Ixia Tests WLAN Networks

CALABASAS, Calif. -- Ixia (Nasdaq:XXIA - News), a leading, global provider of IP performance test systems, announced today the release of its IxWLAN(TM) SED station emulator platform for testing Wi-Fi® devices and networks. The IxWLAN SED tests 802.11a, b, and g networks and devices by simulating multiple, concurrent virtual stations (vSTAs). Roaming and multiple SSID testing is available, making it possible to test the most advanced Wi-Fi networks. The new hardware platform enhances IxWLAN's capabilities in lab and data center environments, reducing development and testing time for device manufacturers and enterprises.

The IxWLAN SED uses separate ports for management and traffic generation, avoiding traffic conflicts that can reduce the accuracy of Wi-Fi tests, and also allows test engineers to execute tests remotely. The new platform sets the stage for a range of future product functionality. For example, expansion room is available for additional radios, allowing for more sophisticated roaming tests, as well as increased processor power and memory, making it possible to increase the number of concurrent vSTAs that can be tested. The IxWLAN SED is upwardly compatible with new features, protecting customers' investment in a rapidly changing marketplace. IxWLAN SED is fully compatible with previous versions of IxWLAN, and runs IxWLAN 6.00 or later firmware that was released in March '06. This makes it easy for customers to upgrade without rewriting their test plans. Ixia is also offering upgrade options for existing customers, allowing them to smoothly upgrade their testing capabilities.

The IxWLAN SED supports a full range of protocols to comprehensively test the security infrastructure of an enterprise Wi-Fi network, including roaming tests that provide detailed metrics to measure roam delays and packet losses. Additionally, IxWLAN extends 802.11i security features into roaming, verifying the ability of an Access Point to expedite the connection when a user moves from one Access Point to another while maintaining security using cached keys, which is critical in ensuring that a network will not drop calls, and that it will not compromise the end users' privacy.

Combined with Ixia's family of testing hardware and software, IxWLAN allows enterprises to verify all stages of a Wi-Fi network deployment, from initial connection to the wired network through full testing of application capability and scalability, all while ensuring that the deployment adheres to critical security standards. IxWLAN can be used in conjunction with Ixia's IxChariot®, which enables emulated application traffic to be tested over the Wi-Fi network. IxWLAN also works seamlessly with other Ixia test applications, such as Aptixia(TM) IxLoad(TM) for Layer 4-7 content aware testing and IxVoice(TM) for VoIP/voice functional testing. Automated performance, scalability and functional analysis of system behavior can be assessed using Aptixia IxScriptMate(TM), which provides a rich suite of pre-built tests based on industry-standard RFCs and individual customer requirements.

Ixia (Nasdaq: XXIA)