Superna Integrated AIT’s APG-FC4 Simulyzer™ for SAN Qualification Testing

Superna, a software company focused on Security and Storage networking solutions, has integrated the Simulyzer Fibre Channel analyzer from Avionics Interface Technologies (AIT) into their SAN Qualification process. AIT’s APG-FC4 Simulyzer is a Fibre Channel single PCI board for simultaneous data generation, simulation, monitoring, and analysis. Superna specializes in FC networks over SONET/SDH, IP, and Ethernet (FCoE).

As part of the Superna WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing) SAN Qualification process, AIT’s APG-FC4 allows for a detailed analysis of Fibre Channel traffic at any point external to the optical network under test. During the SAN qualification process, Superna identifies interoperability issues between major switch fabric and optical network equipment vendors. The APG-FC4 Analyzer feature captures live Fibre Channel traffic, which is used by engineers to reveal issues pertaining to Fibre Channel implementation. Furthermore, the APG-FC4 and Data Generator feature provides an end-to-end Fibre Channel traffic source. The dual-port APG-FC4 card can transmit/receive Fibre Channel frames at two end-points on a Fibre Channel Wide Area Network.

“A key reason why we chose the AIT’s APG-FC4 was for its ability to support low latency control of Fibre Channel links. This allows us to expose timing issues in transport of the Fibre Channel protocol while testing over high-latency simulated disaster recovery networks,” said Andrew Mackay, CTO of Superna.

AIT’s APG-FC4 works with AIT’s fcXplorerGraphical User Interface (GUI) Analyzer software. fcXplorer’s Statistical Analysis tools provide Superna with accurate and critical analysis of Fibre Channel frames sent/received and Fibre Channel errors. The information provided by the Statistical Analysis feature is an important tool in helping to validate Fibre Channel Switch and optical network interoperability for customers that deploy synchronous or asynchronous replication solutions for disaster recovery.

The APG-FC4 Simulyzer is mostly used in avionics Fibre Channel applications, but – as proven by Superna – can also be a key tool to validate long distance Fibre Channel transport for data center networking.

“Superna’s SAN Qualification testing demonstrates the full capabilities of the AIT APG-FC4 FC Analyzer,” said Ken Bisson, AIT’s VP of Sales. “Some of their testing requires more than 72 hours of full bandwidth data generation. Superna really takes advantage of the APG-FC4’s ability to perform data generation and complete bit-error analysis.”

ABOUT AIT

Avionics Interface Technologies is a leading supplier of avionics bus interface circuits, modules and a wide array of simulation and analyzer products. The company has supported all major DOD top tier suppliers as well as the Air Force, Navy, Army, Marines and NASA directly. Their technically superior products offer both custom and commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) user software and a flexible hardware architecture based on the use of FPGAs with embedded Power PC Processors for onboard specific application programming. AIT has four office locations in the US, it is headquartered in Omaha, NE, with design and production based in Dayton, Ohio, near Wright Patterson AFB. AIT uses Technical Manufacture Representatives in North America and distributors worldwide to provide the best possible local support. AIT is a private company led by a US citizen based Board of Directors allowing for execution of sensitive and/or classified ITAR program development.

ABOUT Superna

Superna solutions are used to plan, secure and qualify the interoperability of optical and storage area networks. The SupernaNET product family provides a foundation for network planning and advanced discovery analytics. The Network Security Portal is used by service providers to offer Encryption as a Service to enterprises and provide a dashboard for security events. The Storage Area Network Qualification service helps network equipment manufacturers to qualify the interoperability of their WAN network solutions to meet EMC and Brocade standards and requirements.

Visit us online at: www.superna.net

Press Contact:

Mara Taracievicz

VP Operations

Tel: (613) 729-1100, ext. 222