Keysight, Credo pair on PAM-4-to-NRZ signal conversion for data center network testing

摘要

Keysight Technologies, Inc. and Credo have partnered to create a means to enable data center operators to leverage PAM4-based 400 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) capable test ports on the Ixia AresONE test system to link with and test 100GbE network equipment using NRZ via Credo's HiWire Active Electrical Cable (AEC) technology. The technology pairing enables the necessary speed-shifting of the signaling rates and forward error correction (FEC) conversion. The companies note that the introduction of PAM4-based 400GbE technology into data center networks will likely create a hybrid environment where technicians must evaluate signal transmission based on both PAM4 and NRZ. The collaboration between the two companies enables the use of the Ixia AresONE to provide test capabilities for both signaling formats. Users can test four ports of 100GbE NRZ from a single port of 400GbE QSFP-DD PAM4 in a 4×100GbE speed mode.