LeCroy offers test and validation platform supporting 10 Gbps and 40 Gbps Ethernet protocol analysis

SANTA CLARA, USA: LeCroy Corp. announced the SierraNet M408 protocol test system; an advanced and cost effective test and validation platform supporting 10 Gbps and 40 Gbps Ethernet protocol analysis, including Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) and iSCSI applications.

Based on LeCroy's newest and most advanced analysis platform, SierraNet analyzes bus traffic while identifying protocol violations, error recovery, performance, and other link conditions for the user. SierraNet will be the first hardware-based Ethernet protocol analyzer for R&D applications with integrated 40G ports and will support testing both 10G and 40G Ethernet.

Virtualization, cloud computing, and network convergence within data centers are among the market drivers requiring higher speed networks. 10GbE is widely deployed but still under development and enhancement throughout the industry. 40GbE in the data center is currently under development throughout the industry, and represents an optimal option for addressing higher bandwidth requirements.

SierraNet allows designers to speed development and test of Ethernet designs to ensure the proper functionality, performance and interoperability of today's Ethernet technology. It also provides a future-proof system for those currently developing 10GE products and planning 40GE product development in the future, as the same system can be extended to address the next generation 40G Ethernet standard by using different transceivers. Customers can purchase the system with 10GE, 40GE support, or both.

The SierraNet system features several new innovations to provide the best user experience on the market. The hardware is equipped with eight SFP+ ports for 10GE and two QSFP ports for 40GE support in a 1U form-factor. The system is designed for line-speed capturing and has twice the maximum capture buffers of other analyzers in the market. Each port provides non-retimed, full duplex pass-through channels, ensuring the test platform is transparent as possible.

Each platform also includes one 1GE connection to control the analyzer while on a LAN or corporate network, and a USB 3.0 port for easy 5 Gbps plug and play control. Each system provides the user with an easy to understand control panel and LED indicators showing the status of SierraNet and each connected link. Additionally, the ability to trigger on back-to-back events, use counters, and multi-state triggering and filtering, help Ethernet protocol test engineers capture, find, and diagnose problems faster than competing solutions.

SierraNet employs LeCroy's latest software architecture, providing an optimized, yet familiar user interface. The upgraded software for the SierraNet system includes a simplified setup and trace viewing software suite, the most advanced searching and filtering capabilities, an automated conversion to Wireshark trace format, and several other user-focused advantages.

The LeCroy SierraNet M408 will be demonstrated at the OFC/NFOEC Exhibition, March 6-8, Los Angeles, CA, Booth 2625. It will be available for shipment in the spring of 2012.