Ixia Software Release Notes
IxOS 9.21
Build Number: 9.21.2800.7 (Jan, 2022)
Welcome to IxOS 9.21 Release. All IxOS features and bug-fixes introduced in interim releases since the IxOS 9.20 release have been consolidated into IxOS 9.21.
This release is primarily focused on new AresONE 800GE-4P-QDD High Density test platform.
IxOS 9.21 only supports the IxExplorer software application version 9.21. IxOS 9.21 does not support the IxNetwork software application.
For a complete listing of all the new features included in this release, please refer to the 'What is New' section.
Application Compatibility
The following application releases support IxOS 9.21:
| Application |
IxOS 9.21 |
| BPS |
Not Supported |
| HLTAPI |
Not Supported |
| IxANVL |
Not Supported |
| IxLoad |
Not Supported |
| IxNetwork |
Not Supported |
| IxVM |
Not Supported |
| Licensing |
5.40 |
| Wireshark |
3.2.6 |
In addition, current interoperability and compatibility coverage for IxOS
9.21 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 9.21 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 9.21. The conversion procedure is described in Converting_XGS_and_PSOne_to_Native_IxOS.pdf,
which can be downloaded from IxOS 9.21 Downloads And Update page.
NOTE:
-For security reasons, we recommend changing the default passwords for chassis.
Installation Requirements On Windows
IxOS 9.21 installation requires 13 GB of free space on chassis' system drive and 5.5 GB of free space on client's system drive.
IxExplorer 9.21 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 9.21 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 'IxOS9.21.XXX.XXXLinux.bin'
is used in the example below. In most cases, the file name will be different):
1. Copy the IxOS9.21.XXX.XXXLinux.bin file to the system.
2. Make the binary executable if it is not already: chmod +x ./IxOS9.21.XXX.XXXLinux.bin
Also, make sure target installation directory has full permissions granted.
3. Execute the IxOS installer file: ./IxOS9.21.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
./IxOS9.21.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/ixos9.21
2. After extraction, set the following variables (please replace sample path with original path):
IXIA_HOME=/export/home/ixos9.21
IXIA_VERSION=9.21.XXX.XXX
TCLLIBPATH=/export/home/ixos9.21/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.
| Ixia, AresONE 800GE-4P-QDD, High Density, 2-port, full performance fixed chassis |
| 944-1190 Ixia, AresONE 800GE-2P-QDD, High Density, 2-port, full performance fixed chassis model with native QSFP-DD800 physical interfaces and L1-3 support. Chassis includes the 2x400GE, 4x200GE and 8x100GE default speed support. For 1x800GE speed support, please see the factory installed or field upgrade purchasable options (905-1070, or 905-1071). |
| 944-1191 Ixia, AresONE 800GER-2P-QDD, High Density, 2-port, reduced performance fixed chassis model with native QSFP-DD800 physical interfaces and L1-3 support. Chassis includes the 2x400GE, 4x200GE and 8x100GE default speed support. For 1x800GE speed support, please see the factory installed or field upgrade purchasable options (905-1070, or 905-1071). |
| Ixia, AresONE 800GE-4P-QDD, High Density, 4-port, full performance fixed chassis |
| 942-0110 Ixia, AresONE 200-240VAC Power Cord Option Kit includes 2 each C13 to 6-20P, 8 feet in length, and 2 each C13 to L6-20P, 10 feet in length. Two cord types are provided that accommodate the most common 200-240VAC power receptacle types. Two of either cord type are required to power the any of the AresONE fixed chassis. These power cords are compatible with all AresONE 400GE. AresONE-S 400GE, AresONE High Performance 400GE, and AresONE 800GE QSFP-DD800 fixed chassis systems. The kit is optional and is sold at no charge. It is REQUIRED only when a AresONE fixed chassis must be connected to 200-240VAC single phase power sources. Note: Requires (2) power sources when running single phase 200-240VAC drawing 7 Amps for each power supply. |
| 905-1047 Ixia, Sequential Traffic Scheduler option, FACTORY INSTALLED ONLY. For all AresONE 400GE, AresONE-S 400GE and AresONE 800GE fixed chassis models. REQUIRES NTS Product Management approval to be quoted under NPI and provided to a customer.Note1: The minimum software for this support on AresONE 400GE chassis is IxOS 8.52 EA. The minimum software support on AresONE-S chassis is IxOS 9.16.Note2: The minimum software support on AresONE u800GE is IxOS 9.21. Note3: This option applies to all ports on the fixed chassis.Note4: This feature is included with the AresONE High Performance chassis model (944-1178).Note5: In the event this option is required to be added to an existing unit in the field, the unit must be returned to the Ixia factory to be installed. |
| 905-1072 Ixia, UPG-800GE-2P FIELD UPGRADE for the AresONE 800GE-2P-QDD, full (944-1190) or reduced (944-1191) performance fixed chassis with 2 additional ports. The upgrade supports the defaults speeds of 2x400GE, 4x200GE and 8x100GE. |
| 944-1192 Ixia, AresONE 800GE-4P-QDD, High Density, 4-port, full performance fixed chassis model with native QSFP-DD800 physical interfaces and L1-3 support. Chassis includes the 2x400GE, 4x200GE and 8x100GE default speed support. For 1x800GE speed support, please see the factory installed or field upgrade purchasable options (905-1070, or 905-1071). |
| 944-1193 Ixia, AresONE 800GER-4P-QDD, High Density, 4-port, reduced performance fixed chassis model with native QSFP-DD800 physical interfaces and L1-3 support. Chassis includes the 2x400GE, 4x200GE and 8x100GE default speed support. For 1x800GE speed support, please see the factory installed or field upgrade purchasable options (905-1070, or 905-1071). |
800GE
| Bug Number |
Notes |
| IXOS-7542 |
Link-up and mode switch times may be high due to the re-timer adaptation step. Expect optical lanes to link-up with average times of 20 to 30 seconds. |
| IXOS-7694 |
The latency measurement method "Delay Variation with Latency" will not show latency results in 100GE mode. |
| IXOS-7698 |
Setting a port into internal loopback after a hardware reset may not take into effect when issued from TclHAL. |
| IXOS-7743 |
Optical modules will require careful tuning of the Rx Output equalization for best signal integrity and to avoid excessive link-up time. Please consult with the factory for information on qualified modules. |
| IXOS-7811 |
The optical receive path occasionally receives error bursts resulting in a non-monotonic FEC error distribution. Please consult with the factory on the recommended optical modules. |
| IXOS-7834 |
The PCS lane view in 100GE counts twice as many bit errors as expected. |
Miscellaneous
| Bug Number |
Notes |
| IXOS-7831 |
Windows setup with multiple builds, app selector is using latest IxNetwork build so "package req ixtclhal" is giving error "The IxNProtocols does not support the given IxOS". |