A feature that sends a copy of a network from one or more switch ports to a special monitoring port is called?

The term that accurately describes the feature which sends a copy of the network data from one or more switch ports to a designated monitoring port is known as Port Mirroring. This technique allows network administrators to monitor and analyze traffic without disrupting the flow of data on the original paths. It is commonly used for network performance analysis, troubleshooting, and security assessments, as it provides visibility into network activity by forwarding packets to a monitoring device or tool.

In the context of this question, while traffic mirroring may sound similar, it is less specific than Port Mirroring, which has a well-defined application in the switch environment. Network tapping generally refers to a method of intercepting network traffic directly off the medium, and packet sniffing describes the action of capturing data packets on a network. These alternatives do not specifically denote the process that involves sending copies of data from switch ports to a monitoring port in the same context as Port Mirroring does.