Ixia Software Release Notes
IxOS 9.20
Build Number: 9.20.2700.12 (Dec, 2021)
Welcome to IxOS 9.20 Alignment Release. IxOS 9.20 also provides compatibility across all of the major Network Test and Apps and Security software applications.
All IxOS features and bug-fixes introduced in interim releases since the IxOS 9.18 release have been consolidated into IxOS 9.20.
The new CloudStorm XP 2 port 100GE Load Modules are supported in IxOS 9.20 offering Non-Fusion and Fusion versions available.
Please refer to the IxLoad and BPS 9.20 software application release notes for additional information.
New enhancements in IxOS are included in the IxOS 9.20 release. Please refer to the 'What is New' section of these release notes.
Application Compatibility
The following application releases support IxOS 9.20:
Application |
IxOS 9.20 |
BPS |
9.20 |
HLTAPI |
9.20 |
IxANVL |
9.32 |
IxLoad |
9.20 |
IxNetwork |
9.20 |
IxVM |
9.20 |
Licensing |
5.40 |
Metronome |
2.2.1 |
Wireshark |
3.2.6 |
In addition, current interoperability and compatibility coverage for IxOS
9.20 can also be retrieved using the on-line compatibility tool.
Please contact Keysight for details.
Ixia Licensing
Any chassis which runs IxServer must have an IxOS license installed on it.
IxOS 9.20 ships with Ixia Licensing 5.40, which is installed automatically along with IxOS Installation.
Some of the key benefits of this new licensing system are:
- Reduced the number of licensing services from 4 to 1 (Ixia nodedv3).
- The list of TCP ports required for external connections has been reduced, specifically TCP port 4502 is no longer required.
- Improved performance and memory usage.
Installing a License
Ixia Licensing 5.40 upgrades Ixia Licensing 5.30 and prior versions.
Once upgraded, Ixia Licensing cannot be downgraded to previous versions.
If upgrading from the Ixia Registration Utility (IRU) used in IxOS 8.00 and earlier releases, note that
automatic license migration is no longer possible. Please contact Support to assist you with the upgrade and with license retrieval.
For more information about the IxLicensing system, please refer to the "Ixia Licensing Management User Guide"
provided with the Ixia software, or downloadable from the Ixia web site.
Installation on XGS2-SD and XGS12-SD chassis
Starting from IxOS 8.40 EA, the XGS2-SD and XGS12-SD chassis can optionally be converted to run Native IxOS,
for improved stability and performance. The conversion removes the Microsoft Windows Operating System, and
replaces it with IxOS running natively on the chassis. Once complete the chassis are effectively converted to
XGS2-SDL and XGS12-SDL. For more information, including the conversion process procedure, please read
the Converting_XGS_SD_to_Native_IxOS.pdf document available on IxOS Downloads And Update page.
Starting from IxOS 9.00, XGS2-SD and XGS12-SD chassis can optionally be converted to run Windows 10 Pro 64-bit,
which allows the installation of the latest security and stability updates from Microsoft. For more information,
including the conversion process, please read the Windows 10 Upgrade Guide and the Windows 10 Datasheet.
Requires the purchase of IXIA IXOS AND WINDOWS 10 FIELD UPGRADE 943-0014.
Installation on PSOne, XGS2-HS and XGS12-HS chassis
Starting from IxOS 9.00, IxOS installation is no longer supported on the PSOne, XGS2-HS and XGS12-HS chassis with
Windows OS. To install IxOS and compatible Ixia Applications on these platforms, the management operating system must
first be converted to Native IxOS 9.20. The conversion procedure is described in Converting_XGS_and_PSOne_to_Native_IxOS.pdf,
which can be downloaded from IxOS 9.20 Downloads And Update page.
NOTE:
-For security reasons, we recommend changing the default passwords for chassis.
Installation Requirements On Windows
IxOS 9.20 installation requires 13 GB of free space on chassis' system drive and 5.5 GB of free space on client's system drive.
IxExplorer 9.20 installation requires 2.5 GB of free space on client's system drive.
NOTE:
- IxOS installer automatically installs a Microsoft Hotfix 2921916 (if not already installed) for an issue due to which
"Untrusted publisher" dialog would appear when installing IxOS on Windows 7.
Operating System Support
Windows Client PC:
- Windows 2008 Server 64-bit
- Windows 7 Enterprise 32-bit (Build 7601)
- Windows 7 Professional 32-bit (Build 7601)
- Windows 7 Professional 64-bit (Build 7601)
- Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit (Build 7601)
- Windows 2012 Server Standard R2 64-bit
- Windows 8.1 Enterprise 32-bit and 64-bit (Build 9600)
- Windows 10 Pro 64-bit (Build 2004)
The following versions of Windows operating systems are no longer supported on the client:
- Windows Vista Enterprise SP2 32-bit and 64-bit - starting with IxOS 8.21 EA
- Windows XP Professional 32-bit SP3 - starting with IxOS 8.30 EA
UNIX Client PC:
- Fedora Core 14.0 and above
- RedHat Enterprise 5.0 and above
- Centos 6.0 and above
- Ubuntu 16.0 and above
Other versions of UNIX platforms may operate properly, but are not officially supported.
VMware
- Server 1.0.2
- Server 2.0
Windows Chassis
- Windows 10 Version 21H1
- Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit
NOTE: IxOS is no longer supported on a Windows XP Professional Chassis, starting with IxOS 9.00.
Languages supported are English, Chinese (traditional and simplified), French, German
Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Spanish and Swedish.
Supported Chassis
This release supports the following chassis:
- XGS12-SD Windows 10 and Windows 7
- XGS2-SD Windows 10 and Windows 7
- XGS12-SDL
- XGS2-SDL
- XGS12-HSL
- XGS2-HSL
- 400Tv2
- AresONE
- Novus ONE PLUS
- Novus ONE
- PerfectStorm One
Installation Features
The IxOS installation program offers the user a selection of five installation
options: Client, Server, Demo Server, Tcl Server, and Hardware Manager. The
Server option is normally chosen for installation on Ixia chassis. The Demo
Server option should NOT be chosen for chassis installations: it is used for
client installations.
IxServer on Windows Chassis
In IxOS 9.00 High Performance Mode was introduced to the Windows chassis as an option, with the alternative to revert to Legacy Mode to support a wider range of load modules.
Besides significantly improving performance in multi-user test beds, High Performance Mode also enables chassis STAR or Metronome synchronization capability between Native IxOS and Windows Chassis.
With 9.10, only High Performance Mode exists, and it has been enhanced to support the wider range of load modules. The Native IxOS chassis has always supported High Performance mode.
Startup Configuration Options
There are three options offered for configuring IxOS server startup:
1. Service: A Windows Service for IxServer (or TCL Server) will be created which can be started/stopped
from Windows Service Control Manager. Desktop Shortcuts and IxServer User Interface are not available.
Any configuration of IxServer or TCL Server requires user to stop the service, manually invoke server
from Start Menu shortcuts, close the server and restart service.
2. Startup: IxServer starts when user logs on to the chassis or when it is rebooted.
3. Manual: IxServer or TCL Server can only be started or stopped manually from
Desktop or Start Menu shortcuts.
NOTE:
- Telnet connectivity is unavailable when TCL Server is configured to run as a service.
- Demo Server is configured to operate manually even if service option is selected.
Tcl Version Option
IxOS 9.20 is shipping with Tcl 8.5 and 8.6. Both of them will be installed and the option
of using either of the version can be set for usage as follows:
1. On Windows Chassis, open TCL Server and select appropriate TCL version from options.
2. On Windows Client, select appropriate TCL version from Desktop or Start Menu shortcut.
3. On Native IxOS Chassis, login to IxOS CLI using SSH and execute: set tcl active-version 8.x
4. On Unix Client, execute a script inside installed directory: ./bin/set_tcl_active_version.sh 8.x
Chassis Management Console
Chassis Management Console (CMC) is a web application that provides access to Ixia Native IxOS Chassis and its components
(i.e. load modules and ports) and enables users to control and monitor the chassis by means of any client computer connected to it.
CMC is supported on following browsers:
Application |
Version |
Google Chrome |
75 or newer |
Mozilla Firefox |
67 or newer |
Microsoft Edge |
38 or newer |
Apple Safari |
12.1.1 or newer |
UNIX Client Installation Notes
Using .bin Installer:
This installs packages for IxOS TCL API and Ixia TCL Interpreter. If you are updating an existing
installation, be sure to run the installer as the same user who initially installed the software. Always
run the uninstaller prior to removing any files manually. If installing as the root user and install
location is a network-mounted file system, ensure the root user has write permission to the file system.
To proceed with installation, perform following steps (Note: the binary file name 'IxOS9.20.XXX.XXXLinux.bin'
is used in the example below. In most cases, the file name will be different):
1. Copy the IxOS9.20.XXX.XXXLinux.bin file to the system.
2. Make the binary executable if it is not already: chmod +x ./IxOS9.20.XXX.XXXLinux.bin
Also, make sure target installation directory has full permissions granted.
3. Execute the IxOS installer file: ./IxOS9.20.XXX.XXXLinux.bin
4. When the installer prompts, select appropriate Tcl version (e.g. 8.5 or 8.6)
5. Follow the installation prompts to complete the installation.
If the installation fails, check that there is enough disk space on the system by using the command: df -ak
There must be enough space in the /tmp folder (to extract the files), and in the target folder (where files are
to be installed). If the /tmp dir does not have enough space, specify the dir by setting IATEMPDIR environment
with path to the folder where you have enough free space. The following example show the use of the options:
export IATEMPDIR=/tempdir
./IxOS9.20.XXX.XXXLinux.bin
Using .tar.gz:
This installs packages for IxOS TCL API only. To install, perform the following steps:
1. Create a destination folder and extract contents of .tar.gz file into it. e.g. /export/home/ixos9.20
2. After extraction, set the following variables (please replace sample path with original path):
IXIA_HOME=/export/home/ixos9.20
IXIA_VERSION=9.20.XXX.XXX
TCLLIBPATH=/export/home/ixos9.20/lib
3. Optionally, specify the following environment variables to specify the location of logs, samples and results files for IxOS:
IXIA_LOGS_DIR=$IXIA_HOME/logs
IXIA_RESULTS_DIR=$IXIA_HOME/results
IXIA_SAMPLES=$IXIA_HOME/samples
IXIA_TCL_DIR=$IXIA_HOME/lib
4. If the Tcl option was installed with an IxOS installation, add Ixia's bin
and lib directory to the PATH and LD_LIBRARY_PATH variable in order to use it.
For example:
IxiaLibPath=$IXIA_HOME/lib
IxiaBinPath=$IXIA_HOME/bin
PATH=$IxiaBinPath:$PATH
LD_LIBRARY_PATH=$IxiaLibPath:$LD_LIBRARY_PATH
Multiple IxOS versions
Multiple IxOS versions can co-exist on an Ixia Chassis or client. Installing another IxOS version does not affect the existing versions.
On Windows Chassis, to set active IxOS version, users are required to close any running instance of
IxServer or TCL Server and start the intended IxServer version from Start Menu or Desktop Shortcuts.
On Native IxOS Chassis, users can login to IxOS CLI via SSH and set active IxOS version using
the command: set ixos active-version 8.x.x.x
NOTE: Any card, port, stream, etc., files generated by IxOS are forward compatible but not backward compatible.
Tcl Server was first supplied free of charge starting with IxOS 3.80 EA.
Installation of this feature is optional; it should only be installed if
required for specific application.
Installation and operation of the Tcl Server is required for IxChariot when
running hardware performance pairs, for IxANVL when running VNIC (Virtual
Network Interface Card) and for IxAuthenticate. The Tcl Server can be installed
on either the Ixia chassis or a separate Windows workstation.
The following limitations exist with respect to Wish and Tcl shell support:
Tcl shell does not run on any version of Windows with Ixia software. Under
Linux or Solaris, the Tcl shell runs on any version of Tcl greater than or
equal to 8.3.
Ixia Headquarters
|
Support
|
Please refer to our website at http://support.ixiacom.com/support-services/product-support/user-guides.
You will be required to provide a login and password to enter this section of
the web site. If you do not have the username and password, please forward your
request to support@ixiacom.com.
Laser Warnings
The 10G load modules may use a Class III laser. Precautions should be
taken to prevent personal injury. The spring-loaded safety cover should always be
securely in place over the port when there is no cable installed. Avoid exposure
and never look directly into an open port aperture.
Inserting / Removing Load Modules
Modules in the XGS12-SD, XGS12-HSL, XGS12-SDL, XGS2-SD, XGS2-HSL, XGS2-SDL, and XM2 can be inserted/removed while the chassis is still operational.
For all chassis types, use caution when inserting or removing multi-slot modules
to evenly insert and remove. Load modules are tightly spaced; avoid contacting
the adjoining modules while inserting and removing.
Safety Notice Regarding Ixia Load Modules
WARNING: In order to prevent accidental injury to personnel, do not leave transceiver
(SFP/SFP+/QSFP/QSFP28/CXP/CFP4) cages uncovered on Ixia load modules. When transceivers
are not installed, port end caps (Part No. 503-006) must be used. The metal edge of
the transceiver cage is SHARP. To avoid injury, ALWAYS keep the transceiver cage covered.
Contact Ixia Technical Support to obtain end caps. Please reference Ixia Product
safety notice Part No. 913-0715 Rev A, June 2009. For additional information
refer to Chapter three of the IXOS Getting Started Guide under the section,
Notes, Cautions and Warnings.
Use Ejector Tabs Properly
Ejector tabs on load modules are to be used only to eject a load module from
the chassis backplane connector. They are not designed to support the weight
of the load module. Ejector tabs can bend or break if used improperly as handles
to push, pull, or carry a load module.
CloudStorm XP Load Modules |
IxOS 9.20 supports the new CloudStorm-XP, 100GE 2-port load modules. Both a Non-Fusion and a Fusion version are available: 944-1252 IXIA CloudStorm-XP CSXP100GE2Q28ALL,100GE 2-port, All speeds enabled, Load Module and the 944-1253 IXIA CloudStorm-XP CSXP100GE2Q28NGALL,100GE 2-port, All speeds enabled, Fusion Load Module. Please refer to the IxLoad and BPS 9.20 application release notes for additional information. |
IxOS |
Windows Firewall support is added on IxOS Product for Windows 10 chassis. |
Support for Windows 10 21H1 Update. |
Interactive chat feature via IxExplorer and TCL API is now available |
Security rules have been implemented for Native IxOS chassis , such as password complexity rules. |
Application icons of all the products has changed from Ixia to Keysight branding. |
Windows 10 chassis can now be converted to Native IxOS. Download the conversion application from IxOS download page. |
REST API support for chassis fan and power consumption is now available. |
Legacy HS / SD IxOS Windows chassis can be converted now directly to IxOS 9.20 Native IxOS. |
Centos version on Ixia Native IxOS Chassis is upgraded to 7.9. |
Support for Wireshark 3.2.6. Download Wireshark from IxOS 9.20 download page to have full features. |
Added full transceiver information in IxOS REST API. |
IxOS CLI |
Command to reset a custom SSL certificate uploaded from Web UI is available |
VM |
Support for Advanced Sequence Checking statistics for L23 Traffic has been added. These are available with and without DPDK Performance Acceleration enabled. |
Support for CLI Debug Commands has been improved. The user can now see the DMESG logs or the /VAR/LOG files using the CLI of the vChassis / vCard / vAppliance. |
Support for CLI License Server configuration has been improved. The user can now disable License Server validation upon initial configuration via the CLI. |
Support for OVA Image Definition has been improved. Multiple files are supplied for vCard / vAppliance to match the default vCPU values of IxNetwork VE / IxLoad VE. |
Support for increased product security via Linux OS Hardening. The internal operating system has been updated and configured according to security best practices. |
Support for increased product security via Password Policy Enforcement. This ensures users must always change default passwords and no weak passwords are allowed. |
Support for increased product security via improved Log Collection. This is performed via a secure channel and works even if the vCard is disconnected from vChassis. |
Support for new Intel E810 series NICs running in PCI-PT or SR-IOV mode has been added. This includes all Intel E810 NIC models across 25G / 50G / 100G line speeds. |
Support for new platforms KVM / CentOS 8.x and KVM / RHEL 8.x has been added. The previous versions KVM / CentOS 7.x and KVM / RHEL 7.x continue to be supported. |
Support for new platforms KVM / Ubuntu 20.04 LTS has been added. The previous versions KVM / Ubuntu 18.04 LTS and KVM / Ubuntu 16.04 LTS continue to be supported. |
Support for new platforms OpenStack Wallaby has been added. The previous OpenStack versions continue to be supported (vanilla variants and vendor specific variants). |
Support for new platforms VMware ESXi 7.x / VMware vCenter 7.x has been added. The previous versions VMware ESXi 6.x / VMware vCenter 6.x continue to be supported. |
AresONE QSFP-DD High Performance fixed chassis - L2 Security
Bug Number |
Notes |
IXOS-436 |
Invalid ICV accepted Multicast/Broadcast updating along with Invalid ICV discarded Multicast/Broadcast |
IXOS-956 |
HW MACsec does not allow Switchover PN functionality |
IXOS-960 |
HW MACsec does not support Replay Protect functionality |
IXOS-1019 |
Trigger based rekey is not available |
Miscellaneous
Bug Number |
Notes |
IXOS-7320 |
Hostproxy handshake failures could be seen in IxServer log when IxServer is restarted after a crash. The workaround is to restart the chassis and then restart IxServer. |
NOVUS10/5/2.5/1/100M16DP
Bug Number |
Notes |
IXOS-433 |
Quick test related tests will fail as specific ports are closed for vulnerabilities. The workaround is to enable the debug ports on chassis, either from CLI for Native IxOS chassis or from IxServer UI Options for a Windows chassis. |
PIT
Bug Number |
Notes |
IXOS-202 |
Messages from "chassis chat" TCL API does not deliver to the PIT clients |
VM
Bug Number |
Notes |
IXOS-7622 |
In order to get VLAN and Promiscuous Mode to work with Intel NICs (700 and 800 Series) on VMware ESXi environments please use the intnet plugin which can be downloaded from Intel website. |
IXOS-7623 |
In order to get VLAN and Promiscuous Mode to work with Mellanox NICs (ConnectX-4, ConnectX-5, and ConnectX-6) on VMware ESXi environments please use the nmlxcli plugin which can be downloaded from Mellanox website. |
IXOS-7624 |
While running minim frame size (64Bytes) and VLAN inside the packet, the vmxnet3 driver from the VMware ESXi hosts will add extra 4 bytes of padding at the end of the packet. |
IXOS-7626 |
In KVM environments the NICs need to be unamanaged by Network Manager as NM sends DHCP Discover messages that will appear in Rx. |
IXOS-7627 |
In KVM environments for Intel 700 and 800 series please make sure that the following settings are applied to the NICs on the host: ip link set dev NIC_NAME up ip link set dev NIC_NAME mtu 9000 ip link set dev NIC_NAME promisc off ip link set dev NIC_NAME allmulticast off ethtool --set-priv-flags NIC_NAME vf-true-promisc-support on
For SR-IOV VFs please apply the following settings: ip link set dev NIC_NAME vf VF_ID trust on ip link set dev NIC_NAME vf VF_ID spoofchk off |
IXOS-7628 |
Sometimes Physical Function (PF) driver on Intel 800 Series NICs can be unstable. The symptoms on VM ports can be connectivity issues or link down. Please verify the "dmesg" output on the KVM hosts and a reboot host is recommended in case this happens. |
AresONE QSFP-DD High Performance fixed chassis
Bug Number |
Notes |
IXOS-969 |
SR 748202 - IxExplorer hangs when switching from 400G to 50G speed mode |
AresONE QSFP-DD High Performance fixed chassis - L2 Security
Bug Number |
Notes |
IXOS-230 |
Keysight port may generate MACsec frames with bad ICV for Applib traffic with clear text VLAN. |
AresONE S400GD
Bug Number |
Notes |
IXOS-646 |
Some active transceivers, including optics, may have degraded performance at their default RxOut EQ values. To optimize, please consult the factory for guidance. |
IxExplorer
Bug Number |
Notes |
IXOS-697 |
Windows Clipboard is cleared on exiting IxExplorer leading to loss of copied data even in other applications. |
IxOS-CLI
Bug Number |
Notes |
IXOS-347 |
SR 875567 - Controller blade serial number cannot be fetched using TCL API. |
IXOS-6649 |
Login to Browser CLI fails when importing users from WAF/Platform administration page |
IxTCL
Bug Number |
Notes |
IXOS-887 |
SR 849796 - Issues observed when Ixia API ixDisconnectTclServer is invoked on a Windows chassis from a Linux client after the connection to the chassis remains idle for close to 2 hours |
Miscellaneous
Bug Number |
Notes |
IXOS-304 |
SR 837560 - Port crashes are seen while running specific protocols due to race condition |
IXOS-411 |
SR 749278 - Diagnostic utility collects Windows event logs in .evt file format. |
IXOS-672 |
SR 727112 - Temperature related alarm message is fixed. |
IXOS-1030 |
SR 00905946 - IxDiscoveryAgent and ixProxy processes takes up almost 100% CPU |
IXOS-1048 |
SR 00730132 - TCL Server crashes due to low memory |
IXOS-1096 |
SR 886755 - Chassis is able to sync with local NTP server |
IXOS-6572 |
SR 00992790 - Traffic statistics are not visible when streams use discovered information to fetch them. |
Multis QSFP
Bug Number |
Notes |
IXOS-1008 |
SR 00915033 - Card crashes when switching between different speed modes multiple times |
NOVUS10/5/2.5/1/100M16DP
Bug Number |
Notes |
IXOS-250 |
SR 00917762 - Hardware fault is seen for some specific configuration |
IXOS-664 |
SR 00946561 - When mode switch performed from 2.5G to 10G, link flap was seen twice |
IXOS-737 |
SR 744474 - Load Module is getting removed during long duration regressions runs |
NOVUS100GE8Q28+FAN
Bug Number |
Notes |
IXOS-267 |
SR 00961392 - Port link failure is seen occasionally for AOC cables with FEC enabled |
IXOS-991 |
SR 00972762 - Card crash causes IxServer to shut down |
IXOS-1115 |
SR 836773 - In rare conditions, TEC related crash is seen. |
IXOS-2735 |
SR 01004813 - QSFP28 100GBASE-PSM4 and 100GBASE-CWM4 transceivers show -SR4/-SR2/-SR as the media type. |
IXOS-6614 |
SR 739997 - QSFP28 100GBASE-DR and 100GBASE-FR1 transceivers are not automatically configured with RS-FEC disabled. |
NOVUS1GE16DP
Bug Number |
Notes |
IXOS-979 |
SR 00949329 - Port links fail to autonegotiate if 10G speed is enabled |
IXOS-1070 |
SR 858242 - In some case, traffic is not getting stopped on using "stop after this stream" option on ports with no ownership. |
TCL
Bug Number |
Notes |
IXOS-810 |
SR 726063 - In rare cases, ixClearOwnership get stucks when running automated regressions. |
IXOS-1144 |
SR 01007750 - ixClearOwnership is not accepting comma notations in arguments. |
VM
Bug Number |
Notes |
IXOS-7658 |
SR 00946938 - Fixed an issue that caused SSH failures into the Virtual Test Appliance after performing deployment on oversubscribed compute hosts. |
IXOS-7659 |
SR 00977803 - Fixed an issue that caused the Virtual Load Modules to continuously reboot as soon as they were attached to the Virtual Chassis. |
XGS2/XGS12
Bug Number |
Notes |
IXOS-771 |
SR 744481- RAM usage increase to 99% quickly, it will lead to new clients cannot connect to the chassis. |