Transceivers & cables come in a multitude of formats and are a ubiquitous part of most networks and server rooms. Small form-factor (SFP) and enhanced small form-factor pluggable (SFP+) transceivers remain the standard for 1GE and 10GE Ethernet but are making way for the next generation that support speeds up to 800GE such as QSFP-DD and OSFP.
Similarly, network cabling remains an intrinsic part of connecting devices in Local Area Networks (LANs). The performance and reliability of twisted pair, coaxial and fiber optic cables can determine the same parameters of the network. In data centers Active Electrical Cables (AEC) are being used for short distance, inter-rack connections because they typically are more power and cost effective than optical cables.
The main difference between active and passive (Direct Attach Cables, DAC) electrical cables is that the active cables include active components like equalizers, re-timers, and amplifiers which help counteract signal degradations and enable transmission of very high-speed signals over several meters.
Both transceivers, passive and active cables must be tested with focus on the physical Layer 1 but, also Layer 2 and 3 type testing is relevant.
Developing new components obviously involves validation and debugging, and once the products are in production quality assurance and production testing becomes mandatory and an essential part of installation and troubleshooting in data centers.
It’s a time-consuming task identifying the ideal equalizer settings for active cables (ACC, AEC) and optics (CPO, LPO, LRO, AOC, and fiber pluggables) to achieve the best signal integrity.
That’s why we created ready-made test templates for both performance testing and qualification using our XOA Python-based software so that extensive active cable and optics testing can be completed in minutes not days. You will find details here:
Or read our Application Note: Cable & Optics EQ Optimization Workflow with XOA and Z800 Freya 112G SerDes Test Modules
Teledyne LeCroy offers a selection of test modules for testing all Ethernet speeds from 10Mbps to 800Gbps.
Our Traffic Generators lets you test Layer 1, Layer 2 and Layer 3 functionality using the same test equipment.
Our range extends to include the latest 112G-based SerDes PAM-4 Ethernet in our Z800 Freya product line. For testing and debugging AN/LT protocols, we offer our dedicated Z800 Freya Compact ANLT Test Appliance.
Xena’s test solutions include feature-rich software for generating Ethernet traffic and analyzing the result. The primary tool is XenaManager.
There are also test suites for running standard tests such as RFC2544, RFC2889, RFC3918 and Y.1564, and specialized AN/LT tests along with a comprehensive range of powerful scripting and test automation options such as Xena OpenAutomation (XOA), an open-source test automation framework featuring a Python API that runs on any OS.
Choose between the robust scalable 4U B720/2400 chassis with space for up to 12 test modules, or the small, easy-to-transport 1U XenaCompact with just one test module.
All our solutions include the Xena Value Pack which consists of 3 years’ SW updates, 3 years’ HW warranty, free online/email support for the lifetime of the product and free product training.
Together with our low port-pricing, this represents significant savings on the TCO of your Ethernet traffic generation and analysis solutions.
Looking for specific information? Like a quick guided demo? We'd love to hear from you!
Tell us what you need and we will put you in direct contact with the best qualified person to help you, whether it’s an engineer, a product manager or a sales representative.
Xena has won multiple global awards for price/performance and technical innovation. Learn more.
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