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Developers, testing labs, and service providers all need to spend
valuable resources -- money, time, and personnel -- on testing their
applications and networks before making them available to their customers.
As much as this is a necessary exercise, it's also one where savings can
be valuable in several ways.
Flexibility in testing equipment doesn't only translate into less
equipment to buy. It also means a more efficient labs space, a common
interface to simplify things, time savings (by not having to keep rolling
in the machine that goes "bing" ), and so on.
We recently met with the Communciations Infrastructure Test Group of
Empirix (a.k.a, The Testers Formerly Known As Hammer Technologies) to get
an overview of what they've been up to recently. Their emphasis was on
flexibility -- flexibility to get their customers up and running quickly
and affordably and yet not lock them into a limited platform that will
require replacement in the near future, nor limit their ability to test
next-gen technologies as they develop. Two new platforms from Empirix
address such issues directly: PacketSphere and SledgeHammer.
The SledgeHammer just wants to be ... your high- density, next-gen
network equipment testing platform. And like the song says, it'll be
anything you need. This means that SledgeHammer is designed to meet
interface and density requirements of advanced systems, with maximum
interface flexibility and high-density traffic emulation.
A software option allows SledgeHammer users to switch between DS3 and
E1 interfaces on 56 span systems, or T1 and E1 interfaces on 28 span
systems, all in a single 5U chassis. Combine this with the SledgeHammer's
1,344 channels of PSTN traffic and interoperability with Hammer's
TestBuilder Plus User Interface and Mega-Controller, and the SledgeHammer
becomes an economical test platform indeed.
And what of Empirix's newest release, PacketSphere? PacketSphere is a
high-speed, high-performance data network test platform utilizing a
network processor architecture to allow wire-speed testing of network
performance and conditions. The first application to run on PacketSphere
is the Network Emulator, capable of introducing IP network impairments
(latency, jitter, loss, etc.) to high-speed network traffic. The Network
Emulator can precisely impair packets at gigabit-per-second wire speed,
enabling users to characterize system performance and to simulate real
networking issues within a controlled environment.
The PacketSphere Network Emulator is targeted at testing next-gen
equipment and applications, including VoIP gateways, next-gen switches,
routers, and e-business systems. For VoIP applications, it is designed to
be used in conjunction with Hammer's VoIP Test System to ensure quality of
user experience for carrier class voice edge devices.
It has been a while since we've heard much from the Hammer camp, but
they haven't been hiding. Rather, they've been busy developing. Without a
doubt, this is the new stuff.
-- Chris Donner
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Enabling
Technologies And Development News
Catapult Enhances 3G Test Software
Catapult Communications has enhanced the testing capabilities of the DCT2000. Catapult Communications has completed a software release enhancing the already strong 3G test capabilities of the DCT2000. This release expands the list of test protocols and variants to include SCTP, LAP-B, and upgrades to NBAP, IuUP, and TCAP. The new software has been distributed for installation on all DCT2000 test systems worldwide.
www.catapult.com
Crystal Group Intros 1U Rackmount Server
Crystal Group has introduced the CS200, a 1U rackmount server to its expanding line of space efficient products. The CS200 server allows up to 42 individual units to be placed in a standard rack or cabinet. Each CS200 features a custom motherboard with options such as Intels Dual Pentium III processor, two ISA or two PCI expansion slots, programmable LCD, front and rear USB ports, and two Ethernet ports. Power supplies are 300 watt AC. Redundant cooling is supplied by two 25.4 CFM blowers to allow no more than a 10 C rise above ambient temperature. The CS200s customizable front faceplate can be removed to access the CD-ROM, floppy drive, hard drives, or CompactFlash. Every CS200 unit measures a compact 1.75 x 19 x 30. CS200 pricing starts at $2,295 per unit.
www.crystalpc.com
I-Bus/Phoenix Intros G0808 cPCI Enclosure
I-Bus/Phoenix has introduced the G0808 CompactPCI enclosure, an entry-level addition to the Gxx product line. Ideal for telecom, telephony, and Internet applications, the G0808 is highlighted by eight CompactPCI slots, blower cooling, three 5.25 drive bays, two 3.5 drive bays, and a host of AC/DC power supply options, all in an 8U package. The Maximum Cool Lite, hot-swap blower cooling solution employed in the G0808 makes it ideal for development systems and for applications where multiple units will be mounted in a single rack. Pricing begins at $1449 for basic configuration.
www.ibus.com
Spirents 10 GbE LAN 3710A Implements IEEE 802.3ae Task Force Draft
Spirent Communications is among the first to implement a draft of the proposed 802.3ae standard for 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE). The SmartBits LAN 3710A is a new performance analysis system that generates and analyzes traffic that implements the 10GBASE-ER (1550nm) option of the current draft of 10GbE. Appropriate updates to the product that track the progress to the formally approved standard are anticipated. Designed to accelerate deployment of 10GbE technology into the market, the SmartBits LAN 3710A will enable Network Equipment Manufacturers (NEMs), service providers, and enterprises to understand the performance of 10GbE in local, metropolitan, and wide area networks. The LAN 3710A will be supported seamlessly with all other SmartBits hardware and software products which allow large scale testing of new 10GbE devices that route or switch between 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet, OC3-OC192 PoS, ATM, and WAN (up to DS-3 speeds) in a single system.
www.spirentcom.com
ADLINK Intros cPCIS-3120/3140 Series
ADLINK Technology introduced the cPCIS-3120/3140 Series, a fault-resilient line of cPCI systems in an 8U compartmentalized 19 rackmount chassis with rear entry access to backplane I/O. Separated in three compartments, the cPCIS-3120/3140 Series deploys an SBC, seven peripheral cPCI boards, two front access removable fans, and hard disk drives (CD-ROM and floppy). Systems are user-friendly in meeting design requirements, whether deploying high computer intense applications or failsafe needs for high bandwidth apps. The cPCIS-3120/3140 Series can be configured with RAID drives for deploying as servers or segmented systems, MO, CD-R, or DAT. Using the power supply redundancy feature with its front access design, the system ensures continuous operations during repair times and protection from overload, over voltage, or short circuits.
www.adlinktechnology.com
RadiSys Supplies Media Processing Building Block For UTStarcom
RadiSys announced that UTStarcom, a provider of wireless and wireline telecommunications equipment, has selected its CompactPCI-based DSP building block to be utilized in UTStarcoms IP-based WACOS platform. Under the agreement, RadiSys is providing its SPIRIT-6040E media processing platform with all the necessary telephony and voice algorithms to be utilized in UTStarcoms WACOS systems. WACOS is a flexible, cost-effective and highly scalable softswitch architecture that provides multiple telephony services on an IP-based packet-switching infrastructure for use in wireless and wireline networks. WACOS technology provides an integrated system that combines switching, access, and operations support, thus enabling telecom operators to minimize the total cost of ownership for deployment and maintenance. WACOS provides an SS7 network interface and facilitates the eventual migration of voice and data transmission from conventional TDM networks to IP-based 3G wireless broadband networks.
www.utstarcom.com, www.radisys.com
Agilents Announces GPRS For acceSS7 IP
Agilent Technologies announced that its SS7 network monitoring system now supports the GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) standard. Agilent acceSS7 IP Troubleshooting now helps GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) service providers offer their customers high quality, reliable GPRS services, such as WAP-enabled services. GPRS is a key step in the evolution to 3G wireless communications, and the acceSS7 IP Troubleshooting solution will help GSM service providers maintain efficient and reliable GPRS networks that quickly deliver high-quality Internet-based, revenue-generating services.
www.agilent.com
Spirent Intros Network Performance Analysis For SANs
Spirent Communications SmartBits Division has introduced a multiple-port Storage Area Network (SAN) performance analysis solution. The companys new 1 and 2 Gbps SmartMetrics Fibre Channel Modules allow SAN equipment manufacturers, storage system vendors, Storage Service Providers (SSPs), IT managers, and test labs to categorize the performance, reliability, and quality of Fibre Channel-based SAN switches and fabrics. Used in the SmartBits 600 and 6000B chassis, these Fibre Channel modules simplify the testing process by emulating hundreds of attached devices such as servers and storage systems, to deliver higher quality testing while eliminating the need for large, complex test environments. With the wire-rate traffic generation capabilities of the modules, users can evaluate the key performance characteristics of Fibre Channel-based SAN switches, optical service nodes, and emerging IP-based SAN gateways under typical or extreme traffic load conditions.
www.spirentcom.com
Ubiquity Testing Deal With BT
Ubiquity Software Corporation, a developer of end-to-end SIP service solutions, announced that BTexaCT will commence an extended evaluation of next-gen Internet services with Ubiquity Software Corporation. The announcement follows an initial proving exercise. BTexaCT is BTs advanced communications technology division. The organization develops advanced communication technologies for companies across the BT Group, helping them deliver new products and services to customers and to build the advanced infrastructure of the future. The first six months of the trial phase will see BTexaCT and Ubiquitys engineering teams conducting interoperability testing and the demonstration of advanced SIP services based on Ubiquitys Helmsman suite of end-to-end SIP products.
www.ubiquity.net
Blue Wave Launches High Density Programmable Packet Processing Engine
Blue Wave Systems has extended its family of ComStruct communications processing building blocks with the launch of a powerful new packet processing hardware platform. The ComStruct CPCI/C5441 provides OEMs with up to 672 channels
-- each of which can provide compressed voice or fax relay over IP or ATM
-- in a single CompactPCI slot. The new ComStruct CPCI/C5441 is designed to provide telecom equipment manufacturers with a high-density platform for applications such as softswitches and enhanced IP-enabled service platforms for both wireline and third generation wireless networks. It uses the programmable TMS320VC5441 DSP platform from Texas Instruments and Telogy Software. The ATM interface makes the ComStruct CPCI/C5441 an ideal building block for developing and deploying Voice over ATM solutions such as the emerging VoDSL application in the local loop.
www.bluews.com
Ariel HD cPCI 56K/ISDN Network Access Solution
Ariel Corporation announced a high density 56K/ISDN network access solution for CompactPCI systems. Dubbed the RS4200C, the card set combines eight T1/PRI or E1/PRI interfaces with up to 168 ports of modem, ISDN, GSM, and PHS access. The RS4200C is ideal for technical OEMs and integrators who are building carrier-class network access systems for ISPs, CLECs, and other service providers, said Ned Viands, product manager for technical OEM products at Ariel Corporation. In addition to providing the industrys highest density, the RS4200C is hot-swappable, provides easy access to rear-panel I/O, and features an industry standard H.110 interface, all of which are essential for building scalable, high-density, high-availability, telco-grade network access systems.
www.ariel.com
Primal Launches Network Monitoring Tool
Primal Technologies of Toronto has launched its latest software operations tool, called Primal Skylight, that allows telecom services providers to monitor real-time status and revenues on the Primal Service Node (PSN). Primal Skylight connects to the PSN via a VPN and provides real-time data on usage, customer balance, revenue generation, and system status on a continuous, hourly, or daily basis. Primal Skylight allows network operations centers to observe the system easily and effectively. It also permits marketing and sales departments to see the revenue that has been collected in the last hour, day, or week. The PSN offers enhanced AIN applications, including prepaid, one number, voice mail, and VoIP trunk gateway. All applications interoperate with numerous protocols, including: ISUP, PRI, IS41, SMS, T1, TCP/IP, and VoIP.
www.primaltech.com
Advantech PCA-6180 Now Available
Advantech Technologies announced the newest addition to its line of high-performance SBCs, the PCA-6180. The PCA-6180 uses the Intel 815E chipset and a Socket 370 Pentium III processor in the flip-chip (FCPGA) package. With 100/133 MHz system bus support, the PCA-6180 provides dependable and stable performance for a variety of Internet and telephony applications. Other features include Ultra ATA 100 Mbps chipset-integrated AGP/VGA and Ethernet.
www.advantech.com
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