APRIL 28, 2010 -- On the heels of recent system vendor announcements regarding 40-Gigabit Ethernet (see “Force10 Networks unveils 40-Gigabit Ethernet data center plans” and “Extreme Networks intros 40-Gigabit Ethernet capabilities”), Spirent Communications has announced the addition of a QSFP interface to the Spirent TestCenter HyperMetrics 40G Ethernet test module. The high-density High-Speed Ethernet (HSE) module is designed to test both data center switches and routers.

“40G Ethernet presents new challenges across Layer 1 through Layer 7, requiring rigorous conformance, functionality, and scalability testing,” said Olga Yashkova, industry analyst, test and measurement at market research firm Frost & Sullivan. “Spirent enables chipset and equipment vendors to accelerate their high-speed Ethernet product development strategies, providing them a competitive edge in the marketplace.”

With support for QSFP along with CFP interfaces on the same test module, Spirent asserts it now delivers the market’s most cost-effective instrument with the highest port density and performance per port. According to the company, other test vendors require two modules, which doubles the cost to deliver the same level of port density.

Spirent adds that its 40G Ethernet test module has been selected by “several” chipset vendor and data center switch and router manufacturers for HSE testing.

The Spirent TestCenter HyperMetrics 40G Ethernet module delivers several industry firsts including multi-core processing, Layer 1 to 7 traffic generation, and CFP and QSFP connectivity on a test single module, the company concludes.

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