Ixia Introduces Modular Parallel and Serial 40 Gigabit Bit Error Rate Testing Solution; New Load Module Offers the Most Comprehensive and Compact Multi-Port 40 Gigabit BER Tester.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

CALABASAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 19, 2002

Ixia (Nasdaq:XXIA), a leading provider of high-speed, multiport network performance analysis and network monitoring systems, introduced today the industry's most compact and comprehensive 40 Gigabit Bit Error Rate Testing (BERT) solution. This new Ixia Load Module is targeted to meet the needs of component suppliers and system vendors for the emerging OC-768 market. The Ixia 40 Gigabit BERT Load Module offers an innovative modular design enabling testing of 40 Gigabit parallel and serial devices, and can be operated from within Ixia's existing 400T portable chassis or 1600T tabletop/rack-mount chassis.

"Ixia has developed a 40 gigabit BERT solution that will enable 40 gigabit component and system vendors to not only validate the performance of their devices, but also speed their time to market through advanced testing methodologies," said Josh Goldstein, director of product management for Ixia. "Ixia's 40 Gigabit BERT Load Module is the first to offer an SFI-5 compliant, 17-channel parallel interface, as well as a high-quality 40 Gbps serial interface. These interfaces share a base load module architecture and are enabled through hot-swappable modules, making the Ixia 40 Gigabit BERT the most flexible, cost-effective and feature-rich test solution available."

Manufacturers of 40 gigabit components such as MUX/DEMUX circuits, FEC encoders, SERDES, TIAs, Laser Drivers and SFI-5 compliant devices such as optical transponders need a bit error rate tester that delivers a high-quality input signal to the device under test and can analyze the received signal for the bit error rate, jitter and condition of the eye-pattern. The ability to home in on problem areas found during transmission of specific portions of the PRBS pattern is critical to reducing design time and delivering a quality component. The Ixia 40 Gigabit BERT Load Module performs these important tests and automates much of the process through an easy-to-use graphical interface.

The Ixia BERT Load Module is offered with a choice of input/output modules. For testing SFI-5 or parallel interface devices, parallel input/output modules are available that simultaneously transmit and analyze 16 data channels at 2.5 Gbps and one SFI-5 de-skew channel. For devices with serial interfaces, serial input/output modules are available, with optional programmable frequency and amplitude and extended dynamic range options for those who require even more sophisticated testing capabilities.

About Ixia

Ixia (Nasdaq:XXIA) delivers powerful, distributed, multiport traffic generators and performance/conformance analyzers for wire-speed verification of optical networking equipment, LAN, MAN, WAN and SAN multi-layer switches and routers, and sophisticated routing protocols. Its products utilize a variety of interfaces -- Packet Over SONET, BERT, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet and USB. Ixia's network operations applications address the industry's growing requirements for a higher level of control over network optimization, traffic engineering, traffic profiling and security. Ixia's analysis solutions are distinguished by their accuracy, reliability, high port density, support for emerging protocol standards, conformance adherence and adaptability to the industry's constant evolution.

For more information, contact Ixia at 26601 W. Agoura Road, Calabasas, CA 91302; [phone]; fax: [phone]; Email: [e-mail]; or visit our Web site at http://www.ixiacom.com.