In-line gigabit ethernet ports can be configured as fail-open or fail-closed. The RJ-45 monitoring ports are built-in and include an built-in fail-open functionality as well.
All other monitoring ports require the use of external active or passive fail-open kits for Inline Fail Open - Active and Inline Fail Open - Passive configurations.
Gigabit Ethernet ports fail close, implying that the flow of traffic will stop if the Sensor fails. To allow traffic to flow uninterrupted, you must use special hardware, and cable the Sensor to external active fail-open kits. For instructions, see the subsequent sections of this chapter.
This section provides steps to connect the Sensor's gigabit ethernet ports so they fail-close.
Plug the cable appropriate for use, with your transceiver module, into one of the monitoring ports, for example G2/1.
Plug the cable appropriate for use, with your transceiver module, into the other monitoring port, for example G2/2.
Connect the other end of each cable to the network devices that you want to monitor.
For example, if you plan to monitor traffic between a switch and a router, connect the cable connected to 1 to the router and the one connected to 2 to the switch.