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Ixia Demonstrates 100 Gigabit Ethernet Capability Based on IEEE 802.3ba Task Force Pre-Standards
Proof-of-Concept Demonstration Will Highlight First True 100 GbE Line-Rate Traffic Using New IEEE Multilane Distribution Specifications
CALABASAS, Calif. — (June 12, 2008) — Ixia (Nasdaq: XXIA), a leading, global provider of IP performance test systems, today announced that it will demonstrate an initial implementation of 100 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) line-rate traffic generation and analysis June 17-19 at NXTcomm08 in Las Vegas. The growth of converged, multiplay network services and rapid advances in computer technology and network architecture are causing bandwidth bottlenecks — and has convinced network operators, large Internet service providers, and data center managers of the urgent need for higher data speeds: 100 GbE for aggregation and core networking applications, and 40GbE for server and storage applications.
The Ixia proof-of-concept demonstration includes the very first implementation of multilane distribution (MLD) architecture — the new 100 GbE and 40 GbE physical coding sublayer (PCS) layer approved as the baseline proposal just last month by the IEEE 802.3ba task force. MLD enables network providers to bond multiple 10 GbE or higher-speed lanes into a single logical 100 GbE or 40 GbE link. Currently, the highest Ethernet line rate commonly available over a single copper cable or optical fiber wavelength is 10 Gbps. MLD provides a means of “striping” a 100 Gbps flow into multiple “virtual” lanes, each with its own alignment markers.
“MLD is a crucial enabling technology that will allow 100 GbE links to be carried over available fiber – now and in the foreseeable future,” said Errol Ginsberg, founder and chief innovation officer of Ixia. ”We felt it was imperative that we provide this essential technology early in the standards cycle; this was made possible by Ixia’s early involvement in the IEEE 100 GbE /40 GbE standards development effort. Our implementation proves that MLD is a viable architecture that can be implemented with today’s technology.”
In July 2006, the IEEE 802.3 formed a Higher Speed Study Group (HSSG) to define the objectives for the standards. In December 2007, the HSSG formally became the IEEE 802.3ba task force, with the goal of creating standards for implementing 100 Gbps and 40 Gbps data rates over optical fiber and copper cables. Ixia has been working in the HSSG and 802.3ba task force from its inception and is committed to supporting efforts to reach an industry-wide standard. The Ixia demonstration will showcase the operation and testing of a 100 GbE link based on the current state of IEEE standardization efforts.
“Driven by growing video traffic and more powerful server architectures, bandwidth requirements are growing for both the computing and networking applications, and the next generation of Ethernet will define 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps to address these needs,” said John D’Ambrosia, IEEE P802.3ba task force chair, and senior research scientist at Force10 Networks. “Ixia’s commitment to creating a high performance testing environment for these higher speeds of Ethernet will enable vendors to deliver more reliable equipment and increase the early adoption of 40 and 100 Gigabit Ethernet technology.”
“Network equipment manufacturers are responding to the need for more bandwidth and are already working on pre-standard, 100 GbE products. Therefore, it’s vital that they be able to test their equipment before it is deployed in data centers,” said Atul Bhatnagar, Ixia’s president and CEO. “By demonstrating our ability to generate and analyze 100 GbE traffic, we’re not only helping to advance the technology, but also reinforcing our testing leadership.”
Ixia’s 100 GbE proof-of-concept demonstration is the first technology innovation developed by the newly formed Ixia Labs. Ginsberg, the company’s founder, chairman of the board and chief innovation officer, heads Ixia Labs.
About Ixia
Ixia is a leading provider of IP service verification platforms and performance test systems for IP-based infrastructure and services. Ixia's test systems are used by network and telephony equipment manufacturers, semiconductor manufacturers, service providers, governments, and enterprises to validate the capabilities and reliability of complex IP networks, devices, and applications. Ixia's multiplay test systems address the growing need to test voice, video, and data services and network capability under real-world conditions.
For more information, contact Ixia at 26601 W. Agoura Road, Calabasas, CA 91302; (818) 871-1800, Fax: (818) 871-1805; Email: info@ixiacom.com or visit our Web Site at
Ixia and the Ixia four-petal logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Ixia. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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This material is for informational purposes only and subject to change without notice. It describes Ixia's present plans to develop and make available to its customers certain products, features and capabilities. Ixia is only obligated to provide those deliverables specifically included in a written agreement between Ixia and the customer.
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