Inline monitors traffic without examining other devices, while a tap mode tags traffic and examines the data from monitoring devices.

Tap mode monitors traffic direction, while inline mode keeps packet data as it passes through the monitoring devices.

Tap mode monitors packets and their content with the highest speed, while the inline mode draws a packet path for analysis.

Inline mode monitors traffic path, examining any traffic at a wire speed, while a tap mode monitors traffic as it crosses the network.