CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

What is the general function of a network tap?

1. To increase network speed

2. To intercept network traffic for packet capture

3. To configure new network devices

4. To provide wireless access

The correct answer is: To intercept network traffic for packet capture

A network tap is a specialized hardware device that sits between two network points to intercept and monitor traffic passing through the link without interrupting the flow. This allows for passive packet capture, which is essential for network analysis, performance monitoring, and troubleshooting. It captures both directions of network packets, which can then be analyzed for various purposes, including diagnostics, security monitoring, and compliance audits. This functionality is crucial for network administrators who need in-depth visibility into the operations of the network without affecting the performance or speed of data flow. Other options, while they describe different network functionalities, do not pertain to the primary role of a network tap: increasing speed, configuring devices, or providing wireless access are not relevant to the specific purpose of intercepting traffic for analysis.