SharkTapSFP+  10M-10G  features

SharkTap


  • The SharkTapSFP+ is a network breakout for SFP and SFP+ module based ethernet links.

  • SFP/SFP+ ethernet modules support a wide range of fiber and copper media. (No modules are included)

  • Data is repeated between the two NETWORK ports with only the delay introduced by the SFP+ modules. The data received on NETWORK ports A & B are also duplicated to 'Carbon Copies' A & B.

  • All sockets are hot-plug, and the 'Carbon Copies' modules can be installed or removed without affecting the NETWORK connections


SharkTap


  • Simple plug and play - no settings, no configuration.

  • Supports Direct Attach cables (DAC), which can be thought of as extending your equipment's SFP socket to the SharkTap.

  • Typically used with capture and analysis software such as Wireshark: wireshark.org

  • The USB port provides a CDC/ACM device (a virtual UART), which can be accessed with putty or teraterm or similar terminal emulator software. This terminal interface displays the names of the installed modules, and provides a simple API mode that allows external programs to access all the i2c and gpio functions of each module.



SharkTap

     

  • Powered by USB B (printer) cable (included). Power draw is primarily dependent on your choice of SFP modules, but we recommend USB3 source (3 Amps)

  • The SharkTap includes buffering and logic to prevent a defective module from affecting the others

  • You can mix and match modules, as long as all modules are SFP or all SFP+. You can't mix 1G and 10G baseband interfaces, but you can use the SharkTap as a media convertor (copper to fiber, for example).


SharkTap

SharkTap

SharkTapSFP+ Specifications

  • Supports SFP and SFP+ modules as specified by INF-8074 etc. (https://www.snia.org/technology-communities/sff/specifications)

  • Dimensions (including tabs): 98mm W x 120mm L x 27mm H

  • Draws approximately 10mA @ 5V, plus whatever the modules draw. Can supply 1A@3.3V to each module

  • Temperature range: 0 to 70 Celcius. Nominal range - not formally guaranteed, and depends on modules

  • Warranty: 30 day return, 1 year defects in parts and workmanship

SharkTapSFP+ materials

Quick Start Guide

EU Certificate of compliance

Regulatory summary

Statement/Letter of Volatility

API reference

Frequently Asked Questions


I'm not getting any data on my 'Carbon Copies' ports!

  • If you're running linux, with Intel hardware, you likely need to update the ixgbe driver. You can grep your dmesg for 'ixgbe' and a copyright of 2016 or earlier.

  • https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/download/14302/intel-network-adapter-driver-for-pcie-intel-10-gigabit-ethernet-network-connections-under-linux.html

Will the SharkTapSFP 'fail open' ?

  • Yes, if the SharkTap loses power, the NETWORK link will stop working.

Does the SharkTapSFP respond to flow control packets?

  • Questions like this depend on the module. The SharkTap itself doesn't touch the data at all, but cannot control the behavior of the SFP(+) modules installed.

Does the SharkTapSFP support Power over Ethernet?

  • No, it does not

Can you really back-to-back two SGMII links (SFP, 1G) - ?

  • It depends on the modules. Some will handle it fine, some may ping-pong, link-up/link-down. But note that running a DAC cable between one SharkTapSFP NETWORK port and your host SFP cage will provide a normal MAC-PHY type of connection.

Can the SharkTapSFP drop packets?

  • No. If the modules function correctly, the SharkTap itself won't drop anything. But see question below.

Will the SharkTapSFP do speed matching?

  • This mainly applies to Base-T copper, but - no. The link speeds must be controlled externally, or through custom software that accesses the SharkTapSFP API. Some modules, like those based on the Marvell 88X3310, can buffer a small amount of data so some speed mismatched situations will 'mostly work'. But overall you should insure that all modules are running at the same media speed. (This does not apply to DAC cables, only to fiber or copper media modules)



Back