Ixia has upgraded its IxLoad test system to run as a virtualised system, which it claims will help mobile operators to adopt network function virtualisation (NFV) more efficiently.
The wireless testing services provider said the latest system would enable operators to test the behaviour of virtualised network functions across the life-cycle of a particular service.
Joe Zeto, senior director of product marketing at Ixia, said: "Virtualisation won’t happen with the flip of a switch, it’s a major challenge for operators. Blended networks, consisting of both physical and virtual components, will exist for some time to come.
"In displacing vital network functions — putting user satisfaction at risk — the practical steps and impact must be fully understood each step of the way. A mix of physical and virtual assessment capabilities are required and a key ingredient to fully validate success."
Ixia added that the system’s Phantom virtualized monitoring Taps (vTaps) would help address performance and security issues when moving from physical devices to a virtualised, software-controlled network.
The company also released an ebook called Demystifying NFV: A Definitive Guide to Successful Migrations, which features use cases and strategies to help operators migrate to NFV.
In June, Ixia introduced a 400GbE Ethernet test platform to help network engineers build networks that can handle the growing demand for bandwidth.
