Editing Vampire tap

{{Short description|Connection type in computer networks}}
[[file:ThicknetTransceiver.jpg|thumb|10BASE5 vampire tap with a [[Medium Attachment Unit]] (Transceiver) to the left of the tap]]
[[file:VampireTap.jpg|thumb|Dismantled vampire tap. Central metal-tipped insulated spike contacted cable core; smaller spikes contacted cable shield. Note black mark on cable sheath indicating suitable location for transceiver]]

A '''vampire tap''' (also called a '''piercing tap''') is a device for physically connecting a [[node (networking)|station]], typically a computer, to a network that used [[10BASE5]] cabling. This device clamped onto and "bit" into the cable<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RjajDcZ6xssC&dq=vampire+tap&pg=PA8 | title=Cisco CCNA/CCENT Exam 640-802, 640-822, 640-816 Preparation Kit | isbn=9780080879680 | last1=Liu | first1=Dale | date=30 June 2009 | publisher=Syngress }}</ref> (hence the name "[[vampire]]"), inserting a probe through a hole drilled using a special tool through the outer shielding to contact the inner conductor, while other spikes bit into the outer conductor.

The vampire tap usually had an integrated AUI ([[Attachment Unit Interface]]) in the form of a [[DA-15]] connector, from which a short multicore cable connected to the network card in the station ([[host computer]]).

Vampire taps allowed new connections to be made on a given physical cable while the cable was in use.  This allowed administrators to expand [[bus topology]] network sections without interrupting communications. Without a vampire tap, the cable had to be cut and connectors had to be attached to both ends.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eQWWAAAAQBAJ&dq=vampire+tap&pg=PT374 | title=CompTIA Security+ SYO-301 Cert Guide, Deluxe Edition: CompT Secur SY030 Cert Gui_2 | isbn=9780132801294 | last1=Prowse | first1=David L. | date=20 December 2011 | publisher=Pearson Education }}</ref>

== See also ==

* [[Network tap]]
* [[Insulation-displacement connector]]

== References ==

{{refs}}

[[Category:Ethernet cables]]
[[Category:Networking hardware]]

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