A10 Networks vs Network Critical

About Network Critical

Network Critical sells modular TAP and Packet Broker solutions for network visibility. Network Critical states that it has over 20 years experience. Network Critical says its solutions are used in global networks across sectors including Finance, Telco, Government, Energy and Healthcare.^[3]

A network TAP creates an exact copy of all data flowing between two points in a network. TAPs are used to monitor network traffic for performance, security, or compliance. Passive fiber TAPs provide always-on monitoring, including when the power is out. Ethernet TAPs capture network traffic without impacting performance. Ethernet TAPs can be deployed as standalone TAPs or within SmartNA chassis for advanced traffic management.^[4][5][6]

Network packet brokers process inputs from multiple sources and deliver the right traffic to the right tools. A hybrid test access point and packet broker combines the functions of a TAP and a packet broker in one package. Hybrid TAP and packet brokers copy network traffic for analysis while the original traffic flows unimpeded. Hybrid TAP and packet brokers offer traffic aggregation, load balancing and port mapping. Hybrid TAP and packet brokers use interchangeable, hot-swappable TAP modules, including fail-safe copper. Hybrid TAP and packet brokers connect to existing network security tools, including protocol analyzers, probes and intrusion detection systems. Hybrid TAP and packet brokers are deployed in places from server rooms and data centers to remote offices and manufacturing plants. Hybrid TAP and packet brokers are built around a 1-2RU chassis.^[7][8]

SmartNA-PortPlus is a packet broker that aggregates low-speed links onto fewer high-speed tools. Network Critical offers platforms like SmartNA-PortPlus that TAP, filter and route traffic in one device. The SmartNA-XL chassis combines TAP, bypass and packet broker functionality in a single 1RU unit, with dual hot-swappable power supplies and hot-swap fans.^[4][9]

Network Critical provides bypass TAPs for data centres running inline IPS, firewalls and DDoS mitigation tools. A bypass TAP monitors security devices and reroutes network traffic around failing tools. Bypass TAPs send small test signals, known as heartbeats, to security appliances. If a security tool stops responding to heartbeat checks, the bypass TAP redirects network traffic around the problematic device. SmartNA-XL bypass TAPs detect when inline security tools fail and redirect traffic in real-time. The bypass TAP chassis is managed through the Drag-n-Vu web GUI via HTTPS, or CLI via SSH. The bypass TAP chassis supports RADIUS and TACACS+ authentication, authorization and accounting.^[9][10]

INVIKTUS is a zero-trust security solution. INVIKTUS network security is built on the zero-trust framework and analyzes and validates traffic. A data diode enforces one-way communication at the hardware level. Network Critical data diodes are offered as standalone devices or integrated into monitoring tools like TAPs, Packet Brokers and SmartNA systems. Network Critical data diodes support all IP-based protocols. Network Critical describes its data diodes as suitable for deployment in highly regulated sectors, such as military, ICS and SCADA infrastructure.^{[1][11][12][13]}

Network Critical offers OT network monitoring that covers industrial network traffic with OT-specific protocols including Modbus and DNP3. Environmentally protected OT devices feature ruggedized enclosures designed to withstand harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures, dust, moisture and vibration. The environmentally protected OT devices list an extended temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.^[12]

Bourne Leisure deployed SmartNA-XL to aggregate eight 1Gbps links onto a single 10Gbps security tool per site. Network TAPs were deployed in the Airbus network in the avionics bus analyser known as FdXplorer.^{[2][3][5][9][12]}