What device is used to split or copy network traffic for analysis?

Network taps are specialized devices used to split or copy network traffic for monitoring and analysis purposes. They are inserted between two points in a network and capture all data moving between those points without interrupting the normal flow of traffic. This allows network administrators and analysts to access a complete, unfiltered view of network activity, which is vital for troubleshooting, performance monitoring, and security analysis.

Network taps operate at the physical layer of the OSI model, making them capable of capturing both unidirectional and bidirectional traffic effectively. They ensure that there is no interference with the network's normal operations, maintaining network integrity while providing accurate monitoring capabilities.

In contrast, loopback plugs are used for testing purposes to loop signals back to their source, making them unsuitable for traffic analysis. Punchdown tools are designed for terminating wires in punchdown blocks and do not serve any function in traffic monitoring. Wi-Fi analyzers focus on wireless networks and are not used for wired traffic analysis in the same way network taps are.