News and New Products

4-Gbps FibreChannel test module generates traffic, performs protocol analysis

By Dan Strassberg -- EDN, 1/6/2005

Agilent Technologies’ $20,000 1735A test module for 1-, 2-, and 4-Gbps FibreChannel optical networks not only performs real-time protocol analysis, but also generates traffic to stimulate the network under test. In combination with support for the new 4-Gbps data rate, the unit’s dual-function capability reduces the number of modules and module types that developers of equipment for high-speed storage networks must stock (Picture). The module also features a multilevel triggering sequencer, which enables users to quickly and easily define the events they wish to capture during component and subsystem testing. The unit, which contains two independent, full-duplex, time-correlated analysis subsystems, can operate as an active or a passive tester. It is compatible with the manufacturer’s 1730 series SAN (storage-area-network) test modules and plugs into the scalable, multprotocol N2X chassis, of which the portable, two-slot version costs $4151 and the stackable, four-slot version costs $5219.

Agilent Technologies, 1-800-829-4444, www.agilent.com.