IXIA PerfectStormONE Appliances
This chapter provides details about PerfectStormONE 10GE and 40GE family of appliances-specifications and features.
The PerfectStormONE appliance provides the platform to seamlessly unify the IxLoad and BreakingPoint software applications into a single and more powerful system, and at the same time provides a portable solution in a compact form factor appliance. Due to the compact form factor and reduced power requirements, you can use the appliance when you need high performance, but have space and power availability constraints in the lab. The single appliance allows control of up to 80Gbps of blended application traffic, 60 million concurrent connections, and new TCP connection rates of up to 2 million/sec. The hardware-based acceleration supports massive encryption levels with up to 40Gbps encrypted throughput per system.
PerfectStormONE's unique combination of portability, performance, and cost-effectiveness allows you to perform enterprise-scale performance and security testing anywhere, at any time, using the exact application, attack, and load behavior needed to optimize and harden your IT infrastructure.
The PerfectStormONE 10GE and 40GE appliances have two variants, fusion (supports IxLoad and BreakingPoint) and standard (supports IxLoad only).
PerfectStormONE supports the following:
- both IxLoad and BreakingPoint software applications; BPS runs on the fusion variants of the appliance
- native 40GE QSFP+ and 10GE SFP+ interfaces
- native 40GE QSFP+ interfaces with 4 x 10GE fan-out option
- compact form factor and reduced power requirements
- line-rate application performance per interface
- hardware-based acceleration for SSL and IPsec performance
- software licensing upgrades enable affordable 4Gbps performance now with easy expansion for future needs of up to 80Gbps
Key Features
The key features of PerfectStormONE appliances are as follows:
Unified Applications and Security Test Platform
PerfectStormONE is a unified applications and security test platform, with support for BreakingPoint and IxLoad software.
Flexible Modes
- PerfectStormONE 10GE and 40GE variants can operate in both Aggregated and Non-Aggregated modes. For more information, see PerfectStormONE 10GE and PerfectStormONE 40GE.
- PerfectStormONE 10GE appliance can operate either in 1GE mode or 10GE mode using SFP+ interfaces.
- PerfectStormONE 40GE appliance can connect to 10GE devices using 40GE to 4x10GE fan-out cables. In fan-out mode, the appliance provides access to 8x10GE SFP+ interfaces.
Blended Application Traffic
PerfectStormONE Fusion can create blended application traffic and current security attacks with a very high count of concurrent wired and wireless users from a single chassis less than 2u.
Massive Scale Real-World Traffic Conditions
PerfectStormONE tests and validates IT systems under controlled real-world scenarios that model your own unique environments.It understands actual performance, system limitations, and real security posture in a better way, to right size data centers and eliminate incidents in production.It generates stateful applications and malicious traffic that simulate millions of real-world end-user environments to test and validate infrastructure, a single device, or an entire system. This includes complex data, video, voice, storage, and network application workloads.
Real Attacks
- 6,000+ live security attacks, 35,000+ pieces of live malware found in enterprise, core, and mobile networks, 180+ evasions
- DDoS and botnet simulation and custom attacks
- Research and frequent updatesHardware-based Acceleration
PerfectStormONE provides hardware-based acceleration for SSL and IPsec.
Multi-user Environment
PerfectStormONE's multi-user environment leverages the per port user ownership model for all ports on the test modules installed into the appliance.
High-performing Business Applications
PerfectStormONE ensures high-performing, and more available and secure business applications.
Disaster Recovery
PerfectStormONE validates disaster recovery and business continuity.
Reduced Legal Exposure
PerfectStormONE provides reduced legal exposure due to data loss by validating security using the industry's most up to date application and threat intelligence.
PerfectStormONE Appliances
PerfectStormONE appliances can generate stateful applications and malicious traffic, simulating millions of real-world end-user environments to test and validate infrastructure, a single device, or an entire system.PerfectStormONE's unique combination of portability, performance, and cost-effectiveness allows you to perform enterprise-scale performance and security testing anywhere, at any time, using the exact application, attack, and load behavior needed to optimize and harden your IT infrastructure.
PerfectStormONE's unified architecture platform in the form of a compact form-factor appliance provides portability. It also provides the flexibility to license the port count and their operating speed. PerfectStormONE appliance comprises the variants provided in the following table.
PerfectStormONE 10GE
The PerfectStormONE 10GE appliance consist of 8-port 1GE/10GE SFP+ interfaces, and is licensed as five variants, each one available in both standard (enables support for IxLoad) and Fusion (enables support for both IxLoad and BreakingPoint) as provided in the table above.You can upgrade your appliance from any of the variants to another using an activation code.These variants can operate in three different flexible modes as follows:
- Non-Aggregated Mode: In this mode,
- Each 10GE port uses of 1/8th of the network processor and memory resources available on the appliance
- Delivery of application traffic happens at wire-speeds for each port, with up to 80Gbps.
- 10GE Aggregated Mode: In this mode,
- There is an extra flexibility of allocating all available NP resources and memory available on an appliance while using a single 10GE interface to transmit/receive the traffic.
- Ixia test applications transparently configure the allocation of NP resources to achieve the maximum performance.
- 1GE or 10GE mode: In this mode,
- The PerfectStorm ONE 10GE appliance can operate either in 1GE mode or 10GE mode, using SFP+ interfaces.
PerfectStormONE 40GE
The PerfectStormONE 40GE appliances consist of 2-port 40GE QSFP+ interfaces, and is available in two variants as provided in the table above. Both the variants support the following:
- 8 x 10GE SFP+ via fan-out cable (MT-to-4x10GE LC fan-out, MMF, 3-meter or 5-meter cables)
- QSFP+ 40GE optical transceiver, MMF, 850nm (948-0031)
These variants can also operate in three different flexible modes as follows:
- Non-Aggregated Mode: In this mode,
- Each 40GE port uses of ½ of the network processor and memory resources available on the load module
- Delivery of application traffic happens at wire-speeds for each port, with up to 80 Gbps per module.
- 40GE Aggregated Mode: In this mode,
- There is extra flexibility to allocate all network processor and memory resources available on a load module to a single 40GE port, doubling the performance the performance achieved per 40GE port.
- Ixia test applications transparently configure the allocation of NP resources to achieve the maximum performance.
- 40GE QSFP+ to 4x10GE SFP+ Mode: In this mode,
- There is an additional flexibility of connecting to 10GE devices using 40GE to 4 x 10GE fan-out cables.
- In fan-out mode, the appliance provides access to 8 x 10GE SFP+ interfaces.
PerfectStormONE appliances are described as follows:
PS10GE8
PerfectStormONE PS10GE8 is a 8 port 10-Gigabit Ethernet, appliance with SFP+ interface.It supports only IxLoad software.
The PS10GE8 appliance is shown in the following figure:
Figure: PerfectStormONE appliance-PS10GE8

PS10GE8NG
PerfectStormONE PS10GE8NG is a 8 port 10-Gigabit Ethernet, fusion appliance with SFP+ interface.It supports IxLoad and BreakingPoint software.The PS10GE8NG appliance is shown in the following figure:
Figure: PerfectStormONE appliance-PS10GE8NG

PS40GE2
PerfectStormONE PS40GE2 is a 2 port 40-Gigabit Ethernet, appliance with QSFP+ interface.It supports only IxLoad software.
The PS40GE2 appliance is shown in the following figure:
Figure: PerfectStormONE appliance-PS40GE2
PS40GE2NG
PerfectStormONE PS40GE2NG is a 2 port 40-Gigabit Ethernet, fusion appliance with QSFP+ interface.It supports IxLoad and BreakingPoint software.
The PS40GE2NG appliance is shown in the following figure:
Figure: PerfectStormONE appliance-PS40GE2NG
Part Numbers
Part Numbers for PerfectStormONE appliances are provided in the following table.
Model Number | Part Number | Description |
---|---|---|
PSO10GE8 |
941-0037-01 |
|
PSO10GE8NG |
941-0027-01 |
|
PSO10GE4 |
941-0038-01 |
|
PSO10GE4NG |
941-0031-01 |
|
PSO10GE2 |
941-0039-01 |
|
PSO10GE2NG |
941-0032-01 |
|
PSO1GE8 |
941-0044-01 |
|
PSO1GE8NG |
941-0033-01 |
|
PSO1GE4 |
941-0045-01 |
|
PSO1GE4NG |
941-0034-01 |
|
PS40GE2 |
941-0036-01 |
|
PS40GE2NG |
941-0028-01 |
|
Specifications
The appliance specifications are contained in the following table.
Feature | PerfectStormONE 10GE Standard/PerfectStormONE 10GE Fusion | PerfectStormONE 40GE Standard/PerfectStormONE 40GE Fusion | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Hardware, Appliance Specifications |
||||
Number of Ports |
8 |
2 |
||
Physical Interface |
8-port, 10GE SFP+ |
2-port, 40GE QSFP+ (native) 8-port, 10GE SFP+ via fan-out cable |
||
1GE Support |
Yes |
No |
||
Transceiver Support (pluggable transceivers) |
|
QSFP+, 40GBASE-SR4 (pluggable transcievers) |
||
Memory |
64GB + 16GB on system controller |
64GB + 16GB on system controller |
||
Operating System |
Native Linux with Windows 7 Virtual Machine for IxOS |
Native Linux with Windows 7 Virtual Machine for IxOS |
||
Hardware Encryption Offload |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Hardware-Based Traffic Capture |
256MB per 10GE interface (available in BreakingPoint). This is applicable for Fusion variants only |
This is available in BreakingPoint and applicable for Fusion variants only |
||
FPGA Offload |
Yes |
Yes |
||
IPv4, IPv6, UDP, TCP |
Hardware checksum generation |
Hardware checksum generation |
||
Appliance Dimensions |
17.1 x 13.23 x 3.12 inches |
17.1 x 13.23 x 3.12 inches |
||
Appliance Weight |
21 lbs (9.52 Kg) |
21 lbs (9.52 Kg) |
||
Temperature Range |
|
|
||
Humidity |
|
|
||
RU |
Chassis <2U With Rack Mount Shelf 2U |
Chassis <2U With Rack Mount Shelf 2U |
||
Power |
600W, 90 to 264 VAC. The main 750W power supply output provides 12V@62.5A and has a standby voltage of 12V@3A. At a cold start the power supply inrush current is 38A; the carrier board and backplane 12V power rails support 70A. |
600W, 90 to 264 VAC. The main 750W power supply output provides 12V@62.5A and has a standby voltage of 12V@3A. At a cold start the power supply inrush current is 38A; the carrier board and backplane 12V power rails support 70A. |
||
Shipping Vibration |
1.5G rms |
1.5G rms |
||
Integrated System Controller |
||||
CPU |
Quad-Core, Intel Processor |
Quad-Core, Intel Processor |
||
HDD |
1 TB, Enterprise Class, High MTBF |
1 TB, Enterprise Class, High MTBF |
||
Rack Mount (included with Appliance) |
||||
Rack Mount Dimensions |
19.0 x 17.15 x 3.46 inches |
2U rackmount, 19.0 x 17.15 x 3.46 inches |
||
Rack Mount Weight |
4.1 lbs |
4.1 lbs |
Note: In the unlikely event that the unit stops working and does not automatically restore the previous session due to an ESD event, the unit must be manually restarted.
Application Support
The Ixia application support for PerfectStormONE appliances is provided in the following table:
Hardware | Application Support |
---|---|
|
IxOS, IxLoad, TCL API |
|
IxOS, IxLoad, BreakingPoint, TCL API |
Transceiver and Cable Support
The transceivers and cables supported by PerfectStormONE appliances are provided in the following table:
Applicances | Transceiver/Cable Part number | Description |
---|---|---|
|
988-0011 |
SFP+, 10Gb/1Gb SR optical Xcvr, 850nm (cable included) |
988-0012 |
SFP+, 10Gb/1Gb LR optical Xcvr, 1310nm |
|
|
948-0028 |
QSFP+ 40GBASE-SR4 optical transceivers (incompatible with fan-out) |
948-0031 |
QSFP+ 40GBASE-SR4 optical transceivers (required for fan-out) |
|
948-0041 |
MT 12-fiber MMF cable, 3-meter length |
|
948-0067 |
MT-to-4x10GE LC fan-out, MMF, 3-meter |
|
948-0068 |
MT-to-4x10GE LC fan-out, MMF, 5-meter |
Mechanical Specifications
Controls and Indicators
The PerfectStormONE appliance controls and indicators are provided in the following table:
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Ethernet |
One RJ-45 10/100/1000-BaseT management port |
Serial |
One RJ-45 RS232 serial port |
USB |
2 USB dual type A, 4-pin jack connectors |
Front Panel
The Front panel of the 8x10GE and 2x40GE PerfectStormONE appliances are shown in the following figures (applies to Fusion and non-Fusion versions):
Figure: Front panel of 8x10GE PerfectStormONE

Figure: Front panel of 2x40GE PerfectStormONE

The front panel switches and indicators are provided in the following table:
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Front Panel Switches |
On/Off momentary power push button:
|
Front Panel Indicators |
Power LED
|
LED Panel
The LED panel specifications are provided in the following table.
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Link |
|
Tx |
|
Rx/Err |
|
Cooling Fan Speed Control
The PerfectStormONE appliance automatically monitors and measures the temperature of installed appliances. The appliance automatically adjusts the fan speed to maintain proper cooling.
Power outage recovery and Automatic booting scenario
The BIOS on PerfectStormONE is set to Power On after a power failure.
The PerfectStormONE appliance will start up, boot Windows 7 and automatically login to the Ixia user account. Anything that is in the Startup folder will also launch.
Rack Mount Cautions
If this unit is installed in a network equipment rack, please observe the following precautions:
- Elevated Operating Ambient Temperature: If installed in a closed or multi-unit rack assembly, the operating ambient temperature of the rack environment may be greater than room ambient temperature. Therefore, consider installing the equipment in an environment that is compatible with the maximum allowable ambient temperature specified for the appliance (40° C).
- Reduced Air Flow: Install the equipment in a rack so that the amount of air flow required for safe operation of the equipment is not reduced. Do not block the sides of the appliance, and leave approximately 8 inches of space, on either sides of the unit for proper ventilation. The air flow clearance should be 8 inches on either sides.
- Mechanical Loading: Mount the appliance so that it is level in the rack and that a hazardous condition is not caused.
- Circuit Overloading: Consideration should be given to the connection of the equipment to the supply circuit and the effect that overloading of the circuits might have on overcurrent protection and supply wiring. Appropriate consideration of equipment nameplate ratings should be used when addressing this concern.
- Reliable Earthing: Maintain reliable earthing (grounding) of rack-mounted equipment. Appliance frame should be screwed down to racks to ensure proper grounding path. In addition, pay special attention to supply connections other than direct connections to the branch circuit (such as use of power strips).
-
Replacement of the power supply cord must of the same type cord and plug configuration that was shipped with the unit.
Précautions relatives au montage en rack
Si cette unité est installée dans une baie d’équipement réseau, observer les précautions suivantes:
- Température ambiante élevée: si installée dans un assemblage de baie fermé ou contenant plusieurs unités, la température ambiante de l’installation peut etre plus élevée que la température ambiante de la pièce. En conséquence, penser a installer l’équipement dans un environnement compatible avec la température ambiante maximale autorisée (40 C) spécifiée pour l’appareil.
- Circulation d’air réduite: installer l’équipement dans une baie de manière a ce que la circulation d’air requise pour faire fonctionner l’équipment en toute sécurité ne soit pas réduite. Ne pas bloquer les côtés de l’appareil, et laisser approximativement un espace de 12 pouces, de préférence 24 pouces, de chaque côté de l’unité pour une ventilation adéquate. L’espace laisse libre pour la circulation de l’air doit être de 12 pouces de chaque côté.
- Montage mécanique: monter l’appareil de manière a s’assurer qu’il soit droit dans la baie afin d’éviter de créer une condition dangereuse
- Un soin particulier doit etre apporté au branchement de l’équipement au circuit d’alimentation et aux conséquences qu’une charge excessive des circuits pourrait avoir sur le système de protection contre les surcharges et sur le cablâge d’alimentation. Prendre des précautions d’usage en prêtant attention aux normes figurant sur la plaque d’identification de l’équipement.
- Mise a la terre fiable: maintenir une mise a la terre fiable de l’équipement monté en baie. L’appareil doit etre vissé sur la baie afin d’assurer une mise a la terre correcte. De plus, faire particulièrement attention aux alimentations en courant autres que celles provenant de connections directes au circuit de dérivation (par exemple utilisation de prises multiples).
- Le remplacement du cordon d’alimentation doit comporter le même type de cordon et le même type de prise que ceux livrés avec l’unité.
Note: For instructions on rack mounting and administration of the PerfectStormONE appliance, see the PerfectStormONE Getting Started Guide.