Abstract: In one example, an optical network access switch includes independent first and second banks of individually selectable optical inputs, as well as independent first and second groups of individually controllable optical outputs. A first multiplexer is connected to the optical inputs of the first bank and the optical outputs of the first group, and a second multiplexer is connected to the optical inputs of the second bank and the optical outputs of the second group. Finally, a configuration interface communicates with the first and second multiplexers and receives a switching command which specifies the connection/disconnection of an optical output to/from an optical input.

Abstract: A network tap device array capable of being powered by a power-over Ethernet (“POE”) supply is disclosed. The array enables data from multiple nodes in a communications network to be tapped and forwarded to a plurality of monitoring devices. In one embodiment the network tap device array includes a chassis that is configured to receive a plurality of network tap devices that are each powered by a POE supply. Each network tap device includes network ports for receiving and transmitting network data via communication cables and tap ports for forwarding the tapped network data to the monitoring device. In another embodiment, a sub-chassis includes a plurality of network tap devices and an aggregator that aggregates tapped data from each of the tap devices. The aggregator then forwards the aggregated data to the monitoring device. The sub-chassis can be included in a chassis that is configured to receive multiple populated chassis.

Abstract: A network tap device that is configured for operation in a copper Gigabit Ethernet communications network using a power-over-Ethernet (“POE”) electrical supply is disclosed. In one embodiment, a network tap device powered by a POE supply is disclosed, comprising first and second network ports that are configured with receptacles for receiving communication cables. The communication cables are configured to carry both data signals and the POE supply to and from the network tap device. The network tap device further includes first and second tap ports that connect with additional communication cables to a monitoring device. The network tap device also includes control and regulation circuitry that is configured to receive the POE supply from the communication cables via the network ports and to enable components of the network tap device to be operated by the POE supply.

Abstract: A physical layer switch is provided that includes a switch cross bar for changeably interconnecting selected ports within a physical layer switch such that an optical signal can be changeably routed between selected ports, a first port in communication with the switch cross bar, and a second port in communication with the first port, wherein a signal entering the physical layer switch at the first port is routed to the switch cross bar and a mirror copy of the signal entering the physical layer switch at the first port is routed to the second port such that it does not reach the switch cross bar.