Patent ID: 7542681
Filing Date: 2009-06-02
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. A network TAP that provides access to data communicated in a network, comprising: a transceiver port configured to be connected to an optical transceiver module, wherein the transceiver port comprises a first interface for receiving outgoing signals from a transmitter optical subassembly of the optical transceiver module and a second interface for passing incoming signals to a receiver optical subassembly of the optical transceiver module; a link port configured to interface with a network link that is in communication with the optical transceiver module, wherein at least one optical path is configured to relay optical signals between the transceiver port and the link port; at least one coupler in the optical path for splitting the optical signals such that a portion of the optical signals is directed to a TAP port; and the TAP port, wherein the TAP port is configured to relay a portion of the optical signals received at the transceiver port and a portion of the optical signals received at the link port to a connected device, wherein the at least one optical path comprises: