will pay for network hub (not a switch, a hub)

[distraction]

Remember these

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethernet_hub

I'll pay R200 for a basic 4 port hub, in Cape Town area.

 

[AfricanTech]

Um, I think that TP link (www.dbg.co.za) has one for even less than that.

Yup, just checked, 5 port switch ( even better than a hub for around R100 - works like a bomb (I have one)

Edit - just noticed you don't want a switch (any particular reason why?)

 

[distraction]

I need to tap a connection. Network tap is grossly expensive.

 

[RoganDawes]

Make a throwing star tap. link

There's very little to it, if you needed something urgently, and didn't have time to ship boards from a manufacturer, you could probably dead-bug it to a large extent.

 

[Alton Turner Blackwood]

I'm too lazy for google. Wtf is a network tap?

 

[Paul Hjul]

you don't need Google for this, Wiki will do:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_tap

 

[Stillie]

I'm too lazy for google. Wtf is a network tap?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_tap

"A network tap is a hardware device which provides a way to access the data flowing across a computer network. In many cases, it is desirable for a third party to monitor the traffic between two points in the network. If the network between points A and B consists of a physical cable, a "network tap" may be the best way to accomplish this monitoring. The network tap has (at least) three ports: an A port, a B port, and a monitor port. A tap inserted between A and B passes all traffic through unimpeded, but also copies that same data to its monitor port, enabling a third party to listen.
Network taps are commonly used for network intrusion detection systems, VoIP recording, network probes, RMON probes, packet sniffers, and other monitoring and collection devices and software that require access to a network segment. Taps are used in security applications because they are non-obtrusive, are not detectable on the network (having no physical or logical address), can deal with full-duplex and non-shared networks, and will usually pass through traffic even if the tap stops working or loses power."

 

[Alton Turner Blackwood]

Thanks guys!

 

[ponder]

On a intelligent switch you could also mirror/span a port but it's not as good as a tap.

 

[Tinuva]

Indeed, a mirror/span is much easier, wonder if hubs still exist.

 

[distraction]

Couldn't find a hub. Difficult getting a patch plate with four sockets, so I bought the cheapest switch I could find, replaced its guts with 4 female cat5e ethernet jacks, and wired them up. Total cost <R200.

where T is tap, H is host:


T H H T
3-1-1..
6-2-2..
..3-3-3
..6-6-6


http://www.enigmacurry.com/articles/building-an-ethernet-tap/

 

[AfricanTech]

and so one learns - very interesting.

Cool.