Arista Networks, Inc.
Method and apparatus for tap aggregation and network data truncation

Abstract:

A method and apparatus of a network element that enables truncation of tap aggregation data via snoop actions. In one embodiment, a network element configured for tap aggregation includes a first tap port to couple with a tap switch, a set of tool ports to transmit network data received from the first tap port to a data analyzer, and data plane logic to manage a mapping between the first tap port and the set of tool ports. A first tool port in the set of tool ports is configured for egress truncation and the data plane logic performs a snoop action to truncate a first unit of network data to be forwarded to the first tool port and a forward action to forward a second unit of network data to a second tool port in the set of tool ports without truncation.