Viavi Solutions (NASDAQ: VIAV) used the OFC 2018 last week to unveil the MAP-2100, a bit error rate tester (BERT) for hyperscale data center applications. the MAP-2100 is a rack-mounted instrument for remote transmission quality testing of the network links connecting data centers, central offices, or head ends, to assure efficient high-performance testing up to 200G across the network.
According to the Cisco Global Cloud Index, 94% of workloads and compute instances will likely be handled in cloud data centers by 2021. It also anticipates that the amount of hyperscale data centers will double. Hyperscale operators require automation, including throughout testing and troubleshooting functions, to scale to address the growing demand.
The MAP-2100 is based on the T-BERD/MTS 5800-100G test chassis used globally by service providers and network equipment manufacturers, and is designed for facilities with few to no personnel on site to conduct network tests. According to Viavi, it can be controlled from a central location to support distributed nodes. Viavi's platform can integrate as a test point into its vNet Fusion virtual test platform, which the company released along with the NITRO technology platform in December of 2017 (see "Viavi unveils NITRO for real-time multi-application test and measurement"). It can also launch service activation and performance monitoring tests across both physical and virtual test points in a network.
"The rapid growth in data volume and the shift to the cloud have forced data centers to begin adopting technologies previously reserved for service provider networks, especially high-capacity fiber," said Oleg Khaykin, Viavi's president and chief executive officer. "In addition, hyperscale data center operators have fairly lean workforces. At Viavi, we have combined our advanced optical network test technologies with workflow automation requirements to produce a unique portfolio of test solutions to meet the needs of hyperscale data operators."
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