When a TAP is in the network, it is always what type of device?

When a TAP (Test Access Point) is in the network, it functions as a master device. This role is crucial because the TAP acts as a key point through which data traffic flows, enabling network monitoring without disrupting normal operations. The master device designation indicates that the TAP is the primary point of access for data capture, allowing for continuous monitoring and analysis of network traffic.

In this capacity, the TAP maintains control over data flow within the network segment it serves, ensuring that it can effectively send copies of data packets to monitoring tools while keeping the original traffic unaffected. This functionality is vital for network performance and security analysis, as it helps capture comprehensive traffic data for further examination.