CISO Tribune

Vendor comparison · 2 companies

Network Critical vs Nozomi Networks

Network Critical sells modular TAP and Packet Broker solutions for network visibility. Nozomi Networks sells a platform for OT and IoT visibility and security that combines visibility from the endpoint to the air with continuous monitoring and AI-powered analysis. CISO Tribune files both under OT and ICS security. This page sets the two records side by side: what each sells, where it is based, who owns and funds it, the customers it names and its recent news, each fact numbered to its source.

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  • Network Critical
  • Nozomi Networks
Network Critical vs Nozomi Networks: Products, Customers and Funding Compared
Network CriticalNetwork Critical sells modular TAP and Packet Broker solutions for network visibility.networkcritical.comNozomi NetworksNozomi Networks sells a platform for OT and IoT visibility and security that combines visibility from the endpoint to the air with continuous monitoring and AI-powered analysis.nozominetworks.com
What it sells
  • Network TAPs[1][3]A network TAP creates an exact copy of all data flowing between two points in a network.
  • Packet Brokers[1][7][8][13]Network packet brokers process inputs from multiple sources and deliver the right traffic to the right tools.
  • Hybrid TAP and Packet Broker[8]A hybrid test access point and packet broker combines the functions of a TAP and a packet broker in one package.
  • Bypass TAPs[9][10]A bypass TAP monitors security devices and reroutes network traffic around failing tools.
  • INVIKTUS[1][11][12]INVIKTUS is a zero-trust security solution.
  • Ethernet TAPs[6]Ethernet TAPs capture network traffic without impacting performance.
  • Passive Fiber TAPs[5]Passive fiber TAPs provide always-on monitoring, including when the power is out.
  • Nozomi GuardianA security sensor that passively observes and analyzes local network traffic for OT and IoT asset visibility.
  • Nozomi ArcA sensor that extends coverage to assets that Nozomi Guardian and Guardian Air sensors cannot reach.
  • Nozomi Central Management ConsoleA physical or virtual appliance that manages Guardian network security sensors from a single location.
  • Nozomi Asset IntelligenceA subscription feed that enriches data collected by passive and active discovery and third-party ingestion methods.
  • Vantage IQ[5]An AI assistant that can take the role of a SOC analyst, OT engineer or CISO through custom Personas.
Categories
Headquarters
Not stated on its pagesNot stated on its pages
Founded
Not stated on its pagesNot stated on its pages
Ownership and funding
Not stated on its pagesOwned by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation since 2026[4][5][7]
Named customers
Not stated on its pagesNot stated on its pages
Recent news
Not stated on its pages
  • November 9, 2026Nozomi Networks announced that its Vantage for Government platform has achieved FedRAMP Moderate certification.[16]
G2 and Gartner Peer Insights
  • G2: Not stated on its pages
  • Gartner Peer Insights: Not stated on its pages
  • G2: Not stated on its pages
  • Gartner Peer Insights: Not stated on its pages
Who it fits
Network Critical provides bypass TAPs for data centres running inline IPS, firewalls and DDoS mitigation tools. Network Critical describes its data diodes as suitable for highly regulated sectors, such as military, ICS and SCADA infrastructure. Network Critical describes its environmentally protected OT devices as suited to manufacturing floors, utility substations and outdoor installations.Its pages address power generation, transmission and distribution networks, and upstream, midstream and downstream operations. They describe visibility and security across R&D, manufacturing and distribution facilities. On deployment, the pages describe on-prem, hybrid and cloud options, including air-gapped OT networks and globally distributed enterprises.
Last verified
November 8, 2026September 27, 2026

Where they overlap

  • Network Critical and Nozomi Networks are both filed under OT and ICS security.

Where they differ, field by field

  • Network Critical's primary category is Network visibility and traffic brokering; Nozomi Networks's is OT and ICS security.
  • Network Critical is also filed under DDoS protection. Nozomi Networks is also filed under IoT and medical device security.
  • Network Critical lists Network TAPs, Packet Brokers, Hybrid TAP and Packet Broker, Bypass TAPs, INVIKTUS and 2 more. Nozomi Networks lists Nozomi Guardian, Nozomi Arc, Nozomi Central Management Console, Nozomi Asset Intelligence and Vantage IQ.
  • Nozomi Networks is owned by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, since 2026.

What it sells: Network Critical

What Network TAPs does[1][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.
What Packet Brokers does[1][7][8][13]
Network packet brokers process inputs from multiple sources and deliver the right traffic to the right tools. SmartNA-PortPlus is a packet broker that aggregates low-speed links onto fewer high-speed tools.
What Hybrid TAP and Packet Broker does[8]
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 offer traffic aggregation, load balancing and port mapping. They use interchangeable, hot-swappable TAP modules, including fail-safe copper.
What Bypass TAPs does[9][10]
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. SmartNA-XL bypass TAPs detect when inline security tools fail and redirect traffic in real-time.
What INVIKTUS does[1][11][12]
INVIKTUS is a zero-trust security solution. INVIKTUS network security is built on the zero-trust framework and analyzes and validates traffic.
What Ethernet TAPs does[6]
Ethernet TAPs capture network traffic without impacting performance. Ethernet TAPs can be deployed as standalone TAPs or within SmartNA chassis for advanced traffic management.

What it sells: Nozomi Networks

What Nozomi Guardian does
Nozomi Guardian sensors can be deployed as hardware appliances, virtual machines, embedded devices or containers. Nozomi Guardian sensors receive and process data from other Nozomi security sensors and collectors and send it to either an on-prem Nozomi Central Management Console or the Nozomi Vantage cloud management platform.
What Nozomi Arc does
Nozomi Arc combines host-based detection and threat prevention with lightweight network sensing. Arc Embedded is a security sensor developed with OEMs to run inside industrial controllers at Purdue levels 0-1. Arc Embedded monitors east-west communications, process variable readings and controller logic changes to detect threats and anomalies.
What Nozomi Central Management Console does
Nozomi CMC collects, aggregates and analyzes data across sites to provide consolidated visibility, management and reporting. Nozomi CMC can be deployed on-prem, at the edge, in a customer cloud or paired with Vantage SaaS.
What Nozomi Asset Intelligence does
Nozomi Asset Intelligence uses artificial intelligence curated by Nozomi Networks Labs data engineers to enhance cyber device profiles with missing information. Asset Intelligence can enrich basic profiles with data from matching assets such as image, detailed description, asset type, vendor, product name, OS and lifecycle.
What Vantage IQ does[5]
Vantage IQ can take the role of a SOC analyst, OT engineer, CISO or any role needed through custom Personas. The AI assistant covers threat investigation, vulnerability prioritization, compliance and board reporting.

Questions about Network Critical and Nozomi Networks

What do Network Critical and Nozomi Networks sell?
Network Critical sells Network TAPs, Packet Brokers, Hybrid TAP and Packet Broker, Bypass TAPs, INVIKTUS and 2 more. Nozomi Networks sells Nozomi Guardian, Nozomi Arc, Nozomi Central Management Console, Nozomi Asset Intelligence and Vantage IQ.
Are Network Critical and Nozomi Networks in the same category?
They share OT and ICS security. Network Critical's primary category is Network visibility and traffic brokering and Nozomi Networks's is OT and ICS security.
Who owns Network Critical and Nozomi Networks?
Nozomi Networks is owned by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, since 2026.
Who are Network Critical and Nozomi Networks sold to?
Network Critical provides bypass TAPs for data centres running inline IPS, firewalls and DDoS mitigation tools. Its pages address power generation, transmission and distribution networks, and upstream, midstream and downstream operations.
What have Network Critical and Nozomi Networks announced recently?
November 9, 2026: Nozomi Networks announced that its Vantage for Government platform has achieved FedRAMP Moderate certification.

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]

Network Critical on the record

Sources

Network Critical full record

  1. [1]networkcritical.comNetwork Critical · networkcritical.com · undated page, accessed November 8, 2026 · Tier A
  2. [2]Stars group case studyNetwork Critical · networkcritical.com · undated page, accessed November 8, 2026 · Tier A
  3. [3]Aviation Case Study | Network CriticalNetwork Critical · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  4. [4]Network TAPs | Network CriticalNetwork Critical · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  5. [5]Passive Fiber TAPs | Network CriticalNetwork Critical · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  6. [6]Ethernet TAPs | Network CriticalNetwork Critical · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  7. [7]Network Visibility Solutions | Network CriticalNetwork Critical · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  8. [8]Hybrid TAP and Packet Broker | Network CriticalNetwork Critical · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  9. [9]Bypass TAPs for Inline Data Centre Security | Network CriticalNetwork Critical · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  10. [10]Network Bypass TAPs | Network CriticalNetwork Critical · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  11. [11]Healthcare Case Study | Network CriticalNetwork Critical · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  12. [12]OT Network Monitoring Solutions | Network CriticalNetwork Critical · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  13. [13]Data Diodes | Network CriticalNetwork Critical · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A

Nozomi Networks full record

  1. [1]Guardian Sensor | OT Network MonitoringNozomi Networks · undated page, accessed September 27, 2026 · Tier A
  2. [2]VantageNozomi Networks · nozominetworks.com · undated page, accessed September 27, 2026 · Tier A
  3. [3]OT & IoT Endpoint Security | Nozomi ArcNozomi Networks · undated page, accessed September 27, 2026 · Tier A
  4. [4]Nozomi networks enters next phase of growth as mitsubishi electric completes acquisitionNozomi Networks · nozominetworks.com · published January 28, 2026 · Tier A
  5. [5]OT Security Platform | Nozomi NetworksNozomi Networks · undated page, accessed October 27, 2026 · Tier A
  6. [6]The Leader in OT Cybersecurity Technology | Nozomi NetworksNozomi Networks · undated page, accessed October 27, 2026 · Tier A
  7. [7]Industrial Cyber Threat Detection & ResponseNozomi Networks · undated page, accessed October 27, 2026 · Tier A
  8. [8]OT & IoT Vulnerability Management | Nozomi NetworksNozomi Networks · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  9. [9]Technical Specifications | Nozomi NetworksNozomi Networks · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  10. [10]OT Asset Discovery and Inventory ManagementNozomi Networks · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  11. [11]Nozomi CMC | On Prem Security ManagementNozomi Networks · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  12. [12]Cybersecurity Asset Intelligence | Nozomi NetworksNozomi Networks · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  13. [13]Continuous OT and IoT Network MonitoringNozomi Networks · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  14. [14]Data Center Cybersecurity Solutions | Nozomi NetworksNozomi Networks · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  15. [15]Building Automation System CybersecurityNozomi Networks · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  16. [16]Nozomi Networks Vantage for Government Achieves FedRAMP Moderate CertificationNozomi Networks · published November 9, 2026 · Tier A

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