Xena Introduces One-Way Latency (OWL) Measurements to Award-winning Gigabit Ethernet Testing Solution
Xena Networks adds high accuracy one-way latency measurements in Xena’s full range of L2-3 Gigabit Ethernet traffic generator and analysis solutions.
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK, April 20, 2016 — Xena Networks announced today the addition of an integrated one-way latency (OWL) measurement and GPS / PTP / NTP solution to its comprehensive range of L2-3 Gigabit Ethernet test & measurement offerings.
The new OWL feature uses TimeKeeper from FSMLabs, a specialist in time synchronization solutions, to enable Xena customers to test one-way latency between 2 chassis or test ports over a WAN, using any available reference clock with low 100's of nanoseconds accuracy.
“Xena’s new one-way latency measurement gives test engineers a simple, low-cost way of measuring latency between two geographically-separated test sets, synchronized via GPS, PTP or NTP over a WAN — with exceptional precision,” says CEO of Xena Networks, Jacob Nielsen.
Compatible with Xena1564 (ITU-T Y.1564) test methodology, the new testing capability lets network engineers perform simultaneous one-way measurements of all key performance indicators (KPI) included in service-level agreements (SLA) so as to troubleshoot Ethernet networks faster and more accurately than ever.
Latency Critical for Time-sensitive Applications
Ethernet frames are not transmitted instantaneously in a network – they can be delayed many times by e.g. cabling and processing time in networking devices. The latency between two endpoints has serious implications for time-sensitive applications, such as VoIP, video and storage area networks. This makes it critical for service providers to properly measure and document network latency for their customers. Xena Networks’ new feature helps them do that as now their test modules can accurately measure with sub-microsecond precision time latency with low 100's of nanoseconds accuracy.
Both the ubiquitous Network Time Protocol (NTP) and the newer IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) are supported and can be mixed as appropriate for the network.
“Network operators worldwide are increasingly deploying real-time applications that are delay-sensitive, creating the need for more stringent SLAs. In turn, this makes measurements such as one-way latency much more important in ensuring that KPIs are met,” said Jacob Nielsen, Xena Network’s CEO. “Xena’s one-way latency measurement is a simple, effective feature that further extends the value of Xena’s Gigabit Ethernet test solutions for validating IP/Ethernet network performance and service quality.”
AVAILABILITY
The new one-way latency test feature is available for both Xena’s Layer 2-3 chassis – the XenaCompact and XenaBay series. For GPS-based synchronization, the GPS receivers are integrated in the chassis using SMA connectors for the antenna input. Legacy Xena testers will also be able to perform time synchronization without GPS via a software upgrade.
