PacketExpert™ 100G - Comprehensive Ethernet/IP Testing Solution
Test High Speed Ethernet networks up to 100 Gbps for performance and reliability.
Sample Test Reports
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Overview
The PacketExpert™ 100G (PXX100) is a cutting-edge hardware platform designed for extensive testing of wire-speed Ethernet and IP networks, supporting speeds of up to 100 Gbps. The PacketExpert™ 100G is a high performance appliance with specialized network interface cards, GL’s proprietary PacketExpert™ software, large RAM and storage, with optimized processing, and cooling capability. Available in rack-mount and portable platforms. If higher test port density is desired, multiple SmartNIC cards can be installed. PacketExpert™ 100G has a web-based user interface.
Key Features
- Supports 1G, 10G, 25G, 40G, 50G, and 100G rates with IEEE 802.3-compliant Forward Error Correction (FEC), including Fire Code and RS-FEC (528, 514) and RS-FEC (544, 514)
- Offers various applications as standard including BERT, Smart Loopback, RFC 2544, and Y.1564 testing
- Scales from 2 to 8 ports
- Offers multi-user and multi-chassis support through a single web-based user interface
- Collects comprehensive statistics, displays graphs, and generates reports in PDF and CSV formats
- Test automation and regression testing via Python and REST APIs
- Customizable packet formats and sizes, including Ethernet (Layer 2), up to 3 stacked VLANs (Q-in-Q), up to 3 stacked MPLS (Layer 2.5), IPv4/IPv6 (Layer 3), and UDP (Layer 4) with framesizes from 64 - 16000 bytes
- Detects Layer 1 alarms and errors
- Performs Bit Error Rate Testing (BERT) with PRBS patterns – 29-1, 211-1, 215-1, 220-1, 223-1, 229-1, and 231-1 along with user-defined patterns and Pass/Fail verdicts based on user-defined thresholds
- Supports the insertion of single or rate-based bit errors
- Offers Smart loopback support with the ability to respond to loop-up and loop-down commands
- Comprehensive RFC 2544 testing: Delivers detailed analysis and pass/fail verdicts for throughput, latency, back-to-back frames, and frame loss, all based on user-defined thresholds
- Performs Y.1564 testing: Facilitates up to 16 unique streams per port, offering granular statistics on throughput, latency, jitter, and frame loss with verdicts based on SLA parameters
- Multi Stream Traffic Generator and Analyzer (MTGA) :
Supports up to 16 streams with distinct test configurations, measuring key performance indicators like throughput, frame loss ratio, latency, and jitter simultaneously. It accommodates up to 5 frame sizes per stream and supports stacked VLANs (C-Tag and S-Tag) to simulate Carrier Ethernet traffic
PacketExpert™ 100G Applications
Product Videos
PacketExpert™ 100G - Bit Error Rate Testing
PacketExpert™ 100G - RFC2544 Testing
PacketExpert™ 100G - Loopback Testing
Multiple Users with Multiple Servers and Devices
The PacketExpert™ 100G Web interface offers users the convenience of accessing multiple servers that are located in different areas within the same LAN. This allows for seamless connectivity and management of multiple PacketExpert™ 100G devices from a single server, enhancing efficiency and control.
100 Gbps Wirespeed Ethernet / IP Testing
- Simultaneously generates and receives Ethernet traffic at 100% wire-speed (bidirectional 100 Gbps rate) on both ports
- User-configurable frame size and rate, MAC, MPLS, VLAN, IP, and UDP
- Supports Forward Error Correction (FEC) available where required to improve communication reliability
- Supports Fire Code FEC, RS-FEC (528, 514) and RS-FEC (544, 514) FECs to work with a variety of interfaces
- Wire speed BERT, Smart Loopback and RFC 2544 applications
- Support for frame lengths from 64 bytes to Jumbo frames (up to 16000 bytes)
- Test at Ethernet (Layer 2), VLAN / Stacked MPLS (Layer 2.5), IP (Layer 3 including IPv4 and Ipv6) and UDP (Layer 4)
- Customize Ethernet, IP and UDP protocol headers
- Multi-device support for all the applications for high density testing, up to 4 devices per appliance, more possible
- Real-time results are displayed in both tabular and graphical representations
- Test result reports available in PDF and CSV file formats
- Detailed frame statistics presented in tabular format for all the ports
Wirespeed BERT Across All Layers - Ethernet, VLAN, MPLS, IP and UDP
- BERT is applicable for Ethernet (Layer2), up to 3 Stacked VLAN (Q-in-Q), up to 3 Stacked MPLS (Layer 2.5), IPv4/IPv6 (Layer3) and UDP (Layer4)
- Intentionally introduce single bit errors individually or at a desired rate
- User-defined header parameters for MAC, VLAN, MPLS, IPv4/IPv6 and UDP layers
- Multi-device support for wire-speed BERT and simultaneous BERT/Loopback applications to increase the number of parallel BERT tests
- Real-time graphical representation of the combined Throughput and Bit Error rate can be plotted over time for BERT testing
RFC 2544 Network Testing
- RFC 2544 can be tested on Ethernet, VLAN, MPLS, IPv4 / IPv6 and UDP layers
- Supports Throughput, Latency, Frame Loss, and Back-to-Back performance tests
- Uni-directional and bi-directional RFC 2544 testing supported
- User-defined configuration parameters such as frame size, trial duration, number of trials, etc.
- User selectable single or dual ports RFC 2544 testing
- Multi-device support for multiple parallel RFC 2544 tests
- Graphs and Statistics for all the RFC 2544 tests
High Speed Ethernet Loopback
- Supports smart loopback (auto layer detection), swap source and destination addresses at MAC, IP, and UDP layers
- Multi-device support for all port loopback application to increase the number of simultaneous Loopback ports
PacketExpert™ 100G - SmartNIC Specifications (Per Card)
| Optics |
|
 |
| PCIe | PCIe Gen 3, 16 lanes | |
| RAM | 8 GBytes DDR4 SDRAM | |
| 1000Base-T Port | RJ45 for IEEE1588v2 | |
| Single-ended Coaxial I/O | SMA connector, 50 Ohms for External Clock Input/Output | |
| Temperature Range | 0 °C to 45 °C | |
| Operating Humidity | 20% to 80% | |
| Storage | -10 to 60 °C | |
| Oscillator Accuracy | +/- 4.6ppm |
PacketExpert™ 100G Rackmount Platforms
- Ideal for Lab environments that require centralized management of multiple servers and network devices
- Rackmount units offer flexibility for scaling up or down as needed by adding or removing individual units
PacketExpert™ 100G – 4U Rack PC
| Specifications - PacketExpert™ 100G – 4U Rack PC | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.9” H x 16.9” W x 17.5” D |
| Weight | 72 lbs. |
| Number of Supported Cards/Ports | Up to 7 Cards x (2x100G Ports), Maximum of 14 Ports |
| Power supply | 800W |
PacketExpert™ 100G – 2U Rack PC
| Specifications - PacketExpert™ 100G – 2U Rack PC | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3.5” H x 17.2” W x 17.7” D |
| Weight | 30 lbs. |
| Number of Supported Cards/Ports | Up to 2 Cards x (2x100G Ports), Maximum of 4 Ports |
| Power supply | 800W |
PacketExpert™ 100G – 1U Rack PC
| Specifications - PacketExpert™ 100G – 1U Rack PC | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1.7" H x 17.2" W x 9.8" D |
| Weight | 10 lbs. |
| Number of Supported Cards/Ports | 1 x Full-height 1 Card x (2x100G Ports), Maximum of 2 Ports |
| Power supply | 200W |
PacketExpert™ 100G Portable Platforms
- Ideal for field engineers, military personnel, or researchers who need a powerful and portable computing solution in remote or rugged locations
- Suitable for environments where traditional desktops or laptops may be too fragile or lack necessary durability
Ultra-Portable PacketExpert™ 100G (Lunchbox)
| Specifications - Ultra-Portable PacketExpert™ 100G (Lunchbox) | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12.4” H x 16.41” W x 4.39” D |
| Display | 17.3” 1920x1080 |
| Weight | 16.5 lbs. |
| Number of Supported Cards/Ports | Up to 2 Cards x (2x100G Ports), Maximum of 4 Ports |
| Power supply | 400W (optional 500W) |
Portable PacketExpert™ 100G (Lunchbox)
| Specifications - Portable PacketExpert™ 100G (Lunchbox) | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.62” H x 16.50” W x 7.25” D |
| Display | 17.3” 1920x1080 |
| Weight | ~23 lbs. (10.4kg) |
| Number of Supported Cards/Ports | Up to 3 Cards x (2x100G Ports), Maximum of 6 Ports |
| Power supply | 680W 100/240VAC |
PacketExpert™ 100G Portable Platform (Lunchbox)
| Specifications - PacketExpert™ 100G Portable Platform (Lunchbox) | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 17.06” x 13.67” x 9.02” (H x W x D) |
| Display | 17.3” 1920x1080 |
| Weight | ~30 lbs. |
| Number of Supported Cards/Ports | Up to 6 Cards x (2x100G Ports), Maximum of 12 Ports |
| Power supply | 1000W 100-240VAC |
Supported Applications
Bit Error Rate Testing (BERT)
PacketExpert™ 100G supports Wire speed BERT up to 100Gbps simultaneously over Framed Ethernet (Layer 2), Stacked VLAN (Q-in-Q), Stacked MPLS (Layer 2.5), IPv4/IPv6, and UDP. It can transmit and receive various bit patterns including industry standard PRBS patterns and user-defined patterns. The device can also intentionally introduce bit errors and frame check sequence errors. Wire speed BERT is supported on two 100 Gbps Optical ports.
- BERT test can be performed on various link speed such as 1G, 10G, 25G, 40G, 50G or 100G
- In this case, Source and Destination PacketExpert™ 100G applications are located in different IP networks
- These 2 networks are connected through a Router. Refer to the diagram, shows 2 LANs connected through a Router
PacketExpert™ 100G offers a real-time presentation of the combined Throughput and Error Events detected during Bit Error Rate Testing. These occurrences are depicted on a graphical chart as data points over the course of the test. The graph initiates at the beginning of the BER test and stops when the BERT test is terminated.
For more information please visit Bit Error Rate Testing (BERT) - 100G.
Loopback Testing
PacketExpert™ 100G supports Smart Loopback capability on two 100 Gbps Optical ports (Port 1 and Port 2). During Smart Loopback, PacketExpert™ 100G analyzes incoming traffic, automatically detects, and swaps Source and Destination Addresses and sends back the traffic on the same port. Smart Loopback handles stacked VLAN and stacked MPLS automatically.
All Port Loopback Testing
All Port Loopback Testing
Smart Loopback Testing
BERT and Loopback Testing
For testing across a network, the remote PacketExpert™ 100G can be left in Loopback mode. BERT is controlled by the local end PacketExpert™ 100G.
BERT and Loopback Testing
For more information please visit Smart Loopback Testing - 100G.
RFC 2544 Network Testing
PacketExpert™ 100G supports RFC 2544 tests on two 100 Gbps Optical ports (Port 1 and Port 2) on Layers 2, 2.5, and 3. RFC 2544 tests includes Ethernet Throughput, Latency, Frame Loss, and Back-to-Back performance tests in accordance with RFC 2544 specifications. The test is setup such that the traffic can be generated and transmitted on either of the ports and the looped back traffic from the DUT is received on the opposite port validating the test parameters.
- Throughput - Maximum number of frames per second that can be transmitted without any error
- Latency - Measures the time required for a frame to travel from the originating device through the network to the destination device
- Frame Loss - Measures the network’s response in overload conditions
- Back-to-Back - Measures the maximum number of frames received at full line rate before a frame is lost
Dual RFC 2544 Network Testing
Single RFC 2544 Network Testing
For more information please visit RFC 2544 Network Testing - 100G.
Use Cases
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Service Provider Excellence:
- Cutover and Troubleshooting: Seamlessly validate SLA compliance during critical transitions
- Mission Critical Circuits: Gain assurance that SLAs are consistently met, ensuring uninterrupted operations
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Equipment Manufacturer Testing:
- Development: Facilitate R&D troubleshooting, enhancing product quality and efficiency
- Regression: Conduct thorough, replicable tests over extended periods to ensure sustained performance
- Production: Verify equipment readiness for shipment, minimizing deployment-related issues
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Precision Delay Testing:
- Network Latency Assessment: Analyze packet traversal times with unparalleled accuracy, identifying bottlenecks
- Equipment Latency: Pinpoint delays within equipment, enabling timely optimizations
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Test Bed (Lab) Applications:
- Traffic Generators: Create realistic network scenarios for in-depth testing and analysis
Accessories
| Item | Accessories and Cables | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SA012 | Pelican Case Standard, necessary for Lunchbox platform only; for housing all accessories cables, connectors, adapters, and manuals |
SA020a | Adapter / Converter MM+SM, MTP to LC, 100G to 25G, 10G, 1G, Converter Module Standard, necessary for converting multi-fiber QSFP28 connector to dual fiber LC connector for 1, 10, 25G rates |
|
| SA020b | SM LC-to-LC FO Cable, optional Optional, for SM package, if requested by customer |
SA020c | MM LC-to-LC FO Cable Standard, for MM package |
|
| SA020d | MM MTP to MTP Cable (2), 5m Standard, for MM package, the multi-fiber connector on both ends with minimum of 8 fibers |
SA020e | SM MTP to MTP Cable (2), 5m Optional, for SM package, if requested by customer, multi-fiber connector on both ends with a minimum of 8 fibers |
|
| SA020i | RJ-45 Cable, 6 ft, CAT 6, optional Optional RJ45 Cable, if requested by the customer |
SA020x | LC to LC Loopback Plug (MM) Standard Loopback Plug, for MM package |
|
| SA020y | MTP to MTP Multi-Fiber Loopback Plug (MM) Standard Loopback Plug, for MM package |
SA020z | MTP to MTP Multi-Fiber Loopback Plug (SM), optional Optional Loopback Plug, for SM if requested by the customer |
|
SA020mm |
Multi-Mode Accessory Kit (for 2-port 100G tester) (Standard) Includes the following:
|
SA020sm |
Single-Mode Accessory Kit (for 2-port 100G tester) (Optional) Includes the following:
|
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| Item | Supported SFP Modules Single Mode (SM) SFPs |
|---|---|
| SA020f | 1G Electrical SFP, RJ-45, optional Optional SFP, if requested by the customer; Requires SA020i; |
| SA020g | 10G Electrical SFP, RJ-45, optional Optional SFP, if requested by the customer; Requires SA020i; |
| SA020h | 1/10G Multirate Electrical SFP, RJ-45, optional Optional SFP, if requested by the customer; Requires SA020i; |
| SA020j | 1G SM SFP, requires an adapter, optional Optional SFP, for SM package, if requested by the customer |
| SA020k | 10G SM SFP, requires an adapter, optional Optional SFP, for SM package, if requested by the customer |
| SA020l | 1/10G SM Multirate SFP, requires an adapter, optional Optional SFP, for SM package, if requested by the customer |
| SA020m | 25G SM SFP, requires an adapter, optional Optional SFP, for SM package, if requested by the customer |
| SA020n | 40G SM SFP, optional Optional SFP, for SM package, if requested by the customer |
| SA020o | 50G SM SFP, standard, MM (Not Available) Standard SFP, for SM package |
| SA020p | 100G SM SFP, optional Optional SFP, for SM package, if requested by the customer |
| Item | Supported SFP Modules Multi-Mode (MM) SFPs |
|---|---|
| SA020q | 1G MM SFP, requires an adapter Standard SFP, for MM package |
| SA020r | 10G MM SFP, requires an adapter Standard SFP, for MM package |
| SA020s | 1/10G MM Multirate SFP, requires an adapter, optional Optional SFP, for MM if requested by the customer |
| SA020t | 25G MM SFP, requires an adapter Standard SFP, for MM package |
| SA020u | 40G MM SFP Standard SFP, for MM package |
| SA020v | 50G MM SFP (Not/Available), SM provided instead Standard SFP, for MM package |
| SA020w | 100G MM SFP Standard, SFP, for MM package |
Resources
| Item | Product Description |
|---|---|
| PXX100 | PacketExpert™ 100G Platform (1, 10, 25G) |
| PXX101 | Basic Software (Required for PXX100) |
| PXX103 | Additional 2-port card with Basic Software |
| PXX105 | 40G, 50G, 100G Optional Software |
| PXX109 | Optional Software for Test Automation using Scripting with client-server APIs |
| PXX106 | PacketExpert™ 100G – One card / 2 Port Platform with MM Kit |
| PXX108 | PacketExpert™ 100G – One card / 2 Port Platform with SM Kit |
| PXX107 | PacketExpert™ 100G - Two Card / 4 Port Platform with MM Kit |
| PXX110 | PacketExpert™ 100G - Two Card / 4 Port Platform with SM Kit |
| PXX10X | PacketExpert™ 100G – 4 Card Platform / 8 Port Platform |
| Item | Related Hardware and Software |
| PXN100 | PacketExpert™ 10GX |
| PXN101 | 10G option for PXN100 |
| Presentation |
|---|
| PacketExpert™ 100G - Comprehensive Ethernet/IP Testing Solution |
| PacketExpert™ 100G - Multi Stream Traffic Generator Analyzer |
| PacketExpert™ 100G - ExpertSAM™ |
| Webinar |
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