New System and Software For Testing Networks

The system tests networks, checks AI and data centre connections from 200GE to 1600GE, and makes data storage, testing, and reports easier.

Keysight Technologies, Inc. has introduced the Interconnect Test System (ITS), a software solution, along with the Interconnect and Network Performance Tester 1600GE (INPT-1600GE), a hardware traffic emulator designed to run ITS. This solution validates AI infrastructure, network components, and data centre interconnects from 200GE to 1600GE, building on the capabilities of the previously launched Interconnect and Network Performance Tester 800GE benchtop. The ITS software is compatible with both the 800GE and 1600GE platforms.

Validating network interconnect performance required a manual process with limited automation, relying on programming skills for scripting. These methods lacked a system for managing interconnect data and reports, making tracking and replicating tests difficult. As AI and data centre interconnects grow, traditional testing approaches can no longer measure the reliability of production networks.

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The Interconnect and Network Performance Tester 1600GE, combined with ITS software, provides a system for organizing, storing, and using data to automate interconnect validation in Ethernet networks and AI data centres. Key benefits include:

• Supports high-power optical receivers up to 40W
• Available as a benchtop unit with a handle or rackmount chassis
• Supports 1x1600GE, 2x800GE, 4x400GE, and 8x200GE
• Validates Ethernet devices using 212Gb/s electrical lane interfaces
• Tests reliability, stability, and interoperability from 200GE to 1600GE PAM4
• Supports CMIS PASS/FAIL reporting for development and manufacturing

Ram Periakaruppan, Vice President and General Manager, Network Test & Security Solutions, Keysight, said: “Keysight is working with the majority of global standards bodies and manufacturers of silicon chips, optical and copper interconnects using 224Gb/s electrical lane interfaces to accelerate the development of the ecosystem for 800GE and 1.6T AI network infrastructures. Our 1.6T and 800GE hardware platforms, combined with the ITS software, enable critical interconnect performance evaluations and tremendous gains in testbed productivity. This equips our customers with the tools they need to deploy highly stable and reliable solutions into their networks.”