Spirent Communications has announced the world’s first 2.5G and 5G BASE-T Ethernet test solution. The Spirent DX2 2.5G and 5G BASE-T Ethernet test solution is a high-density 16-port test module supporting line rate layer 2-3 test traffic and analysis for 100M / 1GbE / 2.5GbE / 5GbE / 10GbE interfaces. Building on Spirent’s market leadership in Ethernet testing solutions, this series of modules has single-slot blades compatible with Spirent N11U and N4U modular chassis and its other Ethernet and Wi-Fi products.

“As the industry begins the shipment of 802.11ac Wave 2 access points, enterprise customers will now be ready to take advantage of the increase in wireless bandwidth and the ability to run several wireless streams simultaneously on the same access point. This will offer tremendous value to customers,” said Peter Jones, Chairman of the NBASE-T Alliance.

“A 1Gbps wired Ethernet link between access points and switches is no longer adequate. The new access points require higher speeds like 2.5/5G over existing Cat5e and Cat6 copper cable infrastructures in order to address bandwidth constraints in enterprise, campus, and data center networks. With Spirent’s new multi-speed 100M/1G/2.5G/5G/10G Ethernet test module, testing for today andtomorrow’s enterprise access speeds has never been easier,” said Abhitesh Kastuar, general manager of Spirent Communications.

Available immediately, the Spirent DX2 BASE-T series modules enable enterprise and service providers to quickly and efficiently deploy scalable high-capacity solutions. Supporting 32 multi-speed ports in a compact N4U or 192 ports in an N11U chassis, these high-density platforms deliver substantial savings in power, cost, and space. These modules provide comprehensive investment protection including several multi-speed configurations to address different testing needs and requirements.

Spirent is a member of the NBASE-T Alliance, an organization with a mission to build consensus around a standard for 2.5G and 5G BASE-T Ethernet. Working with key stakeholders, the consortium releases specifications that define 2.5 and 5 Gbps speeds at up to 100 meters using the large installed base of copper cabling in enterprise networks.

Because of the ongoing efforts from the NBASE-T Alliance, and accelerated by the industry’s work on 2.5G and 5G at IEEE 802.3 study group, the basic building blocks are now in place. The Spirent DX2 2.5G and 5G BASE-T Ethernet test solution offers a high-density, cost-effective, and highly scalable test solution package for our customers.