can be divided into further ports. One of fiber ports 302A, 302B may interface with fibers for optical signals entering the tap 300, and the other port may interface with fibers for optical signals leaving the tap 300. Referring to the connection configuration shown in FIG. 2A and 2B, fiber ports 302A and 302B may transmit or receive optical signals 204 and 206.

[0187] Optionally, fiber ports 302A and 302B may be arranged such that the direction of one fiber optic cable is substantially different from the direction of the other. The directions of the fiber optic cables may be defined with reference to a vector in 3D space indicating adirection of data flow within the cable. For example, for an arrangement of ports such as the example arrangement shown for tap 300 of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the direction of one fiber optic cable would differ from the other by 180 degrees, as the data within the cables flow in opposing directions relative to one another. Alternatively, the angles formed between the cables may be 30 degrees, 60 degrees, or 90 degrees. The intermediate conversion to electrical signals allows for the angle between ports 302A and 302B to be formed without requiring any bending of fiber cables, avoiding the introduction of additional latency that would result from additional lengths of fiber cable being necessary to satisfy bending radius requirements.

[0188] Power and data port 304 may receive power for the device. Power and data port 304 may be configured to interface with a power and data cable that is connected to an external source of power. The power and data cable may additionally be capable of providing data to tap 300. The data may be for changing settings associated with the operation of tap 300, changing the operational mode of the tap, or for sending and receiving diagnostic information. For example, with reference to FIG. 1 , tap 300 may receive commands from a management device 180 through port 304. The command may contain, for example, a command to adjust the communication mode of the tap 300 (e.g. to cease the transmission of data passing through tap 300). The power and data port may be connected to the switching modules for passing, to the switching modules, the command to cease transmission of data. Power and data port 304 can be any kind of port configured to accept a male connector capable of delivering both power and data, such as a USB-C form factor port for example.

[0189] Switching modules 208 and 210 may be configured to split and route electrical signals in accordance with the operation described in relation to FIGS. 2A and 2B. Switching module 208 may be connected to converter module 202 to receive incoming data from fiber port 302A and output copies of the data as electrical signals to monitoring port 308 and main electrical port 306. Switching module 210 may be connected to main electrical port 306 to receive outgoing data and output copies of the data as electrical signals to monitoring port 310 and to fiber module 202 to transmit outgoing data via fiber port 302B.

[0190] The components of tap 300 can be integrated into a standard-sized package. For example, the components of tap 300 can be mounted onto a printed circuit board (PCB)320, which may be substantially the same size as a standard small form -factor pluggable (SFP) fiber transceiver. By integrating all components of tap 300 into a single SFP transceiver sized package, the physical length of the data path from the point of entry (e.g., 302A / 302B) to the point where data is distributed (e.g., at port 306) can be 85mm or less. This data path length may contribute as little as 500 ps of additional latency. Existing approaches to splitting at electrical level typically require at least two SFP transceivers in series (for converting from optical to electrical and then back to optical for distribution), thus resulting in a minimum data path length of 113mm. This data length path may contribute at least 1.1 ns of latency, which can be avoided by integrating all components of tap 300 into a single SFP transceiver.

[0191] Optionally, the mirror ports may be arranged in a direction that is different from the primary TX and RX ports. For example, the mirror ports 306, 308, 310 may be physically arranged on PCB 320 facing a direction that substantially differs in angle from the primary TX port 302A and the primary RX port 302B. Where ports 302A and 302B are oriented in a first direction and ports 306, 308, 310 are oriented in a second direction, the angle formed between the first and second direction may range from 30 degrees to 90 degrees. This configuration may facilitate the convenient connection of connected devices when the tap is mounted to a rack or frame. Additionally, the described configuration can increase flexibility in the arrangement of connected downstream devices and reduce the length of cabling necessary for connecting with said devices, thus further reducing latency.

[0192] For example, typical tap devices may often be arranged such that output ports are oriented in the same direction as, or 180 degrees relative to, the primary RX / TX ports. In scenarios where the output ports are facing straight forwards relative to the input communication cables, longer lengths of cabling may be required to connect the tap to downstream devices. In contrast, presently disclosed examples (see, e.g., FIGS. 8, 9, 10a, 10b) allow communication cables to plug into mirror ports at an angle orthogonal to the primary RX / TX ports, thus facilitating convenient connection with devices arranged in various directions with respect to the tap.

[0193] The components of tap 300 can be arranged to minimize the path length for signals travelling on the tap 300. For example, the tap 300 can provide a signal path between a first communication cable (connected to primary RX port 302B and / or primary RX port302A) and, and a first mirror communication cable (connected to mirror port 306) with a path length distance of less than 85 mm. Alternatively or in addition, the tap 300 can provide a signal path between the first communication cable and a second mirror communication cable (e.g. connected to either one of mirror ports 308 or 310) with a path length distance of less than 85 mm.

[0194] Optionally, the tap 300 can provide the signal path in the form of an electrical data path from ports 302A / 302B to port 306. The electrical data path may contain wiring, circuit elements, PCB traces, integrated circuits, and other elements as part of the circuit path. Optionally, the path length distance between the first communication cable and the first mirror communication cable may be equidistant to the path length distance between the first communication cable and the second mirror communication cable. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, ports 308 and 310 may be equidistant with respect to ports 302A and 302B.

[0195] The tap 300 can be configured to operate in a plurality of communication modes. The plurality of communication modes can include a first communication mode in which the tap 300 is configured to provide normal communication operations. In the first communication mode, the tap 300 can be configured to permit incoming and outgoing communications at ports 302A and 302B, respectively, to permit outgoing communications at all of the mirror ports, and to permit incoming communications at the selected duplex port.

[0196] The plurality of communication modes can include a second communication mode in which the tap 300 is configured to provide some communication while certain levels of communications are ceased. In the second communication mode, the tap 300 can be configured to operate with a selected portion of the communications through tap 300 disabled or prevented. For example, the tap 300 may disable all paths handing incoming RX communications, including the reception of signals at port 302A, and the output of signals at all mirror ports configured to transmit copies of the incoming RX communications. Alternatively or in addition, transmission of data at one or more ports may be selectively disabled in the second communication mode.

[0197] The plurality of communication modes can include a third communication mode in which the tap 300 is configured to cease or prevent all communication through the tap 300.

[0198] The second and third communication modes can be used when a low-latency means of cutting off communications entering / leaving a tap is desired. For example, if a monitoring device detects malicious data passing through tap 300, the data can be cut off at the point of the tap. Tap 300 can be configured to operate in the second mode, in which certain communication paths are cut off from the malicious data, or in the third mode, in which all communication paths through tap 300 are cut off from the malicious data.

[0199] The tap 300 can be adjusted between the plurality of communication modes in response to one or more commands. For example, the tap 300 may receive communication mode commands through the power and data communication line. The communication mode commands can be defined to identify the desired operational mode of the tap 300. The tap 300 can be configured to adjust the active communication mode in response to receiving a communication mode command.

[0200] The third mode may be activated in response to a “kill command”, or a command to cease all communications through tap 300. For example, if malicious activity is detected in the network, all communications passing through tap 300, including incoming and outgoing communications, may be stopped by adjusting the tap 300 to the third communication mode.

[0201] Optionally, the plurality of communication modes can include a default communication mode. The tap 300 can be configured to operate in the default communication mode in the absence of alternative communication mode commands. For example, the first mode of operation may be defined as the default communication mode.

[0202] Adjusting the operational mode of tap 300 may be effected using the splitter. For example, the splitter can include an adjustable switch network (e.g. a reconfigurable crosspoint switch) that can selectively connect ports in the tap 300. The configuration settings of the splitter can be adjusted in response to communication mode commands received by the tap 300. The internal switch network of the splitter can be adjusted in response to the received communication mode commands to provide the desired connectivity within the tap 300 in order to provide the desired communication mode.

[0203] For example, to adjust the tap 300 to the second operational mode and cease some communications, the internal connections within the splitter can be reconfigured todisconnect selected ports while allowing other ports to remain connected, thereby cutting off select lines of communication. The tap 300 can be adjusted to the third operation mode by reconfiguring the splitter to disconnect all or some ports. Additionally or alternatively, the tap 300 can be adjusted to the third communication mode by powering off the splitter.

[0204] Reference is next made to FIG. 8, which shows a perspective view of an example low latency tap 800 for duplicating a network communication. Tap 800 is an example of a network tap that can be used to duplicate network communications in a system for monitoring network traffic such as the example system 100 shown in FIG. 1 . Tap 800 contains a primary RX port 804 and a primary TX port 806 connected to a converter module 802. The components of tap 800 are mounted onto a PCB 820, which may be the same size as a standard SFP fiber transceiver.

[0205] Tap 800 may transmit copies of signals passing through the tap 800 to destination devices, such as monitoring devices. Tap 800 may include five mirror ports 810a- 81 Oe. The mirror ports 810a-810 may be configured to interface with copper-based cables for the purposes of transmitting copies of the incoming and outgoing network communications to network devices, monitoring devices, or any other devices that may require copies of the network communications. For example, with reference to the system of FIG. 1 , one or more of mirror ports 810 may connect to cabling that connects tap 800 to one or more monitoring devices 160 or network device 150.

[0206] Mirror ports 810 may be configured to interface with copper-based cables for carrying data to network devices. Mirror ports 810 may be an AcceleRate Mini Form Factor Socket designed to mate with AcceleRate Mini Form Factor male connectors, but can be any kind of port operable to mate with any kind of male connector that can handle high speed data transmission, such as a USB type C male connector.

[0207] Converter module 802 is connected to primary RX port 804 and primary TX port 806. Ports 804 and 806 may be fiber connector ports configured to interface with fiber optic cables. For example, ports 804 and 806 may be configured to mate with LC-type male connectors. Optionally, ports 804 and 806 can be combined into one port. Optionally, ports 804 and 806 can be divided into further ports. One of fiber ports 804, 806 may interface with fibers for optical signals entering the tap 300, and the other port may interface with fibers foroptical signals leaving the tap 300. Ports 804 and 806 may transmit or receive optical signals. Primary RX port 804 may be configured to receive incoming network communications over a fiber optic communications cable and primary TX port 806 may be configured to send outgoing network communications over a fiber optic communications cable.

[0208] Tap 800 may contain switching modules configured to split and route electrical signals substantially in accordance with the operation described in relation to FIG. 2A, except with more copies of the incoming and / or outgoing network communications being created. The switching modules may be connected to converter module 802 to receive incoming network communication data from primary RX port 804 and output copies of the data as electrical signals to one of the mirror ports 810 for transmission to other devices. The switching modules may also be connected to one or more of the mirror ports 810 that is configured to receive data for receiving outgoing network transmission data. The outgoing network transmission data may then be routed to converter module 802, and subsequently transmitted to an external network or device through primary TX port 806.

[0209] Optionally, one or more mirror ports 810 may be configured to send copies of the incoming network communications to monitoring devices or network devices, and the remaining mirror ports 810 may be configured to send a copy of the outgoing network communications to monitoring devices. For example, four of the mirror ports 810 may be configured for transmitting copies of the incoming network communication, and one of the mirror ports 810 may be configured for transmitting copies of the outgoing network communication. Ports 810a-810d may, for example, be configured to send duplicated copies of the incoming network communications, originating from primary RX port 804, to various devices. Ports 810a-810d may be connected through, for example, Twinaxial cabling, to various devices in the network. Port 81 Oe may then be connected through, for example Twinaxial cabling, to a monitoring device, for sending a duplicated copy of the outgoing network communications to the monitoring device.

[0210] Optionally, one or more mirror ports 810 can be operable in a plurality of mirror port operational modes. Accordingly, each mirror port 810 in the one or more mirror ports 810 can include the necessary hardware for operation in each of the mirror port operational modes even if some of that hardware is unused in other modes.

[0211] Further optionally, each mirror port 810 may be operable in the plurality of mirror port operational modes. Accordingly, each mirror port 810 can include the necessary hardware for operation in each of the mirror port operational modes even if some of that hardware is unused in other modes. The mirror port(s) may be adjusted between operational modes in response to a selection setting.

[0212] The mirror port operational modes can include a simplex mode and a duplex mode. Accordingly, the one or more mirror ports 810 may contain all of the necessary hardware functionality to achieve duplex communication, even if only simplex communication is used.

[0213] The one or more mirrors ports 810 can be configured to be capable of operating in the simplex mode and the duplex mode. In the simplex mode, a mirror port 810 may operate to communicate unidirectionally. For example, the mirror port 810 can be configured to only transmit data when operating in the simplex mode. In the duplex mode, a mirror port 810 may operate to communicate bidirectionally, being capable of both transmitting and receiving data.

[0214] For example, each mirror port 810 in the one or more mirror ports may be a socket containing two differential pairs (e.g. a AcceleRate Mini form factor socket), allowing full duplex communications. In the simplex operational mode, the differential pair for receiving data may be disabled. For example, the differential pair for receiving data may be disconnected or deactivated. This may be done, for example, at the splitter, by adjusting the configuration of a switching network at the splitter. In the duplex mode, both differential pairs may be enabled. For example, both differential pairs may be activated or connected, thereby allowing use of both lanes for data transfer. This may be done, for example, at the splitter, by adjusting the configuration of a switching network at the splitter.

[0215] The mirror ports 810 can include, or be connected to, a switch network to enable the mirror ports 810 to adjust between the mirror port operational modes. For example, both differential pairs of a mirror port 810 may be connected to a reconfigurable switch (e.g. provided by the splitter). The differential pairs may then be selectively connected / activated or disconnected / deactivated by adjusting the switch network.

[0216] Optionally, a selected duplex port, selected from one of an eligible port set, may be configured to receive an input electrical signal. The eligible port set may include one or more of mirror ports 810. In other words, one of the mirror ports 810 may be configured for duplex bi-directional data transmission in addition to being capable of sending data. For example, mirror port 810a may be configured to both transmit a copy of the incoming network communications data to a network device and receive outgoing network communications data for outgoing transmission to external devices or networks at primary TX port 806.

[0217] The selected duplex port may be selected based on a selection setting. For example, if the primary downstream network device is located in closer physically proximity to port 810c than port 810b, port 810c may be changed to operate in duplex mode so it may be connected to the device and communicate bidirectionally with it. Port 810b may then be reconfigured to operate in simplex. Similarly, if port 81 Od is located in closer physical proximity to the network device, port 81 Od may be the port selected to operate in duplex as the main trunk line instead, with the other ports operating in simplex mode to transmit copied to monitoring devices. Optionally, a selection setting signal may be sent to the tap 800 to set or adjust the selected duplex port. For example, mirror ports 810a-810d may all be a part of the eligible port set. A user configuration or setting may determine that port 810a is the duplex port selected to be capable of sending and receiving data (i.e. port 810a is to be operated in the duplex mode).

[0218] Optionally, the selected duplex port may be changed in response to a selection setting signal. For example, mirror port 810b may be changed to become the selected duplex port and operate in duplex mode in response to the tap 800 receiving a corresponding selection setting command signal. The tap 300 may be configured to change a configuration setting of a switch network (e.g. provided by the splitter) in response to the selection setting command signal. The command signal may be received from a management device 180 through a power / data communication line, which may include, for example, a USB-C port or a set of pogo pins.

[0219] Optionally, the selection setting may be changeable during operation. For example, during the tap’s operation, port 810a may be the duplex port at one moment. At another moment, after a selection setting has changed, port 810b may become the duplexport and port 810a may revert back to unidirectional data flow. Alternatively, the selection setting may not be changeable during operation. For example, the selection setting may be a command line setting that can only be changed off-line. Optionally, the selection setting may be pre-determined and unable to be changed by the user. The selection setting may be fixed at the point of manufacture. For example, the selection setting may be a hardwired electrical connection. The selection setting may also be a hardcoded configuration setting at the switching network that cannot be changed by the user.

[0220] Optionally, the mirror ports 810a-810d may be physically arranged on PCB 820 facing a direction that substantially differs in angle from the primary TX port 806 and the primary RX port 804. Where ports 804, 806 are oriented in a first direction and ports 810 are oriented in a second direction, the angle formed between the first and second direction may range from 30 degrees to 90 degrees. This configuration may facilitate the convenient connection of connected devices when the tap is mounted to a rack or frame. Additionally, it will be appreciated that the described configuration can increase flexibility in the arrangement of connected downstream devices and reduce the length of cabling necessary for connecting with said devices, thus further reducing latency.

[0221] A total path length distance between a first communication cable that is connected to primary RX port 804 and / or primary RX port 806, and at least one of a first, second, third, fourth, and fifth mirror communication cable, which may be, for example, connected to mirror ports 810a, 810b, 810c, 81 Od, and 91 Oe respectively, may be less than 85 mm. For example, an electrical data path from ports 804 / 806 to any port of ports 810a- 81 Oe may contain wiring, circuit elements, PCB traces, integrated circuits, and other elements that may be a part of the circuit path. The length of those paths may total to less than 85 mm.

[0222] Optionally, the path length distance between the first communication cable and at least two mirror communication cables may be equidistant to each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, ports 804 / 806 are physically equidistant to ports 810b and 810c, and the internal wiring / circuit paths may also be similarly equidistant. Similarly, ports 810a and 81 Od are both physically equidistant to ports 804 / 806 and may both be electrically equidistant to ports 804 / 806. Port 81 Oe may be at a greater electrical distance to ports 804 / 806. Thus, tap800 may be arranged such that pairs of mirror ports are equidistant to ports 804 / 806. Regardless, the total communication path distance, including electrical and optical communication paths, may total to less than 85 mm for any of the ports. Alternatively, all of the ports 810a-810e may be arranged equidistant to ports 804 / 806 on tap 800.

[0223] Tap 800 may receive commands from a management device 180 through a power / data communication line. The power / data communication line may include any means of sending and receiving data, and may include, for example, communication ports, electrical traces, or conductive pins. For example, a set of pogo pins may be included on the device that can plug into a set of corresponding receptacles, which may be in communication with management device 180 and are operable to transmit commands to and from the management device 180. As another example, a USB-C port may be provided for sending and receiving commands from management device 180 through a communication cable. The command may contain, for example, a command to cease the transmission of data passing through tap 800. The power and data communication line may be connected to the switching modules for passing, to the switching modules, the command to cease transmission of data.

[0224] Tap 800 may receive power for powering the components of the tap 800 through the power / data communication line.

[0225] Optionally, tap 800 may be configured to operate in plurality of communication modes, for instance as described herein above with reference to tap 300.

[0226] Reference is next made to FIG. 9, which shows a perspective view of an example low latency tap 900 for duplicating a network communication. Tap 900 is an example of a network tap that can be used to duplicate network communications in a system for monitoring network traffic such as the example system 100 shown in FIG. 1 . Tap 900 contains a primary RX port 904 and a primary TX port 906 connected to a converter module 902. The components of tap 900 are mounted onto a PCB 920, which may be the same size as a standard SFP fiber transceiver.

[0227] Tap 900 may transmit copies of signals passing through the tap to destination devices such as monitoring devices. Tap 900 may include 9 mirror ports 910a-910i. The mirror ports 910a-910i may be configured to interface with copper-based cables for the purposes of transmitting copies of the incoming and outgoing network communications tonetwork devices, monitoring devices, or any other devices that may require copies of the network communications. For example, with reference to the system of FIG. 1 , one or more of mirror ports 910 may connect to cabling that connects tap 900 to one or more monitoring devices 160 or network device 150.

[0228] Mirror ports 910 may be configured to interface with copper-based cables for carrying data to devices. Mirror ports 910 may be an AcceleRate Mini Form Factor Socket designed to mate with AcceleRate Mini Form Factor male connectors but can be any kind of port operable to mate with any kind of male connectors that can handle high speed data transmission, such as a USB type C male connector.

[0229] Converter module 902 is connected to primary RX port 904 and primary TX port 906. Ports 904 and 906 may be fiber connectors configured to interface with fiber optic cables. For example, ports 904 and 906 may be configured to accept LC-type male connectors. Optionally, ports 904 and 906 can be combined into one port. Optionally, ports 904 and 906 can be divided into further ports. One of fiber ports 904, 906 may interface with fibers for optical signals entering the tap 300, and the other port may interface with fibers for optical signals leaving the tap 300. Ports 904 and 906 may transmit or receive optical signals. Primary RX port 904 may be configured to receive incoming network communications over a fiber optic communications cable and primary TX port 906 may be configured to send outgoing network communications over a fiber optic communications cable.

[0230] Tap 900 may contain switching modules configured to split and route electrical signals substantially in accordance with the operation described in relation to FIG. 2A except with more copies of the incoming and / or outgoing network communications being created. The switching modules may be connected to converter module 902 to receive incoming network communication data from primary RX port 904 and output copies of the data as electrical signals to one or more of the mirror ports 910 for transmission to other devices. The switching modules may also be connected to one or more of the mirror ports 910 that is configured to receive data for receiving outgoing network transmission data. The outgoing network transmission data may then be routed to converter module 902, and subsequently transmitted to an external network or device through primary TX port 906.

[0231] Optionally, one or more mirror ports 910 may be configured to send copies of the incoming network communications to monitoring devices or network devices, and the remaining mirror ports 910 may be configured to send a copy of the outgoing network communications to monitoring devices. For example, eight of the mirror ports 910 may be configured for transmitting copies of the incoming network communication, and 1 of the mirror ports 910 may be configured for transmitting copies of the outgoing network communication. Ports 910a-910h may, for example, be configured to send duplicated copies of the incoming network communications, originating from primary RX port 904, to various devices. Ports 910a-910h may be connected through, for example, twinaxial cabling, to various devices in the network. Port 91 Oi may then be connected through, for example, twinaxial cabling, to a monitoring device, for sending a duplicated copy of the outgoing network communications to the monitoring device.

[0232] Optionally, one or more mirror ports 910 can be operable in a plurality of mirror port operational modes as described herein above with reference to mirror ports 810. Further optionally, each mirror port 910 may be operable in the plurality of mirror port operational modes as also described herein above with reference to mirror ports 810.

[0233] Optionally, a selected duplex port, selected from one of an eligible port set, may be configured to receive an input electrical signal. The eligible port set may include one or more of mirror ports 910. In other words, one of the mirror ports 910 may be configured for duplex bi-directional data transmission in addition to being capable of sending data. For example, mirror port 91 Od may be configured to both transmit a copy of the incoming network communications data to a network device and receive outgoing network communications data for outgoing transmission to external devices or networks at primary TX port 906.

[0234] The selected duplex port may be selected based on a selection setting. For example, if the primary downstream network device is located in closer physically proximity to port 91 Oe than port 91 Od, port 91 Oe may be changed to operate in duplex mode so it may be connected to the device and communicate bidirectionally with it. Port 91 Od may then be reconfigured to operate in simplex. Optionally, a selection setting signal may be sent to the tap 800 to set or adjust / change the selected duplex port. For example, mirror ports 91 Od and 91 Oe may be included in the eligible port set. A user configuration or setting may determinethat port 91 Od is the duplex port selected to be capable of sending and receiving data (i.e. port 91 Od is to be operated in duplex mode).

[0235] Optionally, the selected duplex port may be changed in response to a selection setting signal. For example, mirror port 91 Oe may be changed to become the selected duplex port and operate in duplex mode in response to the tap 900 receiving a corresponding selection setting command signal. The tap 900 may be configured to change a configuration setting of a switch network (e.g. provided by the splitter) in response to the selection setting command signal. The command signal may be received from a management device 180 through a power / data communication line, which may include, for example, a USB-C port or a set of pogo pins.

[0236] Optionally, the selection setting may be changeable during operation. For example, during the tap’s operation, port 91 Od may be the duplex port at one moment. At another moment, after a selection setting has changed, port 91 Oe may become the duplex port and port 91 Od may revert back to unidirectional data flow. Alternatively, the selection setting may not be changeable during operation. For example, the selection setting may be a command line setting that can only be changed off-line. Further alternatively, the selection setting may be pre-determined and unable to be changed by the user. The selection setting may be fixed at the point of manufacture. For example, the selection setting may be a hardwired electrical connection. The selection setting may also be a hardcoded configuration setting at the switching modules that cannot be changed by the user.

[0237] Optionally, the mirror ports 910a-910i may be physically arranged on PCB 920 facing a direction that substantially differs in angle from the primary TX port 906 and the primary RX port 904. Where ports 904, 906 are oriented in a first direction and ports 910 are oriented in a second direction, the angle formed between the first and second direction may range from 30 degrees to 90 degrees. This configuration may facilitate the convenient connection of connected device when the tap is mounted to a rack or frame. Additionally, it will be appreciated that the described configuration can increase flexibility in the arrangement of connected downstream devices and reduce the length of cabling necessary for connecting with said devices, thus further reducing latency.

[0238] A total path length distance between a first communication cable that is connected to primary RX port 904 and / or primary RX port 906, and at least one mirror communication cable, which may be, for example, connected to at least one of mirror ports 910, may be less than 85 mm. For example, an electrical data path from ports 904 / 906 to any port of ports 910 may contain wiring, circuit elements, PCB traces, integrated circuits, and other elements that may be a part of the circuit path. The length of those paths may total to less than 85 mm. Optionally, in some cases, the path length distance between the first communication cable and at least two mirror communication cables may be equidistant to each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, ports 904 / 906 are physically equidistant to ports 91 Od and 91 Oe, and the internal wiring / circuit paths may also be similarly equidistant. Similarly, ports 910c and 91 Of are both physically equidistant to ports 904 / 906 and may both be electrically equidistant to ports 904 / 906, and so on for various pairings depicted in FIG. 9. Port 91 Oi may be at a greater electrical distance to ports 804 / 806 and may have no pair of equal distance. Regardless, the total communication path distance, including electrical and optical communication paths, may total to less than 85 mm for any of the ports.

[0239] Tap 900 may receive commands from a management device 180 through a power / data communication line. The power / data communication line may include any means of sending and receiving data, and may include, for example, communication ports, electrical traces, or conductive pins. For example, a set of pogo pins may be included on the device that can plug into a set of corresponding receptacles, which may be in communication with management device 180 and are operable to transmit commands to and from the management device 180. As another example, a USB-C port may be provided for sending and receiving commands from management device 180 through a communication cable. The command may contain, for example, a command to cease the transmission of data passing through tap 900. The power and data communication line may be connected to the switching modules for passing, to the switching modules, the command to cease transmission of data.

[0240] Tap 900 may receive power for powering the components of the tap 900 through the power / data communication line.

[0241] Optionally, tap 900 may be configured to operate in plurality of communication modes, for instance as described herein above with reference to tap 300.

[0242] Reference is next made to FIGS. 10a and 10b, which show perspective views of an example low latency tap 1000 for duplicating a network communication. Tap 1000 is an example of a network tap that can be used to duplicate network communications in a system for monitoring network traffic such as the example system 100 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 10a shows the tap 1000 from a first view, and FIG. 10b shows the tap 1000 rotated by 180 degrees along its long axis.

[0243] Tap 1000 may transmit copies of signals passing through the tap to destination devices such as monitoring devices. Tap 1000 may include 10 communication ports 1010a- 1010j. Communication port 101 Of may be configured as a primary RX / TX port. Primary RX / TX port 101 Of may be configured to receive incoming network communications and send outgoing network communications over a conductor-based communications cable. For example, port 101 Of may be connected through twinaxial cabling to an external system or network to send and receive network communications. It should be noted that communication ports 1010a-101 Oj are all substantially identical. Thus, any of ports 101 Oa-j may be used as the primary RX / TX port. The components of tap 1000 are mounted onto a PCB 1020, which may be the same size as a standard SFP fiber transceiver.

[0244] The communication ports 1010a-101 Oe and 1010g-101 Oj may be configured to interface with copper-based cables for the purposes of transmitting copies of the incoming and outgoing network communications to network devices, monitoring devices, or any other devices. For example, one or more of communications ports 1010 may connect to cabling that connects tap 1010 one or more monitoring devices or network devices. Communication ports 1010 may be configured to interface with copper-based cables for carrying data to devices. Communication ports 1010 may be an AcceleRate Mini Form Factor Socket designed to mate with AcceleRate Mini Form Factor male connectors but can be any kind of port operable to mate with any kind of connector that can handle high speed data transmission, such as a USB type C male connector.

[0245] Tap 1000 may contain switching modules configured to split and route electrical signals substantially in accordance with the operation described in relation to FIG. 2A exceptwith more copies of the incoming and / or outgoing network communications being created. Additionally, tap 1000 may not require any conversion devices as the incoming and outgoing signals are all electrical signals. The switching modules may receive incoming network communication data from primary RX / TX port 101 Of and output copies of the data as electrical signals to one or more of the communication ports 1010 for transmission to other devices. The switching modules may also be connected to one or more of the communication ports 1010 that is configured to receive data for receiving outgoing network transmission data. The outgoing network transmission data may then be transmitted to an external network or device through primary RX / TX port 101 Of.

[0246] Optionally, one or more communication ports 1010 that is not configured to be the primary RX / TX port may be configured to send copies of the incoming network communications to monitoring devices or network devices, and a remaining portion may be configured to send a copy of the outgoing network communications to monitoring devices. For example, eight communication ports of the communication ports 1010a-1010e, 1010g- 101 Oj may be configured for transmitting copies of the incoming network communication, and one of the communication ports of the communication ports 1010a-101 Oe, 1010g-101 Oj may be configured for transmitting copies of the outgoing network communication. For example, where port 101 Of is the primary RX / TX port, then ports 1010b-101 Oe, 1010g-101 Oj may be configured to send duplicated copies of the incoming network communications, originating from the primary RX / TX port 101 Of, to various devices. Port 1010a may then be configured to send a duplicated copy of the outgoing network communications to the monitoring device.

[0247] Optionally, one or more mirror ports 1010 can be operable in a plurality of mirror port operational modes as described herein above with reference to mirror ports 810. Further optionally, each mirror port 1010 may be operable in the plurality of mirror port operational modes as also described herein above with reference to mirror ports 810.

[0248] Optionally, a selected duplex port, selected from one of an eligible port set, may be configured to receive an input electrical signal. The eligible port set may include one or more of communication ports 1010 that is not the primary RX / TX port. In other words, one of the communication ports 1010 may be configured for duplex bi-directional data transmission in addition to being capable of sending data. For example, communication port 1010e maybe configured to both transmit a copy of the incoming network communications data to a network device and receive outgoing network communications data for outgoing transmission to external devices or networks at primary RX / TX port 101 Of.

[0249] The selected duplex port may be selected based on a selection setting. For example, if the primary downstream network device is located in closer physically proximity to port 101 Oj than port 1010e, port 101 Oj may be changed to operate in duplex mode so it may be connected to the device and communicate bidirectionally with it. Port 1010e may then be reconfigured to operate in simplex mode. Optionally, a selection setting command signal may be sent to the tap 1000 to set or adjust / change the selected duplex port. For example, communication ports 101 Oj and 1010e may be included in the eligible port set. A user configuration or setting may determine that port 1010e is the duplex port selected to be capable of sending and receiving data (i.e. port 1010e is to be operated in duplex mode).

[0250] Optionally, the selected duplex port may be changed in response to a selection setting signal. For example, mirror port 101 Oj may be changed to become the selected duplex port and operate in duplex mode in response to the tap 1000 receiving a corresponding selection setting command signal. The tap 1000 may be configured to change a configuration setting of a switch network (e.g. provided by the splitter) in response to the selection setting command signal. The command signal may be received from a management device 180 through power / data communication line 1030, which may include, for example, a USB-C port or a set of pogo pins, as shown in FIG. 10.

[0251] Optionally, the selection setting may be changeable during operation. For example, during the tap’s operation, port 1010e may be the duplex port at one moment. At another moment, after a selection setting has changed, port 101 Oj may become the duplex port and port 1010e may revert back to unidirectional data flow. Optionally, the selection setting may not be changeable during operation. For example, the selection setting may be a command line setting that can only be changed off-line. Optionally, the selection setting may be pre-determined and unable to be changed by the user. The selection setting may be fixed at the point of manufacture. For example, the selection setting may be a hardwired electrical connection. The selection setting may also be a hardcoded configuration setting at the switching modules that cannot be changed by the user.

[0252] Optionally, any of the mirror ports 1010a-101 Oj may be physically arranged on PCB 1020 facing a direction that substantially differs in angle from any of the other ports. This configuration may facilitate the convenient connection of connected device when the tap is mounted to a rack or frame. Additionally, it will be appreciated that the described configuration can increase flexibility in the arrangement of connected downstream devices and reduce the length of cabling necessary for connecting with said devices, thus further reducing latency.

[0253] A total path length distance between a first communication cable that is connected to the primary TX / RX port, and at least one mirror communication cable, which may be, for example, connected to at least one of the other mirror ports 1010, may be less than 85 mm. For example, an electrical data path from ports 904 / 906 to ports 910 may contain wiring, circuit elements, PCB traces, integrated circuits, and other elements that may be a part of the circuit path. The length of those paths may total to less than 85 mm.

[0254] Tap 1000 may receive commands from a management device 180 through a power / data communication line. The power / data communication line may include any means of sending and receiving data, and may include, for example, communication ports, electrical traces, or conductive pins. For example, a set of pogo pins 1030 (FIG. 10b) may be included on the device that can plug into a set of corresponding receptacles, which may be in communication with management device 180 and are operable to transmit commands to and from the management device 180. As another example, a USB-C port may be provided for sending and receiving commands from management device 180 through a communication cable. The command may contain, for example, a command to cease the transmission of data passing through tap 1000. The power and data communication line may be connected to the switching modules for passing, to the switching modules, the command to cease transmission of data.

[0255] Tap 1000 may receive power for powering the components of the tap through the power / data communication line.

[0256] Optionally, tap 1000 may be configured to operate in plurality of communication modes, for instance as described herein above with reference to tap 300.

[0257] Optionally, a combined tap unit may be provided that includes two or more primary input / output ports. The combined tap unit may include multiple primary TX / RX ports and multiple mirror ports. For example, the combined tap unit may include a set of primary TX / RX ports and mirror ports corresponding to a combination of two or more taps, such as two or more taps based on the example taps 800, 900, and 1000 shown and described herein above.

[0258] For example, a tap 800 and a tap 900 can be combined together in one unit. The combined unit may have two fiber converter units (802 and 902). The combined unit may include two sets of primary TX / RX ports supporting connection with fiber cabling (ports 804, 806 of tap 800 and ports 904, 906 of tap 900). The combined unit may have fourteen mirror ports in total (mirror ports 810a-810e and mirror ports 910a-910i).

[0259] As another example, two tap 800s and two tap 900s can be combined together in one unit. The combined unit may then have four sets of primary TX / RX ports and 28 mirror ports in total.

[0260] Optionally, all of the mirror ports and primary TX / RX ports in the combined unit may be connected to a single common splitter. For example, a first set of primary TX / RX ports, a second set of primary TX / RX ports, and the mirror ports may all be connected together via a single crosspoint switch. Outgoing TX data received at one of the mirror ports can then be distributed through two fiber cables at once (i.e. , through both the first primary TX port and the second primary TX port).

[0261] The combined tap unit can include a single or shared management device, such as the example management device 180 described herein above. This can provide a combined unit with a greater number of potential communication configurations that can be controlled via a single management device. The combined tap unit, by having a plurality of primary TX / RX ports can respond and / or adapt to a greater number of usage scenarios.

[0262] Reference is next made to FIG. 11 , which shows a method 1100 for duplicating a network communication with reduced latency. Method 1100 may be implemented, for example, using any of the taps 300, 800, 900, and 1000 of FIGS. 3, 8, 9, and 10a / b respectively.

[0263] The method begins at 1102 with receiving, through a primary RX port connected to a first communication cable at one or more converters, a primary RX signal, the primary RX signal containing the network communication. The primary RX port may be, for example, any of primary RX ports 304, 804, or 904. The primary RX signal may be an optical signal or an electrical signal. For example, in in the example taps 300, 800, or 900, primary RX signal may be an optical signal. In tap 1000, the primary RX signal may be an electrical signal. The network communication may contain an incoming network communication.

[0264] The method proceeds to 1104 with converting, at the one or more converters, the primary RX signal into a first intermediary signal, the first intermediary signal including the network communication, and wherein the first intermediary signal contains a lower transmission latency relative to the primary RX signal. For example, the primary RX signal may be an optical signal, and the one or more converters may convert the primary RX signal into an electrical signal, which has a lower latency relative to the optical signal.

[0265] The method proceeds to 1106 with splitting, at a splitter in communication with the one or more converters, the first intermediary signal into at least a first output signal and a second output signal, each of the first and second output signals containing the network communication.

[0266] The method proceeds to 1108 with sending, through a first mirror port connected to a first mirror communication cable, the first output signal. For example, the first mirror port may be a port of the plurality of mirror ports 810 or 910, or one of ports 308 or 310.

[0267] The method proceeds to 1110 with sending, through a second mirror port connected to a second mirror communication cable, the second output signal. For example, the second mirror port may be another port of the plurality of mirror ports 810 or 910, or the other port out of ports 308, 310 that is not the first mirror port.

[0268] A distance between the first communication cable and at least one of the first mirror communication cable and the second mirror communication cable may be less than 85 mm. As described, all components of taps 300, 800, and 900 may be contained in a single transceiver-sized envelope on PCB 320, 830, and 920 respectively, resulting in a total electrical path distance of less than 85 mm. This may facilitate reduced latency with respectto conventional solutions that require standard SFP transceivers or systems that require fiber-electrical-fiber conversion.

[0269] Reference is next made to FIG. 4, which shows a method 400 of monitoring incoming communications and outgoing communications of a network. Method 400 may be implemented using a tap for duplication network communications, such as any of taps 300, 800, 900, and 1000 as shown in FIGS. 1 , 2A, 3A, 3B, 8, 9, and 10.

[0270] At 402, the method begins with receiving, through a first fiber optic communication cable at one or more converters, a first optical signal, the first optical signal containing the communication. The first optical signal may be an incoming signal to be monitored, such as signal 204. The one or more converters may be a fiber converter module, such as fiber converter module 202.

[0271] At 404, the method proceeds with converting, at the one or more converters, the first optical signal into a first electrical signal, the first electrical signal containing the communication. The first electrical signal may be electrical signal 212.

[0272] At 406, the method proceeds with splitting, at a splitter in electrical communication with the one or more converters, the first electrical signal into at least a second electrical signal and a third electrical signal, each of the second and third electrical signals containing the communication. The splitter may be switching module 208, and the second electrical signal may be electrical signal 224 and electrical signal 214. The third electrical signal may be electrical signal 218, which may proceed to a monitoring device. Switching module 210 in this example acts as a pass-through switch and may not be used to split any signals.

[0273] Optionally, the splitter may be switching module 210, in which case the first electrical signal may be electrical signals 212 and 224, and the second electrical signal may be electrical signal 214. In such situations, switching module 208 may act as a pass-through switch and may not be used to split any signals. The third electrical signal may be electrical signal 216, which may proceed to a monitoring device.

[0274] It should be noted that, both switching modules 208 and 210 may optionally be used as splitters. In such situations, electrical signals 218 and 216 may both be used as monitoring signals, for instance, to provide a redundant monitoring line.

[0275] At 408, the method proceeds with converting, at the one or more converters, the second electrical signal into a second optical signal, the second optical signal containing the communication. The second optical signal may be optical signal 206.

[0276] At 410, the method proceeds with sending, through a second fiber optic communication cable at the one or more converters, the second optical signal. For example, fiber module 202 may transmit the optical signal 206 to communicating system 170.

[0277] Reference is next made to FIG. 5, which shows a method 500 of interrupting a network communication through a fiber optic communication cable, in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 2B. Method 500 can be implemented on a tap for duplicating network communications, such as any of taps 300, 800, 900, and 1000 as shown in FIGS. 1 , 2A, 3A, 3B, 8, 9, and 10.

[0278] At 502, the method begins with receiving, through the fiber optic communication cable at a first converter, one or more incoming optical signals, the one or more incoming optical signals containing one or more communications. The first converter may be a part of fiber module 202, operable to convert optical signal 204 into electrical signal 212. The one or more incoming optical signals may be optical signal 204.

[0279] At 504, the method proceeds with converting, at the first converter, at least one first signal of the one or more incoming optical signals into at least one intermediary electrical signal, the at least one intermediary electrical signal containing at least one of the one or more communications. The at least one intermediary electrical signal may include electrical signals 212, 214, and 224.

[0280] At 506, the method proceeds with routing, at a switching module in electrical communication with the first converter and a second converter, the at least one intermediary electrical signal from the first converter to the second converter. The second converter may be a part of fiber module 202, operable to convert electrical signal 214 to optical signal 206.

[0281] At 508, the method proceeds with converting, at the second converter, the at least one intermediary electrical signal into at least one converted optical signal, the at least one converted optical signal containing the at least one of the one or more communications. The at least one converted optical signal may be optical signal 206.

[0282] At 510, the method proceeds with sending, through a second fiber optic communication cable at the second converter, the at least one converted optical signal. For example, fiber module 202 may transmit optical signal 206 to communicating system 170.

[0283] At 512, the method proceeds with detecting, at the switching module, a kill condition. The kill condition may be any condition that triggers the switching module to interrupt the communication passing therethrough. For example, the kill condition may be receiving, at the tap 300, a transmission interruption command through the power-data cable from management device 180. Management device 180 may send the transmission interruption command to the tap 300 on the basis of a determination made by the one or more monitoring devices 160 relating to the at least one monitoring signal. For example, monitoring devices 160 may detect undesirable network traffic entering through tap 300 and determine that a transmission interruption command should be sent to tap 300 to interrupt any further communications from passing through tap 300.

[0284] At 514, the method proceeds with, upon detecting the kill condition, interrupting the one or more communications such that the converted optical signal is not sent through the second fiber optic communication cable. For example, when a transmission interruption command is received, switching module 208 or 210 may turn off one or more input or output ports, thereby ceasing to route any further communications through the switching module. Optionally, switching modules 208 or 210 may selectively turn off some ports. For example, switching modules 208 or 210 may not allow communications to pass through to network device 150, but may continue to allow network traffic to proceed to monitoring equipment 160.

[0285] Optionally, the kill condition may not be based on any determination made by monitoring device 160 or based on any detected through monitored network traffic. For example, a general kill command may be sent to some or all taps on a network to immediately cease a part of or all communications going in or out of the network. This may be beneficial, for instance, in the case of cyber-attacks, emergency events, or any other scenario in which an immediate interruption of network traffic is desired.

[0286] Reference is next made to FIG. 6, which shows a schematic diagram of an example connection configuration 600 between tap 300, network device 150, and monitoring device 160 of FIG. 1 in accordance with the mode of operation shown in FIG. 2A.

[0287] Modular interface devices 700 may be used to connect cables 605 to network device 150 and monitoring device 160 in the event that any one of cables 605 cannot connect directly with network device 150 or monitoring device 160. For example, cables 605 may be conductor-based cables carrying electrical signals, such as twin-axial cables. Cables 605 may be terminated with male connector heads of such form factors as USB, Accelerate Mini, etc. However, typical existing industry-standard network devices may be configured to accept SFP form-factor male connectors, which are commonly used to convert optical signals carried in fiber optic cabling to electrical.

[0288] Cables 605 may connect tap 300 to devices that are to receive copies of the data passing through the tap 300. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, cable 605A connects tap 300 to device 150 through a first modular interface device 700A. Cables 605B and 605C connect tap 300 to monitoring device 160 through modular interface devices 700B and 700C respectively. Cable 605A may carry the primary transmission to a destination device. For example, cable 605A may carry trunk signals 220 and 222 between tap 300 and network device 150. Cables 605B and 605C may carry monitoring signals 216 and 218 between monitoring device 160 and tap 300.

[0289] Cables 605 can be any conductor-based cables that are capable of handling the data rates required for network communication. For example, the cables may be AcceleRate® Mini Cable Assembly cables, USB 3.2 cables, Thunderbolt 3 or 4 cables, or any other similar type of conductor-based cables that are capable of high data rates.

[0290] It should be noted that optionally, monitoring device 160 may consist of multiple monitoring devices.

[0291] Cables 605A, 605B, 605C may have different lengths relative to one another. In some embodiments, cables 605A, 605B, 605C may be selected such that the lengths of the cables are suitably matched to the distances between tap 300 and devices 150 and 160. For example, network device 150 may be located in relatively close proximity to tap 300. Accordingly, cable 605A may be a shorter cable than cables 605B and 605C. Monitoringdevice 160 may be located farther away from tap 300 than network device 150. As such, cables 605B and 605C may be longer. In this way, unnecessary latency in the communications being sent or received by network device 150 or monitoring device 160 due to excess cabling can be avoided.

[0292] Modular interface device 700 may be operable to adapt the use of one or more cables used with tap 300 with downstream devices. Enterprise and data-center grade network devices may be configured to operate using primarily fiber-based infrastructure. Accordingly, network device 150 and / or monitoring device 160 may be configured to accept SFP modules. For example, network device 150 and / or monitoring device 160 may contain one or more ports configured to accept SFP modules. Modular interface device 700 may be used to adapt the male connector heads of a conductor-based cable such that it can exchange data through the SFP port. For example, modular interface device 700 may adapt the connectors of cables 605 for use with network device 150 and / or monitoring device 160.

[0293] For example, referring to FIGS. 7A-7D, which shows an example modular interface device 700, modular interface device 700 may provide a first port 702 operable to accept a connector of a conductor-based cable, such as the connector of cables 605. Cables 605 can be standard high-speed conductor-based cables, which are typically be terminated with male connectors on both ends. As such, the first port 702 may be configured as a female socket enabling the modular interface device can interface with cables 605. Modular interface device 700 may also provide a connector 704 operable to mate with a port on a device receiving data from the tap 300, such as network device 150 or on monitoring device 160. For example, connector 704 may specifically be a male connector configured to mate with a SFP port on the network device 150 or monitoring device 160, as SFP ports are commonly used for high-bandwidth, low-latency transmission of data in networking applications.

[0294] Internally, modular interface device 700 may provide the requisite electronics to connect the data pins of the first port with the data pins of the connector, facilitating data connectivity between the first port and the connector. For example, cables 605 may be AcceleRate Mini Cable Assembly cables consisting of Eye Speed® Thinax™ cables terminating in AcceleRate Mini Form Factor male connectors at both ends. The network device 150 may not contain any ports capable of accepting the AcceleRate Mini Form Factormale connector natively. As such, modular interface device 700 may be designed to accept one or more AcceleRate Mini Form Factor male connectors through one or more AcceleRate Mini Form Factor Sockets at one end.

[0295] At the other end, modular interface device 700 may provide a connector for interfacing with the network device. For example, an SFP male connector designed to mate with an SFP port on a network switch may be provided. In addition or alternatively, a QSFP connector, QSFP-DD connector, RJ45 connector, or any other similar such connectors could be provided.

[0296] In this configuration, the modular interface device 700 may be plugged directly into the network switch through, for example, an available SFP port. Cable 605 may be plugged into modular interface device 700. Data connectivity may be provided through the modular interface device 700 from tap 300 to network device 150. In a similar fashion as network device 150, modular interface 700 may be used to connect cable 605 to monitoring device 160.

[0297] Reference is next made to FIGS. 7A to 7D, which show perspective views of examples of the modular interface device 700 of FIG. 6. FIG. 7A shows the example modular interface device 700 in a first orientation. FIG. 7B shows the modular interface device 700 in a second orientation. FIG. 7C shows the modular interface device 700 of FIG. 7B in a third orientation. FIG. 7D shows the example modular interface device 700 in the second orientation. FIGS. 7B and 70 show the example modular interface device 700 with outer casing 710 removed.

[0298] Modular interface device 700 generally contains a port 702 and a connector 704. Connector 704 may be a male connector configured to mate with a port on a network device to transfer data received from port 702 to the network device through the port, or vice versa.

[0299] Port 702 may be configured to interface with a male connector of a conductorbased cable to transmit or receive data via the cable. Circuitry 720 connects the port 702 with connector 704 to facilitate data transmission between port 702 and connector 704.

[0300] Port 702 may be an AcceleRate Mini Form Factor Socket in narrow or wide configuration or can be any port capable of interfacing with any connector capable ofsupporting high data rates suitable for high-speed data transmission such as USB-C, SFP, QSFP, QSFP-DD, CXP, RJ45, and any such similar connector. Connector 704 can be any connector capable of connecting with networking equipment that supports high data rates. For example, connector 704 may be a connector such as SFP, QSFP, QSFP-DD, USB-C, RJ45, USB-C, CXP, and any other such connector form factor. It should be noted that, as previously mentioned, optionally, modular interface device 700 can contain multiple ports, such as shown in FIGS. 12-15.

[0301] Port 702 may specifically be one of ports 702A, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, or 702B, as shown in FIG. 7D. Port 702A may be an AcceleRate Mini Form Factor Socket in narrow configuration, designed to accommodate one differential pair connection. Port 702B may be an AcceleRate Mini Form Factor Socket in wide configuration, designed to accommodate two differential pair connections.

[0302] Optionally, modular interface device 700 can contain one or more of a second port, a third port, and a fourth port. Reference is made to FIGS. 12 and 13, which show an example modular interface device 1200 containing a connector 1210 and a first port 1230a, second port 1230b, third port 1230c, and fourth port 1230d. FIG. 12 shows the device 1200 with top cover 1220 and bottom cover 1222 removed. FIG. 13 shows the device 1200 with top cover 1220 and bottom cover 1222 closed. The connector 1210 of the modular interface device may be a high-bandwidth connector. For example, connector 1210 can be a connector that contains multiple data channels, such as a QSFP connector or QSFP-DD connector. Connector 1210 may specifically be a male QSFP or QSFP-DD connector such that connector 1210 can mate with a QSFP port on a network device.

[0303] The data passing through the connector 1210 can be multiplexed and demultiplexed between one or more ports. For example, the data passing through connector 1210 can be multiplexed or demultiplexed between the first, second, third and fourth ports 1230a-1230d.

[0304] Ports 1230 can be a lower-bandwidth connector relative to connector 1210. For example, port 1230 can contain fewer data channels than the connector 1210. For example, port 1230 may be a port that contains one or two data channels. Thus, the plurality of data channels of the higher-bandwidth connector 1210 can be divided between ports 1230.

[0305] As an example, connector 1210 may be a QSFP connector with 4 data channels and ports 1230a-1230d may be Accelerate Mini Form Factor Sockets containing one or two data channels. The four data channels can be divided between the ports 1230 such that one data channel is connected to each of ports 1230. A multi-channel electrical communication may be received at connector 1210. For example, the multi-channel electrical communication may include four independent communications at once, with one communication being transmitted per data channel.

[0306] Connector 1210 may receive the multi-channel electrical communication, with one communication being received at each data channel. A first channel communication of the multi-channel communication can be sent through a first port, such as port 1230a. A second channel communication of the multi-channel communication can be sent through a second port, such as port 1230b. A third channel communication of the multi-channel communication can be sent through a third port, such as port 1230c. A fourth channel communication of the multi-channel communication can be sent through a fourth port, such as port 1230d.

[0307] The first port 1230a, second port 1230b, third port 1230c, and fourth ports 1230d may be operable to receive a first, second, third and fourth conductor-based cable, respectively. For example, referring additionally to FIG. 17, a schematic diagram showing the connection of an example modular interface device 1750 is shown. Modular interface device 1750 may be modular interface device 1200, containing four ports 1230. Modular interface device 1750 may be connected to at least a first cable 1710a, a second cable 1710b, a third cable 1710c, and a fourth cable 171 Od. It should be noted that modular interface device 1750 can be connected to more than four cables, such as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, or fewer than four cables.

[0308] Each of the first, second, third, and fourth conductor-based cables 1710 may be selected to have a different length. The selection of the cables may be done in such a way that the cable lengths are optimized for minimal or equalized latency between the modular interface device and connected devices. For example, a modular interface device 1200 may be plugged into a QSFP port of a network device 1704 through QSFP connector 1210 on the modular interface device 1200. The first cable 1710a may connect to a firstdevice 1702a located 0.2 meters away from a network device 150. The second cable may correspondingly connect to a second device 1702b located 0.4 meters away, the third cable to a third device 1702c located 0.6 meters away, and the fourth cable to a fourth device located 1702d 0.8 meters away. Each of the first to fourth cables 1710a may be selected such that the length of the cable is minimized between the network device 150 and the cable’s respectively connected device.

[0309] For example, length 1712a of cable 1710a may be the shortest length, selected to be able to reach device 1702a but not the other devices. Length 1712b of cable 1710b may be greater than length 1712a but shorter than the lengths 1710c and 1710d corresponding to cables 1710c and 171 Od, respectively. Length 1712d corresponding to cable 171 Od may be the greatest, as device 1702d is located at a greatest point away from device 1704. This approach may advantageously reduce latency as compared to configurations where the cables lengths are the same across all connected devices.

[0310] The ends of any of the first to fourth cables may be connected to further modular interface devices operable to adapt the connector of the cables into another network device. For example, each of the first, second, third and fourth conductor-based cables 1710 may be AcceleRate Mini Form Factor Cable Assembly cables. Each of the first, second, third and fourth cables 1710 may be connected to network devices containing SFP ports. A modular interface device 700 operable to adapt the AcceleRate Mini Form Factor connector of the cables into an SFP port of the network devices may be used to connect the cables into their respective network devices.

[0311] Each of the ports 1230 may be operable to connect with the same kind of connector. For example, each of the ports 1230 may be an AcceleRate Mini Form Factor Socket designed to accept AcceleRate Mini Form Factor male connectors connected to AcceleRate Mini Cable Assemblies. Optionally, the ports 1230 may be operable to accept different male connectors selected from a plurality of suitable connectors. The plurality of suitable connectors can include any kinds of connectors capable of handling a sufficiently high data rate for network communications. For example, one or more ports of ports 1230 ports of can be USB-C ports designed to accept USC type C form factor male connectors, while the rest can be AcceleRate Mini Form Factor Sockets. As another example, some portscan be AcceleRate Mini Form Factor Sockets of a wider form factor containing two differential pairs, while others can be AcceleRate Mini Form Factor Sockets of a smaller form factor containing one differential pair.

[0312] Optionally, the modular interface device can further contain any one of a fifth port, a sixth port, a seventh port, and an eighth port. Reference is made to FIGS. 14 and 15, which shows an example modular interface device 1400 containing eight ports (1430a- 1430h). FIG. 14 shows the device 1200 with top cover 1420 and bottom cover 1422 removed.

[0313] The connector 1410 of the modular interface device may be a high-bandwidth connector. For example, connector 1410 can be a connector that contains eight or more data channels, such as a QSFP-DD connector. Connector 1410 may specifically be a male QSFP- DD connector such that connector 1410 can mate with a QSFP-DD port on a network device.

[0314] The data passing through the high-bandwidth connector 1410 can be multiplexed and demultiplexed between one or more ports. For example, the data passing through the high bandwidth connector 1410 may be multiplexed and demultiplexed between each of the first to the eighth ports.

[0315] Ports 1430 can be a lower-bandwidth connector relative to connector 1410. For example, port 1430 can contain fewer data channels than the connector 1410. For example, port 1430 may be a port that contains one, two, or four data channels. Thus, the plurality of data channels of the higher-bandwidth connector 1410 can be divided between ports 1430. As an example, connector 1410 may be a QSFP-DD connector with 8 data channels and ports 1430a-1430h may be Accelerate Mini Form Factor Sockets containing one or two data channels. The eight data channels can be divided between the ports 1430 such that one data channel is connected to each of ports 1430.

[0316] As an example, connector 1410 may be a QSFP-DD connector with 8 data channels and ports 1430a-1430d may be Accelerate Mini Form Factor Sockets containing one or two data channels. The eight data channels can be divided between the ports 1430 such that one data channel is connected to each of ports 1430. A multi-channel electrical communication may be received at connector 1410. For example, the multi-channel electrical communication may include eight independent communications at once, with one communication being transmitted per data channel.

[0317] Connector 1410 may receive the multi-channel electrical communication, with one communication being received at each data channel. A first channel communication of the multi-channel communication can be sent through a first port, such as port 1430a, a second channel communication of the multi-channel communication can be sent through a second port, such as port 1430b, and so on, with each communication of the eight-channel multi-channel communication being sent on a different port 1430.

[0318] Each of the first to eighth ports (1430a-1430h) may be operable to mate with the same connector. For example, each of the eight ports may be AcceleRate Mini Form Factor Sockets designed to accept AcceleRate Mini Form Factor male connectors. Optionally, the ports 1430 may be designed to accept different connectors selected from a plurality of suitable connectors. The plurality of suitable connectors can include any kinds of connectors capable of handling a sufficiently high data rate for network communications. For example, some ports of a modular interface device 1400 can be USB-C ports designed to accept USC type C form factor male connectors, while the rest can be AcceleRate Mini Form Facto Sockets. As another example, some ports of modular interface device 1400 can be AcceleRate Mini Form Factor Sockets of a wider form factor containing two differential pairs, while others can be AcceleRate Mini Form Factor Sockets of a smaller form factor containing one differential pair.

[0319] Each of the ports 1430a-1430h may be operable to receive a conductor-based cable. For example, referring back to FIG. 17, modular interface device 1750 can be modular interface device 1430, containing eight ports. In such instances, modular interface device 1750 can be connected to a first cable 1710a, a second cable 1710b, a third cable 1710c, a fourth cable 171 Od, and any additional number of cables up to eight cables. For example, fifth to eighth cables 1702e-1702h can be connected to modular interface device 1750.

[0320] The ends of any of the first to eighth cables may be connected to further modular interface devices operable to adapt the connector of the cables into another network device. For example, each of the first to eighth conductor-based cables may be AcceleRate Mini Form Factor Cable Assembly cables. Each of the first to eighth cables may be connected to network devices (1702a-1702h) containing SFP ports. A modular interface device 700 operable to adapt the AcceleRate Mini Form Factor male connectors of the cables into anSFP port of the network devices may be used to connect the cables with their respective network devices.

[0321] Notwithstanding the above examples containing four and eight cables, any number of cables may be used with the modular interface device. For example, two cables may be connected to the modular interface device. The connector of the modular interface device may be a QSFP-DD male connector. Two cables may be connected to the ports of the modular interface device. The cables may connect to network devices containing QSFP ports. At the other end of each of the two cables may be a further modular interface device, operable to adapt the male connector of the cable into the QSFP port.

[0322] Reference is next made to FIG. 16a, which shows an example frame 1600. Frame 1600 can be used to mount one or more taps for duplicating network communications. The frame 1600 can include a plurality of interface portions or slots arranged to receive corresponding communication interfaces. A plurality of communication interfaces 1620a- 1620v may be mounted to the interface slots provided by the mounting portion 1602 of the frame 1600 as shown in FIG. 16A.

[0323] In the example shown in FIG 16a, the communication interfaces 1620a-1620v are provided using the example 9 mirror-port tap 900 of FIG. 9. It should be understood that the communication interfaces 1620a-1620v mounted to frame 1600 can be one or a combination of any of the taps described herein, including taps 300, 800, and / or 1000 of FIGS. 3, 8, and 10, respectively. Communication interfaces 1620 can also include alternative communication interfaces that can fit onto the frame mounting portion 1602.

[0324] In the example shown in FIG. 16a, each of the interface slots has a corresponding communication interface 1620 connected thereto. Optionally, each of the interface slots of frame 1600 can have the same type of communication interface connected thereto as shown in the example of FIG. 16A. Alternatively, the frame 1600 may have multiple different types of interfaces mounted thereto (see e.g. FIG. 16B).

[0325] Optionally, one or more interface slots may not be connected to a communication interface. Such an interface slot may be referred to as a blank or disconnected interface slot.

[0326] FIG. 16b shows another example frame 1600 with a different set of interface units 1630 mounted to the mounting portion 1602. As can be seen in FIG. 16B, interfaces 1630a-1630v are mounted to the slots of mounting portion 1602. As shown in the example of FIG. 16B, the interfaces 1630a, 1630f, 1630g, 1630h, 1630o, 1630p, 1630q, 1630r mounted to the slots of frame 1600 are provided by implementations of tap 900 of FIG. 9; the interfaces 1630c, 1630e, 1630i, 1603j, and 1630v mounted to the slots of frame 1600 are provided by implementations of tap 800 of FIG. 8; and interfaces 1630b, 1630k, 16031, 1630m, 1630n mounted to the slots of frame 1600 are provided by implementations of tap 1000 of FIG. 10. In the example shown in FIG. 16B, the slots corresponding to interfaces 1630d, 1630s, 1630t, 1630u are in fact blank slots with the blank cover panel interfaces 1630d, 1630s, 1630t, 1630u covering slots on the mounting portion 1602 of panel 1600.

[0327] Optionally, the slots of frame 1600 can be arranged to face in an upward or downward direction relative to the plane of the frame 1600 (i.e. normal to the plane of frame 1600). In the examples illustrated in FIG. 16A and 16B, the slots of frame 1600 are arranged such that the interfaces 1620 and 1630 can be mounted with the primary RX / TX ports pointing in an upward or downward direction. This may help reduce latency through the communication system. Typically, communication cables for a rack are fed from the top or bottom of the rack. By arranging the interfaces with the primary RX / TX ports pointing in an upward or downward direction, the distance and number of bends required to connect cables to the interfaces can be reduced, thereby reducing overall cable length, and consequently, reducing latency in the system.

[0328] Alternatively, the slots of frame 1600 can be arranged to face in other directions, such as outward away from the frame 1600.

[0329] FIG. 16c shows a closeup view of units 1630e, 1630f, and 1630g mounted on frame 1600 of FIG. 16b. Units 1630e, 1630f , 1630g are multi-port taps that contain primary TX / RX ports 1650e, 1650f, and 1650g, respectively, pointing in an upwards direction. Optionally, the primary TX / RX ports may point in a downwards direction.

[0330] To illustrate this, reference is made to FIG. 16e, which shows a schematic diagram of a rack 1670 containing a conventional splitter device 1662 with ports facing in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the rack. Cable 1640 connecting a network device1660 to the splitter 1662 requires two bends, as the cable first points outwards, and then turns to travel in a direction substantially tangential to the front surface 1664 of the rack, and then points back inwards.

[0331] Reference is next made to FIG 16d, which shows a schematic diagram of a rack 1670 in which a frame 1600 is mounted. A tap 1630 may be mounted to frame 1600. Network device 1660 is mounted above frame 1600. Tap 1630 can be mounted on frame 1600 in the configuration shown in FIGS. 16a, 16b, 16c. Fiber cables 1640 from network device 1660 can connect to the primary TX / RX ports of tap 1630 directly without requiring an additional bend, as the primary TX / RX ports face upwards instead of outwards. Thus, less cabling material is required in this configuration, and latency in the system can be reduced.

[0332] Frame chassis 1610 of frame 1600 may additionally contain a hollow interior chamber for holding one or more downstream network devices that is connected to one of the taps. This may allow downstream devices to utilize the existing rack mounting space allocated to frame 1600 instead of taking up additional rack mounting space. For example, tap device 1620a may receive a main trunk signal carried in fiber optic cabling and distribute copies of the main trunk signal as electrical signals to up to eight downstream devices connected by conductor-based cables. If each of the eight downstream devices were mounted separately to the rack using a chassis that takes up 1 rack unit of space, 8 rack units may be used in total. In contrast, if one or more of the downstream devices were mounted within frame 1600, the amount of space used may decrease by a corresponding amount.

[0333] Optionally, the blank cover panels, (e.g., units 1630d, 1630s, 1630t and 1630u of FIG. 16b) can contain openings for cables to pass through to allow devices housed within the frame chassis 1610 to connect to other devices. For example, a tap 1620 or 1630 can connect to a downstream device that is housed in the frame chassis 1610 through a cable that passes through a blank section of mounting portion 1602. The blank section may be covered by a blank cover panel unit. The blank cover panels may be removable to allow communication interfaces to be inserted into the corresponding slots of frame 1600.

[0334] The described mounting configuration may facilitate savings in power budget allocation. For example, certain facilities may require that each power supply mounted on aserver rack is allocated a minimum amount of design power draw. The design power draw of the mounted device may be greater than the actual power draw of the mounted device. Additionally, each server rack may have a maximum rated amount of combined total design power draw available to the rack. Thus, even if the actual power draw of the rack is substantially under the maximum rated power of the rack power distribution unit, the aggregate design power draw may limit the number of devices that can be mounted on the server rack. On the other hand, if both a tap 1620 and one or more downstream devices of the tap can be mounted to the same frame and share the same power supply, the design power draw of the downstream devices and taps 1620 may be combined into the design power draw of a single power supply, rather than split between two or more power supplies, thus allowing more room for other devices to be installed on the server rack.

[0335] It will be appreciated that numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, this description and the drawings are not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein in any way, but rather as merely describing the implementation of the various embodiments described herein.

[0336] The embodiments of the systems and methods described herein may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of both. These embodiments may be implemented in computer programs executing on programmable computers, each computer including at least one processor, a data storage system (including volatile memory or nonvolatile memory or other data storage elements or a combination thereof), and at least one communication interface. For example and without limitation, the programmable computers (referred to as computing devices) may be a server, network appliance, embedded device, computer expansion module, a personal computer, laptop, personal data assistant, cellular telephone, smart-phone device, tablet computer, a wireless device or any other computing device capable of being configured to carry out the methods described herein.

[0337] Various embodiments have been described herein by way of example only. Various modification and variations may be made to these example embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method of duplicating a network communication with reduced latency, the method comprising: receiving, through a primary RX port connected to a first communication cable at one or more converters, a primary RX signal, the primary RX signal comprising the network communication; converting, at the one or more converters, the primary RX signal into a first intermediary signal, the first intermediary signal comprising the network communication, and wherein the first intermediary signal comprises a lower transmission latency relative to the primary RX signal; splitting, at a splitter in communication with the one or more converters, the first intermediary signal into at least a first output signal and a second output signal, each of the first and second output signals comprising the network communication; sending, through a first mirror port connected to a first mirror communication cable, the first output signal; and sending, through a second mirror port connected to a second mirror communication cable, the second output signal, wherein a distance between the first communication cable and at least one of the first mirror communication cable or the second mirror communication cable is less than 85 mm.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein: the primary RX signal further comprises a first optical signal; the first communication cable comprises a first fiber cable; the primary RX port comprises a first fiber optic port; the intermediary signal comprises a first intermediary electrical signal; the first mirror communication cable comprises a first conductor-based cable; the first output signal comprises a first output electrical signal; the first mirror port comprises a first mirror electrical port; the second mirror communication cable comprises a second conductor-based cable;the second output signal further comprises a second output electrical signal; and the second mirror port comprises a second mirror electrical port.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: receiving, through the first mirror electrical port, an input electrical signal; splitting, at the splitter, the input electrical signal into a third output electrical signal and a second intermediary electrical signal; converting, at the one or more converters, the second intermediary electrical signal into a second optical signal; sending, through a primary TX port connected to a second fiber cable, the second optical signal, the primary TX port comprising a second fiber optic port; sending, at a third mirror electrical port connected to a third conductor-based cable, the third output electrical signal.

4. The method of claim 2, further comprising: receiving, through a selected duplex port, an input electrical signal, the selected duplex port being selected, based on a selection setting, from one of an eligible port set, the eligible port set comprising at least the first mirror electrical port and the second mirror electrical port; splitting, at the splitter, the input electrical signal into a third output electrical signal and a second intermediary electrical signal; converting, at the one or more converters, the second intermediary electrical signal into a second optical signal; sending, at a primary TX port comprising a second fiber optic port and connected to a second fiber cable, the second optical signal; sending, at a third mirror electrical port connected to a third conductor-based cable, the third output electrical signal.

5. The method of any one of claims 3 to 4, further comprising: splitting, at the splitter, the first intermediary electrical signal further into a fourth output electrical signal and a fifth output electrical signal;sending, at a fourth mirror electrical port connected to a fourth conductor-based cable, the fourth output electrical signal; and sending, at a fifth mirror electrical port connected to a fifth conductor-based cable, the fifth output electrical signal.

6. The method of claim 5 when dependent on claim 4, wherein the eligible port set further comprises the fourth mirror electrical port and the fifth mirror electrical port.

7. The method of claim 2, further comprising: splitting, at the splitter, the first intermediary electrical signal further into a third output electrical signal and a fourth output electrical signal; sending, at a third mirror electrical port connected to a third conductor-based cable, the third output electrical signal; and sending, at a fourth mirror electrical port connected to a fourth conductor-based cable, the fifth output electrical signal.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: splitting, at the splitter, the first intermediary electrical signal further into a fifth output electrical signal, a sixth output electrical signal, a seventh output electrical signal, and an eighth output electrical signal; sending, at a fifth mirror electrical port connected to a fifth conductor-based cable, the fifth output electrical signal; sending, at a sixth mirror electrical port connected to a sixth conductor-based cable, a sixth output electrical signal; sending, at a seventh mirror electrical port connected to a seventh conductorbased cable, a seventh output electrical signal; and sending, at an eighth mirror electrical port connected to an eighth conductorbased cable, an eighth output electrical signal.

9. The method of any one of claims 3 to 4, further comprising: splitting, at the splitter, the first intermediary electrical signal further into a fourth output electrical signal, a fifth output electrical signal, a sixth output electrical signal, aseventh output electrical signal, an eighth output electrical signal, and a ninth output electrical signal; sending, at a fourth mirror electrical port connected to a fourth conductor-based cable, the fourth output electrical signal; sending, at a fifth mirror electrical port connected to a fifth conductor-based cable, the fifth output electrical signal; sending, at a sixth mirror electrical port connected to a sixth conductor-based cable, a sixth output electrical signal; sending, at a seventh mirror electrical port connected to a seventh conductorbased cable, a seventh output electrical signal; sending, at an eighth mirror electrical port connected to an eighth conductorbased cable, an eighth output electrical signal; and sending, at a ninth mirror electrical port connected to a ninth conductor-based cable, a ninth output electrical signal.

10. The method of any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein: at least one of the primary TX port and the primary RX port are oriented in a first direction; the first mirror electrical port, the second mirror electrical port, and the third mirror electrical port are oriented in a second direction; and the first direction and second direction differ from one another by an angle of at least 30 degrees.11 . The method of claim 10, wherein the angle is at least 60 degrees.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the angle is at least 90 degrees.

13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more converters comprises a first converter for converting the first optical signal into the first intermediary electrical signal and a second converter for converting the second intermediary electrical signal into the second optical signal.

14. The method of any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising:detecting, at the splitter, a kill condition; and stopping, at the splitter, a subsequent signal upon detecting the kill condition.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the kill condition comprises receiving a transmission interruption command through a power-data communication line.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the stopping a subsequent signal comprises deactivating at least one input port or output port in a plurality of input ports and output ports at the splitter, wherein the plurality of input ports and output ports are operable to provide connections between the splitter and: the one or more converters; the first mirror electrical port; the second mirror electrical port; and the third mirror electrical port.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein: at least one of the second and third conductor-based cables is connected to a monitoring device such that the monitoring device is operable to receive at least one of the second and third output electrical signal; the transmission interruption command is generated at the monitoring device based on the network communication.

18. The method of any one of claims 4 to 17, wherein the selection setting comprises a changeable setting that can be set by a user.

19. The method of any one of claims 4 to 17, wherein the selection setting comprises a pre-determined configuration that cannot be changed.

20. A low latency tap for duplicating a network communication, the tap comprising: a primary RX port at one or more converters for connection with a first communication cable to receive via the first communication cable a primary RX signal comprising the network communication; a first mirror port for connection with a first mirror communication cable to send via the first mirror communication cable a first output signal;a second mirror port for connection with a second mirror communication cable to send via the second mirror communications cable a second output signal; one or more converters in communication with the primary TX port, the one or more converters operable to convert the primary RX signal into a first intermediary signal, the first intermediary signal comprising the network communication, and wherein the first intermediary signal comprises a lower transmission latency relative to the primary RX signal; and a splitter in communication with the one or more converters, the splitter operable to convert the first intermediary signal into at least a first output signal and a second output signal, each of the first and second output signals comprising the network communication, wherein a distance between the first communication cable and at least one of the first mirror communication cable and the second mirror communication cable is less than 85 mm.

21. The tap of claim 20, wherein: the primary RX signal further comprises a first optical signal; the first communication cable comprises a first fiber cable; the primary RX port comprises a first fiber optic port; the intermediary signal comprises a first intermediary electrical signal; the first mirror communication cable comprises a first conductor-based cable; the first output signal comprises a first output electrical signal; the first mirror port comprises a first mirror electrical port; the second mirror communication cable comprises a second conductor-based cable; the second output signal further comprises a second output electrical signal; and the second mirror port comprises a second mirror electrical port.

22. The tap of claim 21 , further comprising:a primary TX port, comprising a second fiber optic port, at the one or more converters, for connection with a second fiber cable, configured to send a second optical signal; and a third mirror electrical port for connection with a third conductor-based cable, configured to send a third output electrical signal, wherein: i) the first mirror electrical port is further configured to receive an input electrical signal; ii) the splitter is further configured to split the input electrical signal into the third output electrical signal and the second intermediary electrical signal; and iii) the one or more converters is further configured to convert the second intermediary electrical signal into a second optical signal.

23. The tap of claim 21 , further comprising: a selected duplex port, selected from one of an eligible port set, the eligible port set comprising at least the first mirror electrical port and the second mirror electrical port, configured to receive, based on a duplex selection setting, an input electrical signal; a third mirror electrical port for connection with a third conductor-based cable, configured to send a third output electrical signal; and a primary TX port, comprising a second fiber optic port, at the one or more converters, for connection with a second fiber cable, configured to send a second optical signal, wherein: the splitter is further configured to split the input electrical signal into the third output electrical signal and a second intermediary electrical signal; and the one or more converters is configured to convert the second intermediary electrical signal into the second optical signal.

24. The tap of any one of claims 22 to 23, further comprising: a fourth mirror electrical port for connection with a fourth conductor-based cable, configured to: send a fourth output electrical signal; anda fifth mirror electrical port for connection with a fifth conductor-based cable, configured to: send a fifth output electrical signal, wherein: i) the splitter is further configured to split the first intermediary electrical signal further into the fourth output electrical signal and the fifth output electrical signal.

25. The tap of claim 24 when dependent on claim 23, wherein the eligible port set further comprises the fourth mirror electrical port and the fifth mirror electrical port.

26. The tap of claim 21 , further comprising: a third mirror electrical port for connection with a third conductor-based cable, configured to send a third output electrical signal; and a fourth mirror electrical port for connection with a fourth conductor-based cable, configured to send a fourth output electrical signal; wherein: i) the splitter is further configured to split the first intermediary electrical signal into the fourth output electrical signal and the fifth output electrical signal.

27. The tap of claim 26, further comprising: a fifth mirror electrical port for connection with a fifth conductor-based cable, configured to send a fifth output electrical signal; a sixth mirror electrical port for connection with a sixth conductor-based cable, configured to send a sixth output electrical signal; a seventh mirror electrical port for connection with a seventh conductor-based cable, configured to send a seventh output electrical signal; an eighth mirror electrical port for connection with an eighth conductor-based cable, configured to send an eighth output electrical signal, wherein: i) the splitter is further configured to split the first intermediary electrical signal into the fifth output electrical signal, the sixth outputelectrical signal, the seventh output electrical signal, and the eighth output electrical signal.

28. The tap of claim 23, further comprising: a fourth mirror electrical port for connection with a fourth conductor-based cable, configured to send a fourth output electrical signal; a fifth mirror electrical port for connection with a fifth conductor-based cable, configured to send a fifth output electrical signal; a sixth mirror electrical port for connection with a sixth conductor-based cable, configured to send a sixth output electrical signal; a seventh mirror electrical port for connection with a seventh conductor-based cable, configured to send a seventh output electrical signal; an eighth mirror electrical port for connection with an eighth conductor-based cable, configured to send an eighth output electrical signal; and a ninth mirror electrical port for connection with a ninth conductor-based cable, configured to send a ninth output electrical signal, wherein: i) the splitter is further configured to split the first intermediary electrical signal into the fourth output electrical signal, the fifth output electrical signal, the sixth output electrical signal, the seventh output electrical signal, the eighth output electrical signal, and the ninth output electrical signal.

29. The tap of any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein: at least one of the primary TX port and the primary RX port are oriented in a first direction; the first mirror electrical port, the second mirror electrical port, and the third mirror electrical port are oriented in a second direction; and the first direction and second direction differ from one another by an angle of at least 30 degrees.

30. The tap of claim 27, wherein the angle is at least 60 degrees.31 . The tap of claim 27, wherein the angle is at least 90 degrees.

32. The tap of claim 20, wherein the one or more converters comprises a first converter for converting the first optical signal into the first intermediary electrical signal and a second converter for converting the second intermediary electrical signal into the second optical signal.

33. The tap of any one of claims 20 to 30, where the splitter is further configured to: detect a kill condition; and stop splitting a subsequent signal upon detecting the kill condition.

34. The tap of claim 31 , wherein the kill condition comprises a transmission interruption command received through a power-data communication line.

35. The tap of claim 31 , wherein the stopping a subsequent signal comprises deactivating at least one input port or output port in a plurality of input ports and output ports at the splitter, wherein the plurality of input ports and output ports are operable to provide connections between the splitter and: the one or more converters; the first mirror electrical port; the second mirror electrical port; and the third mirror electrical port.

36. The tap of claim 31 , wherein: at least one of the second and third conductor-based cables is connected to a monitoring device such that the monitoring device is operable to receive at least one of the second and third output electrical signal; the transmission interruption command is generated at the monitoring device based on the network communication.

37. The tap of any one of claims 23 to 34, wherein the selection setting comprises a changeable setting that can be set by a user.

38. The tap of any one of claims 23 to 34, wherein the selection setting comprises a predetermined configuration that cannot be changed.

39. A low latency tap for duplicating a network communication, the tap comprising: a primary RX / TX port at one or more converters for connection with a first communication cable configured to: i) receive via the first communication cable a primary RX signal comprising the network communication; and ii) send via the first communication cable a primary TX signal comprising the network communication; a splitter in communication with the one or more converters, the splitter operable to: i) convert the first primary RX signal into at least a first output signal, a second output signal, a third output signal, and a fourth output signal, each of the output signals comprising the network communication; and ii) convert an input electrical signal into the primary TX signal and a mirror TX signal; a first mirror port for connection with a first mirror communication cable to send via the first mirror communication cable the first output signal; a second mirror port for connection with a second mirror communication cable to send via the second mirror communications cable the second output signal; a third mirror port for connection with a third mirror communication cable, configured to send a third output signal, a fourth mirror port for connection with a fourth mirror communication cable, configured to send a fourth output signal; a fifth mirror port for connection with a fifth mirror communication cable, configured to send a mirror TX signal; wherein: a distance between the primary RX / TX port and one or more of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth mirror ports is less than 85 mm; and an eligible port is configured to receive the input electrical signal, the eligible port being selected from an eligible port set, the eligible port set comprising the first, second, third, and fourth mirror ports.

40. The tap of claim 39, further comprising: a sixth mirror port for connection with a sixth mirror communication cable, configured to send a fifth output signal; a seventh mirror port for connection with a seventh mirror communication cable, configured to send a sixth output signal; an eighth mirror port for connection with an eighth mirror communication cable, configured to send a seventh output signal; and a ninth mirror electrical port for connection with a ninth conductor-based cable, configured to send an eighth output signal, wherein: i) the splitter is further configured to convert the first primary TX signal into a fifth output signal, a sixth output signal, a seventh output signal, and an eighth output signal, each comprising the network communication; and ii) the eligible port set further comprises the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth mirror ports.41 . A network tap for monitoring incoming communications and outgoing communications of a system, comprising: a first fiber port for connection with one or more incoming fiber optic communication cables to receive a first optical signal, the optical signal comprising the incoming communications to the network; a second fiber port for connection with one or more outgoing fiber optic communication cables to send a second optical signal, the second optical signal comprising the outgoing communications from the network; a main electrical port for connection with a conductor-based communication cable to send a first electrical signal or receive a second electrical signal, the electrical signal comprising at least one of: the incoming communications to the network and the outgoing communications from the network; a first monitoring port for connection with a first monitoring cable to send a first monitoring signal to one or more monitoring devices; a second monitoring port for connection with a second monitoring cable to send a second monitoring signal to the one or more monitoring devices;one or more converters operable to: i) convert the first optical signal into a first intermediary electrical signal; ii) convert the second intermediary electrical signal into a second optical signal; one or more switching modules operable to: i) split the first intermediary electrical signal into the first electrical signal and the first monitoring signal; and ii) split the second electrical signal into the second monitoring signal and the second intermediary electrical signal.

42. A method for monitoring incoming communications and outgoing communications of a system, the method comprising: receiving, at a first port of a network tap, a first optical signal; converting, at one or more converters of the network tap, the first optical signal into a first intermediary electrical signal; splitting, at one or more switching modules, the first intermediary electrical signal into a first electrical signal and a first monitoring signal; sending, at a first monitoring port of the network tap, the first monitoring signal to one or more monitoring devices; sending, at a main electrical port of the network tap, the first electrical signal; receiving at the main electrical port, a second electrical signal; splitting, at the one or more switching modules, the second electrical signal into a second intermediary signal and a second monitoring signal; sending, at a second monitoring port of the network tap, the second monitoring signal to the one or more monitoring devices; converting, at the one or more converters, the second intermediary electrical signal into a second optical signal; and sending, at the second port, the second optical signal.

43. A system for low-latency distribution of a transmission to a plurality of network devices, the system comprising:a splitter connectable to a fiber-based communication cable, the splitter operable to: i) convert an incoming fiber signal received through the fiber-based communication cable into an intermediate electrical signal, the incoming fiber signal comprising the communication; and ii) split the intermediate electrical signal into at least a first distribution electrical signal to be sent through a first conductor-based communication cable and a second distribution electrical signal to be sent through a second conductor-based communication cable; and a first modular interface device, comprising: i) at least one port connectable to the first conductor-based communication cable to receive the first distribution electrical signal; and ii) at least one connector connectable to a first network device of the plurality of network devices.

44. The system of claim 43, further comprising a second modular interface device, the second modular interface device comprising: i) at least one port connectable to the second conductor-based communication cable to receive the second distribution electrical signal; and ii) at least one connector connectable to the second network device of the plurality of network devices.

45. The system of claim 44, wherein: the first modular interface device is operable to receive a first outgoing electrical signal from the first network device and transmit the first outgoing electrical signal through the first conductor-based communication cable; the second modular interface device is operable to receive a second outgoing electrical signal from the second network device and transmit the second outgoing electrical signal through the second conductor-based communication cable; and the splitter is further operable to convert the first outgoing electrical signal into an outgoing fiber signal.

46. The system of claim 43, wherein the at least one port of the first modular interface device comprises at least four ports connectable to at least four conductor-based communication cables.

47. The system of claim 46, wherein the at least one connector of the first modular interface device comprises at least four data channels, wherein each data channel of the connector is connectable to one of the conductor-based communications cables in the at least four conductor-based communications cables.

48. A system for breaking out a multi-channel electrical communication with reduced latency, comprising: a modular interface device, the modular interface device comprising: a high-bandwidth connector connectable to a higher bandwidth port of a primary network device, wherein the multi-channel electrical communication is received at the high-bandwidth connector, the multi-channel electrical communication comprising at least a first channel communication and a second channel communication; a first port connectable to a first conductor-based communication cable, wherein the first electrical channel communication is sent through the first conductorbased communication cable through the first port; and a second port connectable to a second conductor-based communication cable, wherein the second electrical channel communication is sent through the second conductor-based communication cable through the second port; and the first conductor-based communication cable, comprising a first length and connectable to a first lower bandwidth port on a first downstream device; and the second conductor-based communication cable, comprising a second length and connectable to a second lower bandwidth port on a second downstream device.

49. The system of claim 48, wherein: the first downstream device is located at a first distance away from the primary network device;the second downstream device is located at a second distance away from the primary network device, the second distance being greater than the first distance; and the second length of the second conductor-based communication cable is greater than the first length of the first conductor-based communication cable.

50. The system of claim 49, further comprising: a third conductor-based communication cable, comprising a third length and connectable to connect to a third lower bandwidth port on a third downstream device; and a fourth conductor-based communication cable, comprising a fourth length and connectable to a fourth lower bandwidth port on a fourth downstream device, and wherein the modular interface device further comprises: a third port connectable to the third conductor-based communication cable, wherein a third electrical channel communication is sent through the third conductor-based communication cable through the third port; and a fourth port connectable to a fourth conductor-based communication cable, wherein the fourth electrical channel communication is sent through the fourth conductor-based communication cable through the fourth port, and wherein the multi-channel electrical communication further comprises at least the third electrical channel and the fourth electrical channel communication.51 . The system of claim 50, wherein: the third downstream device is located at a third distance away from the primary network device; the fourth downstream device is located at a fourth distance away from the primary network device; the third and fourth distances are greater than the first and second distances; and the third and fourth lengths are greater than the first and second lengths.

52. The system of claim 51 , further comprising: a fifth conductor-based communication cable connectable to connect to a fifth lower bandwidth port on a fifth downstream device;a sixth conductor-based communication cable connectable to a sixth lower bandwidth port on a sixth downstream device; a seventh conductor-based communication cable connectable to connect to a seventh lower bandwidth port on a seventh downstream device; an eighth conductor-based communication cable connectable to an eighth lower bandwidth port on an eighth downstream device; and wherein the modular interface device further comprises: a fifth port connectable to the fifth conductor-based communication cable, wherein a fifth electrical channel communication is sent through the fifth conductor-based communication cable through the fifth port; a sixth port connectable to a sixth conductor-based communication cable, wherein the sixth electrical channel communication is sent through the sixth conductor-based communication cable through the sixth port; a seventh port connectable to a seventh conductor-based communication cable, wherein the seventh electrical channel communication is sent through the seventh conductor-based communication cable through the seventh port; an eighth port connectable to an eighth conductor-based communication cable, wherein the eighth electrical channel communication is sent through the eighth conductor-based communication cable through the eighth port, and wherein the multi-channel electrical communication further comprises at least the fifth electrical channel communication, sixth electrical channel communication, seventh electrical channel communication, and the eighth electrical channel communication.

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