Ixia introduces Dual-PHY copper and fiber-optic Gigabit Ethernet testing module
February 6, 2004 Calabasas, CA--Ixia, a global provider of IP network testing solutions, announced that it has extended the Dual-PHY capability of its award-winning Optixia platform throughout its entire product line. Working closely with customers, Ixia responded to their need for a cost-effective solution that combines copper and fiber-optic interfaces on the same module for data and application-level network testing. The new dual-interface module eliminates the need for purchasing two separate modules, providing significant cost savings to customers with requirements to test with both interface types.
"The new Dual-PHY test module provides higher value and increased flexibility to those who need to test Ethernet-based devices and networks. A single module will provide Layer 2-3 wire speed traffic generation and analysis; routing protocol emulation; and Layer 4-7 application emulation over copper and fiber physical interfaces at 10-, 100- and 1000-Mbit/sec rates. Our solution brings significant cost, space, and power-savings to users looking to ensure the performance and robustness of their networks, servers and applications," said Cliff Hannel, vice president of engineering for Ixia.
The new interface module supports four Dual-PHY ports. Each port incorporates both a copper 10/100/1000 Ethernet interface with an RJ-45 connector and an adjoining fiber-optic Gigabit Ethernet interface with a modular SFP connector. All ports are capable of generating and analyzing traffic at full-line rate with the user selecting the interface type desired for each test port. Each port is equipped with a dedicated PowerPC processor running the Linux operating system, providing the power for each port to run high-performance routing protocol emulations and Ixia's Real World Traffic suite for evaluating the high-performance and functionality of Layer 2-7 network and Internet applications.
Ixia was the first in the testing industry to deliver a dual copper and fiber interface solution with its award-winning Optixia high-capacity platform which first shipped the Dual-PHY technology in July 2003. Ixia developed the Dual-PHY technology for equipment manufacturers, service providers, and enterprises developing and deploying switches and routers with both port types.
The Dual-PHY module supports highly scaleable IPv4 and IPv6 protocol emulation, including BGP-4, OSPF, MPLS, IS-IS, and multicast networking protocols. The Dual-PHY scales up to 64 ports in the IXIA 1600T chassis or 16 ports in the IXIA 400T, and is also supported on the portable IXIA 250. The high capacity Optixia offers up to 240 ports of Dual-PHY Gigabit Ethernet interfaces. The product now available is the LM1000STXS4.