Net Optics 96547iTP, 96542iTP User Manual

User Guide

iTap GigaBit Dual Port Aggregator

Models 96542iTP and 96547iTP

Doc. PUB542iTPU Rev. 1, 3/06

PLEASE READ THESE LEGAL NOTICES CAREFULLY.

By using a Net Optics iTap GigaBit Dual Port Aggregator you agree to the terms and conditions of usage
set forth by Net Optics, Inc.

No licenses, express or implied, are granted with respect to any of the technology described in this
manual. Net Optics retains all intellectual property rights associated with the technology described in this
manual. This manual is intended to assist with installing Net Optics products into your network.

Trademarks and Copyrights

© 2006 by Net Optics, Inc. Net Optics® is a registered trademark of Net Optics, Inc. iTapTM is a trade­mark of Net Optics, Inc. Additional company and product names may be trademarks or registered trade­marks of the individual companies and are respectfully acknowledged.

Additional Information

Net Optics, Inc. reserves the right to make changes in specifi cations and other information contained
in this document without prior notice. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this
document is accurate.

Chapter 1
Introduction

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Unpacking and Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

About this Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Chapter 2
Installing the iTap

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Planning the Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Confi guring the iTap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Using the Command Line Interface (CLI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Mounting the iTap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Connecting the Management Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Connecting to the Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Connecting to the Monitoring Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Connecting Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Checking the Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

iTap GigaBit Dual Port Aggregator

Contents

Chapter 3
Using the Front Panel Interface

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Utilization Alarm LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Link LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Power LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Reset Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Chapter 4
Using Web Manager

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Accessing Web Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Viewing System Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Viewing Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Confi guring the iTap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Chapter 5
Using System Manager

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Installing System Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Exploring System Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Creating a Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Deleting a Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Adding iTaps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Deleting an iTap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Confi guring an iTap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Viewing iTap Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Modifying an iTap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

iTap GigaBit Dual Port Aggregator

Appendix A
Specifi cations and Models

Specifi cations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Available Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Appendix B
Command Line Interface

Overview

Thank you for purchasing the latest innovation in Tap technology – the iTap
GigaBit Dual Port Aggregator. Net Optics' GigaBit Dual Port Aggregator Taps
provide ultra-effi cient access to critical GigaBit links using only one NIC on the
monitoring device. Net Optics’ iTap is a port aggregator Tap that gives you a quick
visual reference of link performance. The iTap GigaBit Port Aggregator monitors
and displays link bandwidth utilization on its front panel so you can see exactly
what is happening on both sides of the network link.

iTap GigaBit Dual Port Aggregator

Chapter 1

Introduction

Intelligent Tap

The iTap Port Aggregator displays the link utilization level, last peak with time
right on the front panel so you can see real-time utilization on both directions of
the network link. The iTap Port Aggregator is accessible from remote interfaces
that provide information and control from anywhere in the network. The iTap gives
you the information and the passive access point you need to respond quickly to
network events.

Performance Aggregation

The iTap Port Aggregator combines and regenerates both directions of a full­duplex stream, sending all aggregated traffi c out one or two separate passive moni-
toring ports. Typically, full-duplex monitoring with a network tap requires two
NICs (or a dual channel NIC)–one interface for each side of the full-duplex link.
Net Optics’ iTap Port Aggregator enables one or two devices to simultaneously
monitor a full-duplex link using only one NIC per device.

After the traffi c has been aggregated to a single fl ow, it is no longer possible to
distinguish the utilization levels of each side of the bi-directional link. The iTap
Port Aggregator tracks the utilization levels before aggregation, keeping this vital
information easily accessible from its remote and command line interfaces.

Buffers Absorb Bursts

When the traffi c levels exceed the capacity of the receiving NIC, the iTap Port
Aggregator stores the overfl ow traffi c in buffer memory. For high-load links, the
iTap Port Aggregator has 256MB of buffer memory. The buffers clear automati-

TM

1

iTap GigaBit Dual Port Aggregator

cally when the traffi c volume falls below the receiving capacity of the NIC. These
buffers allow the iTap Port Aggregator to absorb traffi c bursts without dropping
packets.

Traffi c Monitoring

The iTap Port Aggregator monitors the utilization levels of both sides of the full­duplex link. This information is displayed on the front panel and is available from
the remote interfaces. The iTap Port Aggregator allows you to set a threshold for
each side of the full-duplex link at which an alarm is triggered. For example, the
iTap Port Aggregator can warn you when the utilization in either direction passes
the 30% level. When a threshold level is exceeded, the alarm LED illuminates and
the remote interfaces record the event. The iTap Port Aggregator records the level
of the highest peak along with the date and time. Since the iTap Port Aggregator is
monitoring the utilization levels, this information is always available regardless of
the aggregation process.

Seeing is Believing

The display and alarm LEDs provide a quick visual check that the utilization
levels are not exceeding the capacity of the monitoring device or a pre-determined
threshold. From the display, you can view the current bandwidth utilization of each
side of a full-duplex link with the size and time of the highest peak. A quick check
of the display lets you know if there was an event that requires further investiga­tion. After taking action on a utilization or peak event, you can reset the data from
a recessed reset button on the front panel or from a remote interface.

Access Information Anywhere

The Web Manager and System Manager allow you to remotely set parameters,
view status information, and monitor traffi c statistical data. These interfaces
provide security and performance information such as the number of over- and
under-sized packets, packet collisions, and CRC errors. You can remotely set the
alarm thresholds, clear the traffi c data counters, and turn on or off a Monitor Port.
This access is also available via an optional wireless link from your wireless PDA
or laptop.

Web Manager

Net Optics' Web Manager is the browser-based interface that allows you to change
settings, view status, and retrieve data remotely with simple-to-use controls. When
you access an iTap Port Aggregator with Web Manager, all confi gurations, status,
and traffi c data are displayed on a single page. Changes to the confi guration can be
made with a few clicks of the mouse.

2

iTap GigaBit Dual Port Aggregator

System Manager

iTap Port Aggregators can be used as a system managed via Simple Network Man­agement Protocol (SNMP) from a single interface. Net Optics' System Manager
is an SNMP management tool that offers central management of all Net Optics
iTap devices in the network. You can organize iTaps into groups according to
workgroup, location, or any other criteria. As with Web Manager, you can view all
status, confi guration, and traffi c information and make changes quickly to any iTap
in the system. The iTap Port Aggregator generates SNMP alarm traps for system
status, threshold alarm, link status, and power status. If you are already using an
SNMP management tool, iTap Port Aggregators can be fully accessed after loading
Net Optics' Management Information Base (MIB) fi le.

Security, Visibility, and Reliability

You have the option of setting the iTap Port Aggregator so that it will not display
data on the LCD and you can turn off the Management Port, thus preventing it
from being accessed from the network. The Monitor Ports can also be turned off to
prevent unauthorized access to the network link. The monitoring device connected
to the iTap Port Aggregator sees all full-duplex traffi c including Layer 1 and Layer
2 errors. Redundant power connections provide uptime protection.

Ease of Use

Display alternately shows link utilization, highest peak, and when the

•
highest peak occurred

LED indicators show redundant power, link status, and utilization alarm

•

IEEE 802.11b wireless communication optional

•

Front-mounted connectors support easy installation and operation

•

Silk-screened application diagram illustrates all connections for easy

•
deployment

All necessary network and monitor cables included

•

Optional 19-inch rack frames hold up to two iTaps

•

Tested and compatible with all major manufacturers’ monitoring devices, includ-

•
ing protocol analyzers, probes, and intrusion detection/prevention systems

Support

Net Optics offers free technical support throughout the lifetime of your pur-

•
chase. Our technical support team is available from 8 am to 5 pm Pacifi c Time,
Monday through Friday at [phone] and via email at ts-support@
netoptics.com. FAQs are also available on Net Optics' website at www.netoptics.
com.

3

Memory

All traffi c that passes through the iTap is sent to the monitoring device NIC on
a fi rst-in-fi rst-out basis, including traffi c that is temporarily stored in memory. If
two packets enter at the same time then one packet is processed while the other is
stored briefl y in memory, preventing collisions.

When there is a burst of data, traffi c in excess of the NIC’s capacity is sent to the
iTap’s memory. Memory continues to fi ll until its capacity is reached, or the burst
ends, whichever comes fi rst. For controlling bursts, the iTap has 256 MB of total
memory.

In both cases, the iTap applies a fi rst-in-fi rst-out procedure, processing stored data
before new data from the link. If memory fi lls before the burst ends, the memory
stays fi lled as the stored data is processed – data that leaves the buffer is immedi-
ately replaced. If the burst ends before the memory fi lls, memory clears until the
full memory capacity is available, or until another burst in excess of the NIC’s
capacity requires additional memory.

The following diagrams illustrate a simple example of a 1000 Mbps NIC mov­ing from 80% utilization to 140% utilization, then back to 80% utilization. In this
example, Side A begins as 300 Mbps and Side B is at 500 Mbps, The aggregated
traffi c is 800 Mbps, well below the capacity of the 1000 Mbps NIC.

iTap GigaBit Dual Port Aggregator

Side A

iTap GigaBit Dual

Port Aggregator

TM

Dual Port Aggregator

www.netoptics.com

®

Network

B12A

2BA

1

RESET

GigaBit Copper

LINKACT

LINKACT

LINKACT LINKACT

Monitor

FirewallRouter

Side B

1

Side A +
Side B

Each using a single NIC,
the monitoring devices
both receive all combined
traffic from Side A and
Side B, including physical

Monitoring

layer errors.

Device 1

Monitoring

Device 2

Figure 1: Side A plus Side B is less or equal to 100% of the NIC’s receive capacity

4

iTap GigaBit Dual Port Aggregator

The NIC receives 800 Mbps (80% utilization), so no memory is required for the
monitoring device's NIC to process all full-duplex traffi c.

If there is burst of traffi c on Side A of 900 Mbps and Side B remains at 500 Mbps,
the aggregated traffi c equals 1400 Mbps, 400 Mbps over the capacity of the NIC.
The excess traffi c is put in memory on a fi rst-in-fi rst-out basis until either the buf-
fer is full or the burst passes.

Side A

iTap GigaBit Dual

Port Aggregator Tap

TM

Dual Port Aggregator

www.netoptics.com

®

Network

B12A

2BA

1

RESET

GigaBit Copper

LINKACT

LINKACT

LINKACT LINKACT

Monitor

FirewallRouter

Side B

Side A +
Side B

2

Memory

The extra 400 Mbps of traffic
is stored in buffer memory.

Monitoring

Device 1

Memory continues to fill until
capacity is reached, or the
burst ends.

Monitoring

Device 2

Figure 2: Side A plus Side B becomes greater than 100% of the NIC’s receive
capacity

After the burst has passed and the buffers have passed all the stored traffi c, each
monitoring device resumes receiving traffi c directly from the link.

Note: ____________________________________________________________________

Utilization statistics and alarms are monitored before buffering and aggregation.

__________________________________________________________________________

5

Unpacking and Inspection

Carefully unpack the iTap GigaBit Dual Port Aggregator and check for damaged or
missing parts. The iTap ships with the following:

•

iTap GigaBit Dual Port Aggregator (96542iTP or 96547iTP)

•

Two power supplies with cords

•

iTap GigaBit Dual Port Aggregator User Guide

•

iTap Software CD

•

Pads for surface mounting

•

Network and monitor cables

•

RS232 DB-9 cable for use with the Command Line Interface

You may have also ordered a one rack unit panel for rack mounting the iTap
GigaBit Port Aggregator and an extended warranty. Carefully check the packing
slip against parts received.

If any part is missing or damaged, contact Net Optics' Customer Service immedi­ately.

About this Guide

This Guide provides you all the information you need to confi gure and operate the
iTap GigaBit Copper Dual Port Aggregator and the iTap GigaBit Fiber Dual Port
Aggregator. Please read the entire Guide before attempting to install or operate the
iTap.

iTap GigaBit Dual Port Aggregator

The Guide is organized into the following chapters:

Chapter 1 Introduction

•

Chapter 2 Installing the iTap

•

Chapter 3 Using the Front Panel Interface

•

Chapter 4 Using Web Manager

•

Chapter 5 Using System Manager

•
Appendix A Specifi cations and Models

•

Appendix B Command Line Interface

•

This guide can be found in PDF format on the iTap CD.

6

Overview

This chapter describes how to install and connect the iTap GigaBit Dual Port
Aggregator. The procedure for installing the iTap follows these basic steps:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

After the iTap is installed, you can remotely monitor and control the iTap from
Web Manager or System Manager.

iTap Physical Features

Figures 3 and 4 show the front panels of the fi ber and copper versions of the iTap
GigaBit Dual Port Aggregator. Figure 5 shows the rear panel of both models.

iTap GigaBit Dual Port Aggregator

Chapter 2

Installing the iTap

Plan the installation
Confi gure iTap parameters

Mount the iTap

Connect the Management Port

Connect iTap to the network

Connect iTap to the monitoring device(s)

Apply power to the iTap

Check the installation

Power

Link

LEDs

®

www.netoptics.com

2x16 Character Display

Status

LINK

A

B

A

1

B

2

Utilization

Alarms

Figure 3 : 96542iTP Front Panel Features

Reset

Button

Network

2

1

A

RESET

OUT IN OUT IN OUT OUT

Network

Ports

7

B

TM

Dual Port Aggregator

12

Monitor

GigaBit Fiber

Monitor

Ports

iTap GigaBit Dual Port Aggregator

Power
Status

®

www.netoptics.com

2x16 Character Display

Reset

Button

2BA

1

Utilization

Alarms

Figure 4: 96547iTP Front Panel Features

Management

Port

Management Port

for Remote Interfaces

RS232

RS232 Port for
Command Line

Interface

Figure 5: Rear panel features

iTap Port Aggregator LEDs

Link Indicators: If a good link is established, the LED illuminates a steady green.

RESET

Network

Ports

Network

A

LINKACT

B

LINKACT LINKACT

Activity

LED

Monitor

Ports

TM

12

Monitor

Dual Port Aggregator

LINKACT

Link

LED

Redundant

Power Supplies

GigaBit Copper

Activity Indicators: If there is current activity on this link, the LED fl ashes.

Utilization Alarms A and B: These LEDs illuminate red when the threshold

utilization level exceeds the set threshold level. The Utilization Alarm LEDs
remain illuminated until reset with the Reset button or remotely reset via Web
Manager or System Manager.

PWR 1/ PWR 2: Main and Redundant Power. If the iTap is deployed with both
power supplies, both LEDs illuminate when the iTap is connected to power. An off
power LED indicates that the corresponding power supply is not functioning or not
connected.

8

Planning the Installation

Before you begin the installation of your iTap, you should determine the following
information:

•

IP address of the iTap or, if you are deploying multiple iTaps, a range of
IP addresses.

•

Net Mask for the iTaps.

•

IP address of the remote management console, if deployed over a WAN.

•

Gateway to the remote management console, if deployed over a WAN.

Also make sure you have a suitable location to install the iTap(s). For maximum
power redundancy, use two independent power sources.

Confi guring the iTap

The iTap is confi gured with default values that allow you to install the iTap and
then modify parameters from Web Manager or System Manager.

The defaults values are:

IP Address: 10.60.0.123
Netmask: 255.255.0.0
Threshold Port A: 50%
Threshold Port B: 50%
Port A: Gigabit
Port B: Gigabit
CLI username: netoptics
CLI password: netoptics

You can set all parameters, check status, and view statistics from the Command
Line Interface. You can change most settings later from one of the remote inter­faces (for more information on remote interfaces, see Chapters 4 and 5).

iTap GigaBit Dual Port Aggregator

Using the Command Line Interface (CLI)

All confi guration options, status, and statistics are accessible from the iTap's
Command Line Interface. You must set a new username and password, IP address
for the iTap, utilization threshold levels for Port A and B, and the current date and
time. Other parameters are optional and dependent on your installation.

9

iTap GigaBit Dual Port Aggregator

For security reasons, some parameters can only be set with the CLI.

Use these commands to:

Set CLI username and password

•

Enable or disable the remote interfaces and display

•

Turn character echo to the terminal emulation software on or off

•

You will fi nd a complete list of CLI commands in Appendix B.

If you wish to disable the Management Port and remote interfaces, you can do so
from the CLI using the Display command.

To access the iTap CLI:

1. Make sure power to the iTap is off.

2. Connect a PC with terminal emulation software, such as HyperTerminal, to the

iTap using the RS232 DB-9 cable supplied with the iTap.

3. Launch terminal emulation software and set the communication parameters to:

19200 baud
8 data bits
No parity
1 stop bit
No fl ow control

3. Connect power to the iTap. The CLI banner and login prompt appears.

Figure 6: Login and Password Prompts

4. Type netoptics and press Enter.

5. At the password prompt, type netoptics and press Enter. The NetOptics:

prompt appears.

10

iTap GigaBit Dual Port Aggregator

To change the username and password:

1. Change the username by typing the following command:

set username <username>

where <username> is your new username.

2. Change the password by typing the following command:

set password <password>

where <password> is your new password.

3. Record the username and password in a secure location.

To set the iTap IP address:

1. Type set ip <ip address> where <ip address> is the IP address you are assign-

ing to the iTap and press Enter.

For example, typing set ip 10.60.0.100 sets the iTap IP address to 10.60.0.100.

To set the utilization threshold levels:

1. Type set threshold port a <level> where <level> is the percentage of the

available bandwidth at which the utilization alarm for Port A is triggered. Press
Enter.

For example, typing set threshold port a 30 sets the alarm threshold level for
traffi c received on Port A to 30%.

2. Type set threshold port b <level> where <level> is the percentage of the

available bandwidth at which the utilization alarm for Port B is triggered. Press
Enter.

For example, typing set threshold port b 30 sets the alarm threshold level for
traffi c received on Port B to 30%.

Tip! _____________________________________________________________________

You can set the utilization threshold levels at any time from the remote interfaces.
See Chapters 4 and 5 for more information.

__________________________________________________________________________

11

iTap GigaBit Dual Port Aggregator

To set the current date and time:

1. Type set time <mm/dd/yyyy-hh:mm:ss> where mm is the month, dd is the day

of the month, yyyy is the year, hh is the hour, mm is minutes of the hour, and ss
is seconds. Press Enter. Time is based on the 24-hour clock.

To display current settings:

1. Type show set and press Enter. The CLI displays the current setting similar to

the example in Figure 7.

Figure 7: Show Set Command Example

To disable the display and remote interfaces:

1. Type show display to view the current setting. The default value is Display:

ON.

2. Type display and press Enter. Access to the tap from remote interfaces will be

blocked and the front panel will not display link utilization or peak information.

3. Type display and press Enter again to restore the display and remote intefaces.

12