The Ixia XGS2 Chassis Platform is a next-generation benchtop chassis designed for high-density, modular service capability, and efficient airflow, making it suitable for rack-mount applications. This platform supports application and security testing with Ixia's IxLoad™, IxNetwork™, and BreakingPoint™ software products.
Function Description:
The XGS2 Chassis Platform serves as a modular system controller for network testing and analysis. It is available in two models:
- XGS2-HS (High Performance Controller): This model supports IxLoad, IxNetwork, and BreakingPoint. It is designed to run Linux and Windows 7 operating systems concurrently, allowing for parallel execution of IxOS/IxServer and BreakingPoint environments on different load modules.
- XGS2-SD (Standard Performance Controller): This model supports IxLoad and IxNetwork but does not include BreakingPoint capabilities.
The XGS2 Processor Modules are field-replaceable units that manage and control load modules, user configurations, port settings, and statistics. They enable users to conduct various network tests, including application and security assessments.
Important Technical Specifications:
XGS2-HS Processor Module Features:
- Storage: Dual 400GB solid-state drive (SSD) hard disk.
- Processor: Dual INTEL multi-core processors.
- Memory: 64 GB DDR3 system memory.
- Video Output: Monitor HD-DB15 Super VGA.
- USB Ports: Dual USB Type A, 4-pin jack connectors.
- Management Interface: RJ45 management interface supporting 10GB/1GB/10MB Ethernet.
- Serial Interface: RJ45 RS232 serial interface.
- SFP+ Sockets: Quad SFP+ sockets (for future use).
Chassis Specifications:
- Form Factor: 3U Rack Mountable.
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 5.1" x 17.5" x 26.5" (12.95 x 44.45 x 67.31 cm).
- Weight: 55 lbs. (25 kg).
- Operating Temperature: 0° to 40° C.
- Operating Humidity: 10 to 85% (RH), non-condensing.
- Input Power:
- INPUT 1/ALIMENTATION 1: 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz, 8A (required for normal operation).
- INPUT 2/ALIMENTATION 2: 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz, 8A (required for normal operation).
- INPUT 3/ALIMENTATION 3: 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz, 8A (optional).
Regulatory Compliance:
- North America Safety: UL 60950-1, 2nd Edition; CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1, 2nd Edition.
- Europe Safety: EN60950-1, 2nd Edition.
- International Safety: CB Scheme: IEC 60950-1:2nd Edition.
- North America EMI/EMC: FCC part 15, Class A (USA); ICES-003 Issue 4, Class A (Canada).
- Europe EMI/EMC: EN 55022:2010 +C1 (Emissions, Harmonics, Flicker); EN 55024:2010 (Immunity).
- International EMI/EMC:
- IEC/EN 61000-3-2:2009 Harmonic emissions.
- IEC/EN 61000-3-3:2008 Voltage Fluctuations & Flicker Immunity.
- IEC/EN 61000-4-2:2008 Electrostatic Discharge Immunity.
- IEC/EN 61000-4-3:2006 Radiated Immunity.
- IEC/EN 61000-4-4:2004 +A1:2010 Transient/Burst Immunity.
- IEC/EN 61000-4-5:2005 Surge Immunity.
- IEC/EN 61000-4-6:2008 Conducted Radio Frequency Immunity.
- IEC/EN 61000-4-11:2004 Voltage Dips, Interruptions and Variations Immunity.
Usage Features:
Physical Setup and Installation:
- Unpacking: Verify all components, including the XGS2 chassis, rack mounting kit, power cords (two standard, one optional for redundant power supply), Ixia standard warranty notice, XGS2 Getting Started Guide, and any ordered optional items.
- Placement: Can be operated as a desktop unit or rack-mounted. For rack mounting, brackets can be attached to the front of the chassis or at an offset. For flat surface installation, ensure adequate ventilation and avoid restricting airflow.
- Module Installation:
- Controller Module: Insert the controller module into the lower slot in the front of the chassis, ensuring it is fully seated and screws are tightened.
- Sync Module: Insert the Sync module into its slot on the back of the chassis and tighten its two screws.
- Power Supply: Insert power supplies into the power supply slots until they click into place. An optional redundant power supply can also be installed.
- Connections:
- LAN Port: Connect the RJ45 10/100/1000-BaseT management port to your network.
- VGA and USB Ports: Connect to KVM infrastructure (or a local monitor, mouse, and keyboard).
- Serial Port: Connect the RS232 port (using the provided RJ45 to DB232 cable) to a workstation for management. A USB to Serial port converter may be needed if the workstation lacks a 9-pin serial port.
- Power: Connect power cords to a 110V or 220V power source and switch on the power supply.
- LED Indicators: Check Power LED (green for ON, off for powered off/non-operational) and LAN port LED (green for proper operation).
Initial Configuration (XGS2-HS):
- IP Addresses: Requires two management IP addresses from the same management subnet: one for the system controller (Ixia Web-based UI, BreakingPoint UI) and one for the Windows machine running IxOS (for IxLoad chassis ports).
- Virtual Machines: The XGS2-HS runs FlixOS (Linux) which hosts two virtual machines: one for IxOS (Windows) and one for BreakingPoint (Linux). FlixOS and BreakingPoint share a single IP address, while IxOS uses a separate IP address.
- Access:
- Local: Connect KVM and power cables. Press the chassis power button. Log in to the System Admin Screen (admin/admin) or IxOS Windows machine (ixia/System Controlled Serial Number for password).
- Remote: RDP to the Ixia Web UI IP address (preferred) or Windows IxOS IP address. SSH to the System Admin Screen via the Ixia Web UI IP address, port 8022 (admin/admin).
- Network Setup: From the System Admin Screen, select "Set up network" to configure IP mode (DHCP or Static).
- IxOS Windows IP: Configure the IP address for the IxOS Windows machine.
- Apply Settings: Reboot the system gracefully from the System Admin Screen.
Initial Configuration (XGS2-SD):
- Access: Connect monitor, USB mouse, and keyboard. Start the chassis. Log in using username "ixia" and the CPU module serial number as the password.
- Change IP Address:
- Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
- Click on the local area connection under "View your active networks" (Access type: Internet).
- In the Status window, click Properties.
- Select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and click Properties.
- Choose "Use the following IP address" and enter the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway.
- Default Internal Port Address: 10.0.x.x/16 (can be changed from IxExplorer Chassis Properties).
Ixia Test Applications Support:
- IxLoad: When adding an XGS2-HS or XGS2-SD chassis in the IxLoad client application, use the IxOS Windows machine IP address.
- IxNetwork: Log on to an application server or workstation with IxNetwork installed. Start IxNetwork, select "Ports" in the navigation pane, click "Add Chassis," and enter the XGS2 host name or IP address. Assign ports to the test scenario.
- BreakingPoint (XGS2-HS only): Access the web-based UI by connecting to the Ixia Web UI IP address in a browser and launching a new BreakingPoint session.
Maintenance Features:
System Administration:
- Local Access: Toggle between IxOS Windows machine (CTRL+ALT+F7) and System Admin Screen (CTRL+ALT+F2) when directly connected via KVM.
- Remote Access: RDP to IxOS Windows machine or SSH to System Admin Screen (port 8022).
- Monitoring: Observe system sensors from the System Admin Screen.
- Shutdown/Reboot:
- Graceful Shutdown: Choose "Halt system (graceful)" from the System Admin Screen. It is recommended to manually shut down the Windows IxOS machine first.
- Graceful Reboot: Choose "Reboot system (graceful)" from the System Admin Screen.
- Forced Shutdown/Reboot: Use only in cases of abnormal operation or immediate termination.
Troubleshooting:
- LED Indicators:
- Load Module Slot LEDs:
- Power (Green): Flashing during detection/initialization, solid when powered.
- In Use (Amber): Solid when port ownership is taken (not illuminated if traffic runs without ownership).
- Processor Module LEDs:
- CPU card Slot LED (Yellow/Green): Yellow for backplane initializing, green for backplane initialized.
- Stdby Pwr LED (Green): 5V Stand-by power available.
- CPU Pwr LED (Green): CPU Card power available.
- HDD Act LED: Indicates hard disk activity.
- Bkpln Link LED (Green): PCIe link to backplane is up.
- Ethernet LEDs (per port):
- Link LED (Green): Port has link.
- Act LED: Flashes when port has activity.
- IP Addressing Issues: Ensure management IP addresses are in the same subnet and not on internal virtual network subnets (10.1.1.x/24, 10.1.2.x/24) or the default internal port address (10.0.x.x/16).
- Licensing Issues:
- IxOS License: Required for BreakingPoint and IxLoad.
- License Invalidation: Time discrepancies between the network and XGS2 system can invalidate licenses. Configure NTP or manually set system time.
- Other Issues: Check for intermediate L2 switches configured to allow only a single L2 MAC per interface (XGS2-HS only).
Safety Instructions:
- General Safety: Only Ixia service technicians are authorized to remove covers and access internal components due to high voltages. Disconnect all power supply cables before servicing. Multiple power sources require disconnecting all before servicing. Equipment is for Restricted Access Locations. Keep away from moving fan blades.
- Battery Safety: Risk of explosion if battery is replaced incorrectly. Only Ixia trained technicians should replace the lithium coin-cell battery. Dispose of used batteries properly according to local regulations. Do not disassemble, crush, puncture, short external contacts, dispose in fire/water, or expose to high temperatures.
- Electrical Shock: Allow equipment to cool before removing add-in modules. Do not connect/disconnect cables or perform maintenance during electrical storms.
- Laser Devices: Do not look directly into fiber-optic transceivers or cables as laser light can damage eyes. Do not disassemble optical transceiver assemblies.
- Electrostatic Discharge (ESD): Disconnect product from mains power. Discharge static electricity from your body before handling add-in modules by touching a metal grounded object. Handle static-sensitive components in a static-safe area, using antistatic packaging, floor pads, and work bench pads.
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