Abstract: A network tap system and method are disclosed. The system includes a housing, a first connection block, a second connection block, a third connection block, a device switch, and a communication port. The housing has a thermoplastic composition resin housing. The first connection block is configured to accept a first portion of a network trunk cable. The second connection block is configured to accept a second portion of a network trunk cable. The third connection is configured for connection to a network device. The device switch is configured to short the network trunk cable when the network device is not connected to the third connection. The device switch is configured to operate without the need for manual selection. The communication port is configured to accept a programming cable from a computer. The communication port is also configured for access while the housing is mounted on the DIN rail.