Gigamon's g-tap bidi modules enhance visibility for bidirectional 40Gb traffic using passive optical tapping access points that require no power. These modules facilitate monitoring of Cisco 40Gb multimode links through advanced technologies, including unique receive-only transceivers and patented flow mapping for efficient data handling. The modular design offers scalable chassis options and allows for cost-effective upgrades from 10Gb to 40Gb networking, ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure.

1. Extending Visibility to Cisco BiDi Links
Similar to the broader G-TAP line, the G-TAP BiDi TAP modules provide visibility to
bidirectional 40Gb traffic. Specifically built to access Cisco 40Gb multimode bidirectional
(BiDi) links, this optical Tapping Access Point (TAP) exports monitored traffic gathered
from across all four transmit signals, providing complete coverage for analytic and
security tools.
The completely passive BiDi TAP supports Cisco infrastructures using bidirectional 40Gb
transceivers. Unlike traditional 40Gb links, this new BiDi technology runs over standard
10G OM3 and OM4 cabling to reduce the overall 10 to 40Gb migration cost. Unfortunately
BiDi technology has multiple wavelengths within a single cable, so standard TAP
technology will not work.
Gigamon addresses this visibility challenge with a specific BiDi TAP offering, lowering
the cost of overall data acquisition. Gigamon’s solution includes a purpose-built passive
BiDi TAP combined with a pair of innovative receive-only (RX-only) transceivers to
protect the network, ensuring monitored traffic can never be introduced back into the
production network.
For flexibility and scalability, Gigamon offers two chassis configurations to house BiDi TAP
modules. A smaller 1RU chassis supports up to three BiDi modules, while the extended
3RU chassis will hold up to 14 modules. Since the BiDi TAPs are completely passive,
no power is required.
Monitored BiDi traffic is channeled directly into the Gigamon Visibility Fabric to be
combined with other traffic sourced from across the network. Gigamon’s patented
Flow Mapping®
technology filters, aggregates, and disperses the right information to
the right tools anywhere across the fabric. Advanced GigaSMART®
intelligence offers
deep packet inspection, providing a variety of services from De-duplication to NetFlow
Generation. Gigamon also addresses the highspeed disparity between the network
and the tools; allowing 40Gb network traffic to be split across multiple 10Gb tools. The
innovative BiDi TAP is one component of the Gigamon portfolio providing Active Visibility
across the infrastructure.
Quick Specs
üü 40Gb BiDi Passive TAP
üü Unique receive-only
transceiver design
Product Brief
G-TAP BiDi G-TAP BiDi TAP-506
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2. Product Brief: G-TAP BiDi
2034-02 05/15
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Features & Benefits
• Opens visibility to higher-density 40Gb BiDi links leveraging newer bidirectional optics
• Completely passive; never requires power, software or configurations
• Dual LC connectors for network links leading directly into Gigamon’s Visibility Fabric™
• Bridges the speed disparity between the physical network and the tools that monitor, manage, and secure it
• Integrates with all GigaVUE®
nodes offering 40Gb cages
• Enables cost-efficient migrations from 10 to 40Gb
• Offers multiple chassis housings to conserve rack space while scaling to meet the need of any BiDi deployment
• Leverages an innovative RX-only transceiver design to protect networks and eliminate the possibility that monitored traffic could ever
impact production traffic
Use Cases
• Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) deployments leveraging BiDi connections
• High-speed edge leaf/spine deployments
• New 40Gb build-outs using Cisco Nexus equipment
• Cost-efficient upgrades or migrations from 10Gb to 40Gb
• TAP-all infrastructures looking to monitor all traffic in all locations