March 26, 2025 - Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS), a leader in electronic design automation and test solutions, has announced the launch of its Interconnect Test System (ITS) and the Interconnect and Network Performance Tester 1600GE (INPT-1600GE). This innovative platform is designed to automate the validation of network interconnect performance, significantly enhancing the reliability of AI infrastructure and data center interconnects.

1. Revolutionizing Network Testing

For years, the process of validating network interconnect performance involved a cumbersome manual approach that required advanced programming skills, limited automation, and often resulted in inefficiencies and inaccuracies. As the complexity and scale of AI and data center interconnects continue to grow, traditional testing methods have become inadequate. The introduction of the ITS and INPT-1600GE aims to address these challenges by providing a cohesive solution that enhances productivity and accuracy.

Advanced Features of the INPT-1600GE

The INPT-1600GE hardware traffic emulator, paired with ITS software, represents a significant advancement in network performance testing. Here are some key features:

High-Speed Ethernet Validation: The INPT-1600GE supports a wide range of Ethernet devices and interconnects, validating performance at speeds ranging from 200GE to 1600GE. Its lightweight design and office-friendly operation make it suitable for various environments, whether as a portable benchtop unit or a rackmount chassis.

Innovative Data Management: The ITS software incorporates a US patent-pending Interconnect Library (IL), which revolutionizes how interconnect data is organized and utilized. This library enables users to efficiently manage test data, facilitating the creation and execution of new tests without the need for complex programming.

Enhanced Testing Efficiency: With a robust graphical user interface (GUI), the browser-based ITS software allows multiple users to run or schedule tests simultaneously. This multi-user capability dramatically increases test throughput, allowing for unattended testing and maximizing resource utilization.

Automated Reporting: The ITS software includes an automated report generation feature that compiles test results and performance data, streamlining the development and manufacturing processes for interconnects.

2. Industry Insights

Industry leaders have expressed enthusiasm about the potential impact of Keysight's new solutions:

Khushrow Machhi, Senior Director of Marketing at Broadcom, highlighted the critical role of signal integrity and error correction as the industry transitions to 1.6T networking. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between Broadcom and Keysight in developing solutions that meet the challenges posed by advanced networking technologies.

Andy Moorwood, Vice President of Hardware Engineering at Keysight, remarked on the ITS software's capability to reduce device failures and significantly speed up the characterization of interconnects. He noted that the shift from a manual testing process to one that leverages automation will greatly enhance productivity for engineers.

Ram Periakaruppan, Vice President and General Manager at Keysight, underscored the company's commitment to collaborating with global standards bodies and manufacturers. He stated that Keysight's hardware platforms and ITS software are essential tools for evaluating interconnect performance, ultimately enabling customers to deploy reliable and stable solutions in their networks.

3. Upcoming Showcase

Keysight is set to showcase the ITS software and the INPT-1600GE at the upcoming OFC Conference, taking place from April 1 to April 3 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, CA. Attendees are invited to visit booth #1301 to learn more about this cutting-edge technology.

4. Conclusion

The launch of the Interconnect Test System and the Interconnect and Network Performance Tester 1600GE marks a significant milestone in the field of network performance validation. By automating testing processes and enhancing data management, Keysight Technologies is poised to lead the way in supporting the next generation of high-speed Ethernet and AI data center interconnects. As the demand for reliable, high-speed networking solutions continues to rise, Keysight's innovative offerings will be instrumental in shaping the future of connectivity.

Original press release