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Application Load Module

Ixia's Application Load Module (ALM) is an ultra-high density computing platform for executing application and network testing. Optimized for stateful, Layer 4-7 transactions, the ALM enables high performance and high capacity verification of networks and intelligent network devices/systems.

The ALM provides 8 RISC processors in an extremely dense form factor. Up to 16 modules (128 processors) are supported in a single Ixia chassis. Each processor operates independently with its own operating system, memory, and network interface. This dedicated architecture provides unprecedented density, performance, and flexibility for testing networks, web sites, VPNs, and other content aware devices via Ixia's suite of test applications. An ALM-based system provides significant space, scalability, and repeatability advantages compared with standalone workstations for network and application testing.

Specifications

Number of Port/Processors per Load Module	8 per Load Module
Processor/Memory (per port)	1856 MIPS PowerPC with1 GB RAM
Operating System	Linux kernel version 2.6.7 or greater
Network Interfaces	8 x 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet copper, auto-negotiating
Network Connector Type	RJ-45
Network Cabling	Category 5 UTP
Application Support	IxLoad: Performance verification of Triple Play (data, video, voice) applications and protocols, including TCP, HTTP, SSL, FTP, MPEG2 video, IGMP, SIP, SMTP, POP3, RTSP, RTP, Telnet, DNS, and DHCP IxChariot: Network performance testing using enterprise application emulation. Over 140 applications supported for predicting end-end performance IxVerify: Functional testing of enterprise applications IxVPN: IPSec VPN scalability and performance IxAccess: Broadband access performance testing IxNetwork: IP control plane emulation including routing, MPLS, and multicast IxExplorer: Port configuration and statistics Tcl API: Custom user script development for Layer 4-7 testing Linux Software Development Kit (SDK): Custom user application development
Statistics and Rates Counter Size: 64 bits	Link State, Line Speed, Duplex Mode, Frames Sent, Valid Frames Received, Bytes Sent/Received, Fragments, Undersize, Oversize, CRC Errors, VLAN Tagged Frames, Flow Control Frames, Dribble Errors, Collisions, Late Collisions, Excessive Collision Frames, Oversize and CRC Errors, ARP and PING requests and replies, Port CPU Bytes/Frames Received, Dropped by Filter Bytes/Frames, Port CPU Bytes/Frames Dropped
VLAN	Statistics and generation of 802.1q/p VLAN frames

Optimized Testing

The Application Load Module is designed to deliver high performance application and network testing at Layers 4-7. Each high speed RISC processor runs Linux as its own independent system and supports 1 GB RAM. Each processor is supported by its own 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet interface, producing a dedicated architecture for generating high throughput and high transaction application load on the network, device, or system being tested.

Application

Testing The ALM architecture provides an optimized platform for generating high rate application transactions, large session/ tunnel capacities, and high network throughput load. The module is ideal for executing Ixia's Real World Traffic? applications for testing devices, servers, and networks (see Specifications table).

Ultra-High Density Computing Power

With 8 processors per single slot module, the ALM provides incredible computing density. Up to 128 processors are supported in a single 9U high Optixia X16 or IXIA 1600T chassis. Multiple Ixia chassis can be daisy-chained together to provide unprecedented scalability. Each processor runs independently, allowing a mixture of applications to be hosted, or a single application from a networked console can control all the processors at once. Multiple users can control separate processors concurrently, allowing hardware resources to be shared.

Custom Applications

The Linux Software Development Kit (SDK) enables existing Linux applications to be compiled and run on ALM ports. Additionally, users can develop custom applications that can be integrated into the Ixia test environment.

Superior Alternative to "Wall-of-PCs"

For large scale application testing, the ALM provides a number of benefits compared to dedicated workstations. Cost, power, space, and management requirements are significantly reduced through Ixia's integrated ALM design. The local Ixia chassis, a Pentium-based computer platform, downloads the applications to the Linux processors, eliminating the need for local hard drives per processor. The ALM also supports remote file storage. In addition, each processor supports thousands of MAC addresses per network port for scalable network testing, a feature not available on individual workstations.

Extensive Statistics

Each processor/port supports a full set of transmit and receive network statistics:

Real-Time 64-bit counts and frame rates
Spread sheet format for convenient manipulation of statistics counters
External file logging for statistics and alerts
Audible and visual alerts with user-definable thresholds

Product Ordering Information

ALM1000T8
Eight processor Application Load Module with 10/100/1000 Mbps copper Ethernet interface per port, 1 GB RAM, Linux OS; supports Real World Traffic™ applications.

P/N: 915-0503-01 , Rev. B - April 2009

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.