1-to-3 10/100/1000Base-T Ethernet Flow Switch Tap - Portable Network

In this review of the Dualcomm 1-to-3 10/100/1000Base-T Ethernet Flow Switch Tap the bottom line is straightforward: network engineers and security analysts who need to feed the same copper Gigabit traffic to multiple monitoring tools will find this compact TAP a practical choice. It is designed to regenerate a single network feed to three monitoring ports while preserving inline PoE passthrough and offering USB-port power capability with inrush current limiting, so it works well when a small, portable, low-footprint TAP is required.

Key Features

• 1-to-3 Traffic Regeneration: Splits and regenerates one copper Gigabit Ethernet link into three identical outputs so multiple tools can capture the same traffic simultaneously.
• 10/100/1000Base-T Compatibility: Operates at standard Ethernet speeds up to Gigabit, ensuring it integrates with copper network segments without forcing a speed downgrade.
• USB Power with Inrush Limiting: Can be powered from a computer USB port while the built-in inrush current limiting circuit protects the host from transient high current draws.
• PoE Pass-Through: Maintains Power over Ethernet between the two inline ports so inline devices can still receive power without interrupting monitoring.
• Portable 5-Port Design: Compact layout with one inline pair plus three monitor ports makes it easy to deploy for ad hoc captures or temporary lab setups.

Who It's For

This TAP is best for network administrators, security professionals, and lab engineers who need to duplicate a live copper Gigabit link to multiple packet capture devices or inline monitors. Its portability and USB power option make it handy for field work or temporary investigations where mains power is impractical.

It is less suitable for environments that require optical fiber TAPs, long-term rack-mounted deployments without additional mounting hardware, or advanced management features such as remote configuration and logging; those users should look for enterprise-class, managed TAPs instead.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Reliable copper Gigabit regeneration that allows simultaneous monitoring by multiple tools.
• PoE pass-through preserves power to inline devices while the TAP is deployed.
• USB-port power capability with inrush current limiting avoids stressing the host computer during start-up.
• Compact, portable 5-port form factor for easy field deployment.

Cons

• Not a managed TAP; no remote configuration, logging, or advanced diagnostics are provided.
• Designed for copper links only, so it does not support fiber-based networks.

Specifications

Model	ETAP-2105
Function	1-to-3 Ethernet traffic regeneration TAP
Ethernet Rates	10/100/1000Base-T (Copper Gigabit)
Ports	5 ports (2 inline, 3 monitor)
Power	USB-port power capable with inrush current limiting
PoE	Pass-through between inline ports

Our Verdict

The Dualcomm 1-to-3 Ethernet Flow Switch Tap is a practical, cost-effective tool for anyone who needs to mirror a copper Gigabit feed to multiple capture devices. Its portable 5-port design, PoE passthrough, and USB power with inrush protection make it especially useful for field work and lab testing, offering good value where a simple, unmanaged TAP is sufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this TAP be powered from a laptop USB port?
Yes, it can be powered from a computer USB port and includes inrush current limiting to protect the host from transient current spikes.

Will it pass Power over Ethernet to connected devices?
Yes, PoE pass-through is preserved between the two inline ports so powered inline devices continue to receive power.

Does it support fiber connections?
No, this model is for copper 10/100/1000Base-T links only and does not support fiber optics.