Keysight serves up multi-speed Ethernet test platform for data centers

Keysight Technologies has introduced the AresONE-M 800GE, a Layer 1-3 Ethernet performance test platform that supports data center interconnect speeds from 10GE to 800GE to satisfy the emergence of data-intensive applications like artificial intelligence, high-resolution video streaming, IoT, 5G, edge, and cloud computing.

However, deploying 800GE into existing network infrastructures comes with various challenges. Network engineers must navigate through different new and legacy networking protocols, multiple Ethernet speeds, and a vast array of fiber and copper data center interconnects (DCI). To validate the performance of network infrastructures and network system designs, equipment manufacturers and network operators must have a flexible test platform that can scale to evaluate mixed-speed networks supporting a broad set of connections and network protocols.

Keysight’s AresONE-M 800GE can address these concerns with a Layer 1-3 Ethernet networking and infrastructure test solution supporting an extensive range of DCI speeds from 10GE to 800GE in a single platform. The AresONE-M 800GE enables design engineers and data center operators to validate networking equipment interoperability and bandwidth performance while supporting the transition to 400GE and 800GE networks with the capability to test slower, legacy Ethernet speeds.

AresONE-M 800GE boasts several benefits:

·      Ethernet speeds: The platform can support a wide range of Ethernet speeds, including 1x800GE, 2x400GE, 4x200GE, and 8x100GE.

·       PAM4 and NRZ signaling support: Features 106.25 Gbps host electrical lane signaling with the ability to downshift to the lower electrical lane speeds of 53 Gbps and 25Gbps for 400GE and 100GE speeds.

·       Single test platform: It supports all required forward error correction (FEC) types and a full array of in-depth link tuning, stability, reliability, and performance measurement statistics.

·       800GE high-scale protocol emulation and performance testing: Provides the protocol support required to test enterprise, metro, and cloud-capable Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching and routing network equipment through the IxNetwork software application.

·       High port density: Supports eight ports in a single, 2-rackmount unit chassis with additional configurations for 2 and 4 ports.

By using an integrated physical layer Digital Signal Processor (DSP) from Credo Technology Group, the AresONE-M 800GE provides what Keysight claims to be more efficient data transfer with low latency that enables data transit requirements of hyper scalers, enterprises, 5G carriers, and service providers. The Credo chip also optimizes power consumption to reduce operational costs, minimize heat dissipation, and meet energy-efficient standards for advanced networks.

Bill Brennan, President and CEO of Credo Technology Group, one of Keysight’s partners, said that the platform will better equip data center providers to effectively support the deluge of data-hungry applications.

"Keysight has once again delivered a milestone product with the AresONE-M 800GE, a comprehensive Ethernet Layer 1-3 test platform designed to meet the challenges faced with scaling and supporting next-generation artificial intelligence/machine learning network applications,” he said. “Credo is proud to collaborate with Keysight on its AresONE-M 800GE platform by providing high-quality merchant silicon solutions supporting data center interconnect speeds from 10GE to 800GE across various physical connections."

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