Agilent Technologies Inc. and Solarflare Communications, a supplier of 10-Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) products, have demonstrated network elements and validation tools that enable 10GBASE-T operation over installed LAN cabling. These tools are being shown at the Interop 2007 in Las Vegas, Nev.

Article Tools

• 

The joint demonstration shows the validation of 10GBASE-T operation over a 6-around-1 bundled cabling configuration using the Agilent WireScope Pro and the SwiftAXT alien crosstalk stimulators. According to Agilent, these stimulators enable the validation of 10GBASE-T operation over installed cabling in accordance with the 10GBASE-T link segment specification and the recently published TIA/EIA TSB-155 guidelines. The stimulators provide innovative, efficient approaches to reducing the labor time associated with field test measurements that include alien crosstalk.

One of the main concerns about operating 10 GbE over existing copper installations is the impact of alien crosstalk on the effective transmission capacity. Alien crosstalk from tightly bound LAN cables can increase the number of packet retransmissions on a disturbed channel longer than 37 meters and can eventually lead to reduced transmission bandwidth.

Agilent's N2648A alien crosstalk test solution, an optional extension kit to the N2640A WireScope Pro, enables field testing of 10GBASE-T conformance and allows cabling installers to correct initially non-conforming and marginal links. Benefits of this innovative measurement approach include:

* Labor times associated with the field test reduced from hours to minutes.

* Test results available directly on the instrument, allowing a user to take immediate action in case of a marginal installation.

* Tracking and troubleshooting modes for fast failure location.

* Scalable overall validation time through the use of additional stimulator pairs.

* Easy set-up and operation with clear status indication and guided process steps.

"We are pleased that Solarflare has adopted our alien crosstalk test kit for the WireScope Pro," said Alois Hauk, vice president and general manager of Agilent's Photonic and Network Test Division. "Our solution removes a major barrier for 10GBASE-T upgrades of installed copper. It provides our customers with an incredibly fast test and troubleshooting solution that satisfies their need for cost-efficient, easy-to-operate measurement equipment."