Which device is used to split or copy packets for analysis in a network?

The device that is primarily used to split or copy packets for analysis in a network is the network tap. A network tap is designed to allow network traffic to be monitored without disrupting the flow of data. It creates a duplicate stream of the data packets that are sent across the network, directing them to a monitoring system or tool for analysis.

This is particularly useful for security monitoring, performance analysis, and troubleshooting, as it enables administrators to observe the traffic in real-time without interfering with the actual data transmission. Network taps can handle both directions of traffic and provide a complete view of the network packets being transmitted, which is essential for identifying issues or malicious activity.

Other devices, such as routers and switches, primarily function to manage traffic in a network rather than specifically serving as tools for traffic analysis. Firewalls focus on filtering and controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. While they may provide some level of monitoring, their primary function is not to duplicate or transparently copy packets for analysis in the way a network tap does.