The present invention provides for network taps capable of connecting to a
plurality of communication cables. The network taps provide one or more
levels of multiplexers which allow network data signals from a particular
communication cable to be delivered to an attached device in order to
monitor the activity of the communication cable. The network taps also
include integrated circuitry which control the various functions and
components of the network tap. Embodiments of the network taps include
ones in which network data signals from each communication cable are
communicated to the integrated circuitry to allow the integrated
circuitry to monitor across all communication cables; network taps having
switches to provide for different port configurations; network taps
having switches which allow attached devices to transmit data into the
network tap; network taps having ports which allow for cascade
configurations; and network taps having integrated circuitry which can
communicate with a remote client device to provide additional
functionality.