The rapid proliferation of advanced cloud-based applications in enterprise data center networks is driving the need for faster connectivity speeds than 10 Gbps, which has been the dominant rate for the past few years. Since 802.3b was ratified and approved by the IEEE as a standard in 2016, more organizations are adopting 25 Gb Ethernet instead of 40 Gbps as their preferred server-to-top-of-rack interconnect speed, as it is a newer technology with a smaller footprint and provides a clear upgrade path to 50 Gbps, 200 Gbps, and beyond. In addition to data centers, 25 Gb Ethernet is also emerging as the preferred connection technology for fronthaul and midhaul applications being deployed on 5 Gbps mobile networks, replacing legacy technologies such as CPRI.
"As our customers have increased the speed of their networks and products, they are demanding that we increase their testing capabilities with a higher-speed version of the much-loved MGA2510," says Suds Rajagopal, co-founder and vice president of Aukua.
Like the MGA2510, the new XGA4250 can be used as a traffic generator and analyzer, for online packet capture, or as a network degradation emulator. "This flexibility is essential for our customers to develop and deploy revolutionary new technologies such as Open RAN used in 5G wireless, automotive Ethernet, and other new high-speed interconnects," Rajagopal added.
Beta versions of the XGA4250 began shipping to select customers earlier this quarter, and the product is generally available starting this week.
