This white paper introduces network packet brokers as a centralized traffic-management layer between network access points and monitoring or security tools. As networks expand, direct one-to-one connections between TAPs and tools become difficult to scale and often overload analysis systems with duplicate or irrelevant data. NPBs aggregate, replicate, filter, slice, timestamp, deduplicate, tunnel, balance, and convert traffic before sending each tool only the data it requires. This improves tool performance, reduces bandwidth and processing demands, extends the life of existing equipment, and simplifies infrastructure. The guide covers entry-level aggregators and advanced X2 and X3 platforms supporting high-density interfaces, deep packet inspection, masking, SSL/TLS decryption, NetFlow ex

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