A Network Packet Broker (NPB), also referred to as a Network Monitoring Switch or Traffic Aggregation Device, aggregates the mirrored network traffic from Network TAPs distributed across the hybrid-cloud network infrastructure. It filters and processes the data for a series of operations, and then forwards it in real-time, in the correct format, to authorized destinations such as performance monitoring tools and security monitoring tools. 

For virtual environments or cloud-based infrastructures, a software-based Virtual Packet Broker (vPB) or Cloud Packet Broker performs the same functions. The Network Packet Broker serves as the central consolidation point, enhancing Network Visibility, Traffic Management, and Network Control across the entire infrastructure.