Re: Hardware question

[Riley O via NANOG <nanog () lists nanog org>]

The optical world does have a well fit solution, in the form of optical line taps... I've never used the independent 
modules, but it's common to see them integrated into a MUX as a monitor port.

Quick search found this:
https://www.showmecables.com/by-category/patch-panels/fiber-optic-systems/passive-optical-taps

I'd contend this is better, as they start and end passive, avoiding a state change in a failure scenario. Although, 
un-networked devices in the middle of a circuit can become problematic if undocumented. The last thing you want is to 
be hunting down failed splices, when the answer is a loose connection in a datacenter.

Probably good if you can have some type of networked monitoring platform in line with one of these.

> From the sounds of it though, OP would need his device to be addressable via one of the connections it is 
> monitoring... and passive taps are unidirectional. As far as optical networking goes, a passive solution would require 
> some type of multiplexing, which implies special equipment at midpsan, A, and Z ends of the circuit. 


- Riley


On Monday, June 23rd, 2025 at 9:41 AM, Kevin Shymkiw via NANOG <nanog () lists nanog org> wrote:

>

>

> I have seen several Fail To Wire (FTW) switches in the past. I never found
> them to be worthwhile, personally for a few reasons

> - Only available in Copper. - You can't FTW optical since you need an OEO
> conversion

> - Failure scenarios were limited - Our sites didn't have backup power, so
> it was pointless as we would lose the rest of the gear as well

> Just my $.02

> Kevin

> On Mon, Jun 23, 2025 at 9:34 AM Craig Smith via NANOG nanog () lists nanog org

> wrote:

> > Hello,

> > Is anyone out there aware of a fail safe switch/router/1U server where upon
> > power failure or watchdog event 2 ports would fail to pass through
> > data, but could also be assigned an IP address and act as a bridge in
> > "normal" mode? The desire is to have an appliance that could perform
> > monitoring and send telemetry in between a customer device and an Internet
> > connection but not create a single point of failure or require multiple ISP
> > handoffs.

> > Best,

> > Craig
> > _______________________________________________
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> > https://lists.nanog.org/archives/list/nanog () lists nanog org/message/Y7JZATLRDCXOHWBH7NFGAQNSVJW2YTJA/

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