New to network tap

Hello,

We are studying a solution based on a network tap.

I'm familiar with layer 3+, but this kind of device addresses problems with lower layers and I hope you can help with.

For example:

• Marketing material claims "eliminating packet delay and loss as potential security issues".

-> Implies that Taps of other kind can introduce delay. But such device looks so basic to me that I can hardly imagine it can introduce latency or packet drop. Could it ?

• This device supports 10/100 MB.

-> Why cannot it support 1GB ?

• Redundant power supply ?

-> Why is power required ? What wrong can happen if there is a power failure ?

• There is some electronic in the box and probably firmware / software.

-> What does it do ? I thaught it was just hardware.

Thanks for patience :-)