Keysight, Credo pair on PAM-4-to-NRZ signal conversion for data center network testing

May 21, 2020

Users can test four ports of 100GbE NRZ from a single port of 400GbE QSFP-DD PAM4 in a 4x100GbE speed mode.

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Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) and Credo have partnered to create a means to enable data center operators to leverage PAM4-based 400 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) capable test ports on the Ixia AresONE test system to link with and test 100GbE network equipment using NRZ via Credo’s HiWire Active Electrical Cable (AEC) technology. The technology pairing enables the necessary speed-shifting of the signaling rates and forward error correction (FEC) conversion.

The companies note that the introduction of PAM4-based 400GbE technology into data center networks will likely create a hybrid environment where technicians must evaluate signal transmission based on both PAM4 and NRZ. The collaboration between the two companies enables the use of the Ixia AresONE to provide test capabilities for both signaling formats. Users can test four ports of 100GbE NRZ from a single port of 400GbE QSFP-DD PAM4 in a 4x100GbE speed mode.

“Data center operators are faced with a complex environment and need to leverage their existing investments for the future,” said Ram Periakaruppan, vice president, product development, Keysight’s Network Applications & Security group. “The Ixia AresONE 400GbE test system supports Credo’s interconnect technology in high-density 100GbE test beds, enabling data center operators to accelerate validation of 100GbE NRZ devices and network infrastructure while leveraging 400GE-capable PAM4 ports to support demand in the future.”

Keysight and Credo are members of the HiWire Consortium, a non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating the adoption of AECs in such applications.

“Keysight’s Ixia AresONE 400GbE test solution with 4x100GbE per port fan-out has the scale and performance to meet the verification needs of multi-terabit distributed disaggregated chassis networks,” said Jeff Twombly, vice president of business development at Credo. “It is great to see them leverage our HiWire AEC interconnect solution to deliver this industry-leading and innovative data center solution.”

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About the Author

Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave

Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.

Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.

He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.

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