a network tap that provides access to data communicated in a network . the tap includes a first port for connecting to a pluggable optoelectronic module such as an optical transceiver , a link port for connecting to an optical link configured to receive and send data to the optical transceiver , and a tap port for relaying diverted optical data to a storage and / or analyzing device . couplers are used to split the optical signals entering the tap from the first port and / or the link port such that a useable portion of the optical signal can be stored and / or analyzed . the tap also includes optical devices for relaying optical signals between components in the tap .