What technique is used to copy packets for analysis without affecting the original data flow?

Traffic mirroring refers to the technique used to create a copy of network packets for analysis purposes while ensuring that the original data flow remains unaffected. This is crucial in network security and monitoring, as it allows for real-time analysis of traffic without introducing latency or interference in the network communication.

The process typically involves configuring a switch or router to duplicate packets from a specified interface and send those copies to a designated analysis tool. By using traffic mirroring, organizations can monitor network behavior, detect anomalies, and conduct security audits comprehensively.

Other options are specific implementations or variations of traffic mirroring, such as local or remote setups where the mirroring is done either within the same environment or across different locations. SPAN (Switched Port Analyzer) or mirrored ports are industry-standard methods for enabling traffic mirroring, but fundamentally, they fall under the broader concept of traffic mirroring. Hence, the term "Traffic Mirroring" captures the essence of this technique effectively, emphasizing its purpose and functionality in network analysis without impacting the original data flow.