Ixia Simplifies Power over Ethernet Testing for Wireless Networking Equipment Manufacturers

Business Wire, Sept 2, 2004

CALABASAS, Calif. -- Ixia's Power over Ethernet Module Enables Real-World, Lab-Based Emulation of Complex Characteristics Required for Ensuring Conformance to 802.3af Standards

Ixia (Nasdaq:XXIA), a leading, global provider of IP network testing solutions, today announced the shipment of its Power over Ethernet testing solution to vendors manufacturing PSE's (Power Sourcing Equipment). One such vendor is Aruba Wireless Networks, which manufactures wireless LAN (WLAN) switches. PoE-enabled WLAN switches provide power to Wireless Access Points (WAPs) over Ethernet cabling, eliminating the need to route power cables to WAPs in remote locations and thereby significantly reducing the cost of installing wireless networks.

"We chose Ixia's Power over Ethernet test solution to evaluate the power sourcing of our entire line of Wi-Fi switches, which require accurate measurements to ensure they continue to interoperate with all third-party access points," said Jon Green, director of product management for Aruba Wireless Networks. "Prior to the availability of the Ixia solution, our testing for 802.3af compliance was done manually by networking actual access solutions to the switch. Now, because the Ixia solution emulates a powered device, we can recreate test scenarios with high scalability and extreme flexibility, and accurately verify that our products are meeting the 802.3af standards for interoperability."

Ixia developed the PoE solution to be fully compatible with its existing IXIA 1600T, IXIA 400T and IXIA 250 chassis platforms, as well as with its industry-leading line of copper-based Ethernet interface modules, providing an integrated solution for testing of both power and traffic generation. Because of this integration, customers are now able to construct real-world, lab-based solutions that seamlessly emulate the complex characteristics required of powered devices without interfering with data traffic and associated throughput testing.

The PoE load module emulates up to four independent PD's and can participate in the detection and classification process as defined in the IEEE 802.3af standard. Each port can simulate a range of valid or invalid Detection Signatures, Classification Signatures, or AC Maintain Power Signatures with up to 20 Watts of power dissipated per PoE port.

To learn more about Power over Ethernet testing, visit our website at: http://www.ixiacom.com/poe.> Product Now Available: PLM1000T4-PD

About Ixia

Ixia is a leading, global provider of high performance IP network testing solutions. Its highly scalable solutions generate, capture, characterize, and emulate network and application traffic, establishing definitive performance and conformance metrics of network devices or systems under test. Ixia's testing solutions are used by Network and Telephony Equipment Manufacturers, Semiconductor Manufacturers, Service Providers, and large Enterprises to validate the functionality and reliability of complex IP networks, devices, and applications. Ixia's patented Real World Traffic Suite addresses the growing need to test applications and networks prior to deployment under realistic load conditions. Ixia's analysis solutions utilize a wide range of industry-standard interfaces and are distinguished by their performance, accuracy, reliability, and adaptability to the industry's constant evolution.

For more information, contact Ixia at 26601 W. Agoura Road, Calabasas, CA 91302; 818-871-1800, Fax: 818-871-1805; Email: info@ixiacom.com or visit our Web Site at http://www.ixiacom.com.

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