In IT ports what does mod-tap mean?

In IT networking, a mod-tap refers to a configuration that allows for both active and passive monitoring of network traffic. It typically involves a device that splits the signal from a network port, enabling one output to connect to the regular network while sending a copy of the traffic to a monitoring system. This setup is commonly used for security and performance analysis without disrupting the flow of data. Mod-taps are especially useful in environments where real-time traffic analysis is required.