What is a key disadvantage of SPAN traffic not being a channel input?

The key disadvantage of SPAN (Switched Port Analyzer) traffic not being treated as a channel input lies in the loss of passive classification capability. SPAN is primarily used to mirror the traffic from one or more ports to another port on a switch for monitoring purposes. When traffic is mirrored in this way, it can lead to certain limitations in how that traffic is analyzed.

When SPAN does not function as a dedicated channel input, it results in traffic not being classified passively. Passive classification allows for the detection of devices and the identification of their behaviors based on the flow of their actual network traffic. This could lead to missed opportunities in visibility, such as identifying new or rogue devices on the network.

By not treating SPAN traffic as a channel input, the monitoring tools may not have comprehensive visibility into the complete communication patterns and behaviors of devices, as they only see mirrored data, which might not capture certain nuances present in the actual traffic flow. Hence, the passive classification capability is significantly diminished, making it difficult to perform accurate and thorough assessments of the network environment.