When different testing scenarios are required, it takes time to re-create the correct test environment and this can be a lengthy process, consuming scarce resources.
The challenges in a networked testing environment are many-fold with time restraints being one critical factor and having to share costly test resources being another. But other challenges are always apparent and need to be addressed, such as;
- Implementing test lab automation without automating the cable re-wiring presents its own challenges
- Manual cabling takes time and disrupts test time
- Manual co-ordination of rewiring, leads to poor resource sharing
- Remote access to labs and test facilities may rely on local personnel
- Reproducing test topologies takes time & resources
- Simulation scenarios can be very challenging
- Engineers time or assistance is not always available
- Access to labs may be secure and very limited
To facilitate the automated test environment we are promoting a high capacity, high bandwidth and low latency Layer 1 switch that utilises plug in blades and transceivers, with integrated management and remote access.
There is a 4RU chassis which has 2 useable slots and a 12RU chassis that has 8 useable slots and then several options for plug in cards.
Using a 64 SFP port blade, the 4RU chassis scales up to 128ports of SFP/SFP+ and/or SFP28 ports supporting bit rates up to 28Gbps. Using the 32 QSFP port blade, the 4RU chassis scales to either 64 ports of native QSFP/QSFP+ and or QSFP28 ports supporting up to 128GBps or, implementing industry standard breakout cables, you can scale the 4RU chassis up to 256 SFP client interface ports supporting up to 28GBps.
With the 12RU chassis having 4 times the amount of capacity, along with the choice of cards, it can provide the highest scalability of 1,024 ports @ 28Gb, 256 ports @ 128Gb, supporting Single-Mode, Multi-Mode & copper, providing flexible port mapping using unicast, line rate multicast, with 50nS latency and 0dB insertion loss.
The answer to the networked testing challenges, is Automation with Flexibility ensuring that the test environment be automated from the unit level all the way up to the overall system level, yet still providing full access with local and remote control.
Automating the test lab can help shorten the QA test cycle, reduce the lab’s CAPEX and OPEX requirements and increase test coverage and product quality.
