New Full Duplex, Dual-Channel Hammer PacketSphere XG Is First to Enable Simultaneous, Cost-Effective Testing of Gigabit IP Storage Network Links.

BEDFORD, Mass. -- Empirix, a leading supplier of IP storage network testing systems, today introduced its new, full-duplex, dual channel Hammer PacketSphere(TM) XG network emulator. The new system provides two full-duplex gigabit port pairs, enabling storage equipment manufacturers and enterprise storage network operators to simultaneously test main and redundant network paths, while significantly reducing per-port system costs and minimizing rack space required for the system.

By doubling the PacketSphere's capacity in the new XG system, Empirix provides users with increased testing flexibility to ensure that their IP storage solutions function properly with both their primary and redundant storage network links. Users can conduct simultaneous or independent testing on each port pair, using common or different sets of emulated network impairments, at full wire speed. Tests on each set of ports can also be stopped and started independently, and the product's architecture enables each port pair in a lab environment to run up to eight unique impairment sets. The PacketSphere now also supports auto-negotiation when connecting to the systems under test, providing a faster and more convenient test set-up.

"The new Hammer PacketSphere XG delivers exactly what customers have been asking for: dual-channel capability at lower prices, without requirements for more lab rack space, "said Steven Gladstone, VP and general manager at Empirix. "Customers building IP storage networking solutions and operating IP storage networks need to know that their complete systems will function properly under real-world network conditions. This product provides the industry's most cost-effective solution for emulation of all key next-gen IP network impairments with full wire-rate performance."

The Hammer PacketSphere platform is used by leading storage network equipment manufacturers and enterprises to emulate "real-world" IP storage networks and apply true IP network impairments, including latency, jitter, dropped packets, duplicate packets, re-ordering, reroute/congestion conditions, packet corruption, and bandwidth restrictions, in order to assess and predict storage network performance. The system can be used to test the performance and reliability of remote backup/restore and mirroring, disaster recovery, data migration, and virtualization solutions, and supports jumbo packets and other storage-related implementations for iSCSI, iFCP and FCIP transmission.

The platform operates at full gigabit wire rates (2.8 million packets per second), regardless of packet size or impairments selected, providing complete real-time analysis, with detailed impairment and performance metrics. The product's unique architecture produces consistent, repeatable tests that yield deterministic results. A user-friendly GUI supports quick test set-up and minimizes the learning curve required for new users, while unattended test automation is available through use of Tcl or PERL scripts.

The new Hammer PacketSphere XG will also be available in a full duplex single port pair version that can be upgraded later to two port pairs. For detailed product information, availability and pricing information, please call 1-800-426-6374 (Outside the U.S., [phone]) or visit www.empirix.com.

About Empirix

Empirix delivers a comprehensive range of testing and monitoring solutions that assure the performance of next-generation networks, contact centers, and Web-based applications. Empirix provides products, services, and support to thousands of customers worldwide, including Global 2000 enterprises, network equipment manufacturers, and service providers. Headquartered in Bedford, Massachusetts, Empirix is a privately held company, with offices throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.empirix.com.

Empirix, Hammer and Hammer PacketSphere are trademarks or registered trademarks of Empirix Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other names are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.