A device to connect a network node to an RG8 thick ethernet cable without affecting other connected nodes.A vampire tap has an interface box with a "V" shaped groove along one side.A sharp needle protrudes from the center of the groove.The cable is clamped into the groove by a grooved plate held in position by two thumb screws.With sufficient practise, tightening the screws forces the needle through the cable jacket and into contact with the cable' s center wire while other spikes bite into the outer conductor.The interface box has a 15 pin connector to connect to the network node.The vampire tap is often built into the transceiver, with a more flexible multi-wire "drop cable" to connect the transceiver to the node.(2004-08-25)