VeEX TX300s Test Platform User Guide

TX300s-100GX Module (QSFP28/SFP28)
Software Release Notes

TX300s-100GX Module Firmware/Software Updates

The TX300s Test Platform and its factory-installed modules (TX300sm, TX320sm, TX340sm, TX300s-100G and OTDR) are constantly evolving to keep up with new technologies, applications and advanced capabilities. Use VeExpress from the

Utilities >Tools menu to get the latest delta or full software updates or go to www.veexinc.com to download the full upgrade packages to keep the test set and modules up to date. Do not downgrade software versions, unless instructed by a customer support agent. Always follow the platform version recommended in this document. (Note: Brand new units may come with newer versions not yet available in our website or VeExpress.) Refer to the last section of this document for software upgrade guide. The platform and modules’ firmware update process (M.Upgrade) may take a few minutes to complete. Do not turn the test set off or disconnect its AC/DC adapter during the process.

Software versions: 04.00.11
April 7, 2023

Release Scope:
Maintenance Release. General availability.
Requires TX300S Platform version 04.00.21 or newer. Use with ReVeal RXTS 1.3.0 or newer.
General Improvements:

1. General maintenance and minor improvements.
   New Transport features and improvements:

2. New OTN/SDH/SONET and OTU2e/1e Test Modes for the SFP28/SFP+ interface.

3. Fixed an issue with truncated RX OTU4 TCMi BEI/BDI byte in the Overhead Monitoring and Decode features [12888] New Packet features and improvements:

4. Added support of Copper SFP+ transceivers for 2.5 / 5 / 10GBASE-T.

5. Fixed an issue for L2 loopback when test port does not have a valid IP.
   Known issues or limitations:
   a. No new significant issues to report.

Software versions: 04.00.05
September 29, 2022
Release Scope:
Maintenance Release. General availability.
Requires TX300S Platform version 04.00.11 or newer. Use with ReVeal RXTS 1.2.8 or newer
General Improvements:

1. Compatibility with new TX300S Platform hardware version. (Refer to TX300S Platform Release Notes for details.)
   New Transport features and improvements:

2. No new significant issues to report.
   New Packet features and improvements:

3. Fixed the latency thresholds bug for RFC2544
   Known issues or limitations:
   a. Only recommended for test sets shipped since December 2021, with platform 04.00.xx. For test sets with versions 03.xx.xx or earlier, please refer to TX300S Platform Release Notes for details.

Software versions: 04.00.04
September 22, 2022
Release Scope:
Maintenance Release. General availability.
Requires TX300S Platform version 04.00.11 or newer. Use with ReVeal RXTS 1.2.8 or newer

General Improvements:

1. Compatibility with new TX300S Platform hardware version. (Refer to TX300S Platform Release Notes for details.)
   New Transport features and improvements:

2. No new significant issues to report.
   New Packet features and improvements:

3. Fixed Ookla Speedtest crash
   Known issues or limitations:
   a. Only recommended for test sets shipped since December 2021, with platform 04.00.xx. For test sets with versions 03.xx.xx or earlier, please refer to TX300S Platform Release Notes for details.

Software versions: 04.00.02
March 1, 2022
Release Scope:
Major Release. Limited availability.
Requires TX300S Platform version 04.00.04 or newer. Use with ReVeal RXTS 1.2.8 or newer
General Improvements:

1. Compatibility with new TX300S Platform hardware version. (Refer to TX300S Platform Release Notes for details.)

2. Added overall PASS/FAIL verdict to OTN test reports.
   New Transport features and improvements:

3. No new significant issues to report.
   New Packet features and improvements:

4. General maintenance, improvements and bug fixes.

5. VSAM 100GE EMIX Traffic Support added.

6. OTU4/RFC2544 RTD fix. Overall Pass/Fail verdict was incorrect, due to mishandling of the RTD threshold value set.
   Known issues or limitations:
   a. Only recommended for test sets shipped since December 2021, with platform 04.00.xx. For test sets with versions 03.xx.xx or earlier, please refer to TX300S Platform Release Notes for details.

Software versions: 03.06.05
Oct 13, 2021
Release Scope:
Maintenance Release. General availability.
Requires TX300S Platform version 03.06.07 or newer. Use with ReVeal RXTS 1.2.8 or newer
New Transport features and improvements:

1. Compatibility with new R-Server client and latest TX300S platform version.
   New Packet features and improvements:

2. Compatibility with new R-Server client and latest TX300S platform version.
   Known issues or limitations:
   a. No new significant issues to report.

Software versions: 03.06.04
Sep 8, 2021
Release Scope:
Formal Release. General availability.
Requires TX300S Platform version 03.06.04 or newer. Use with ReVeal RXTS 1.2.8 or newer.

New Packet features and improvements:

1. Added OTU3 Bulk Payload software option.
2. Improved V-PERF performance in long latency scenarios.
3. Improved Advanced Saving feature for Ethernet applications.
4. Improved Round Trip Delay (RTD) in OTU4-ODU4-100GE test mode.
5. Improved Advance Optical Testing application
6. Added bit error injection to 25GE and 100GE multiple streams testing.
7. Minor IPTV maintenance for the TX340s-100GX hardware configuration.
8. Fixed some VLAN issues occurring in 100GE Layer 4+ test application.
9. Fixed some issues with the streams’ configuration copy function in V-SAM test application.
10. Fixed a 100GE RS-FEC compatibility issue with certain network equipment.

Known issues or limitations:
a. OTU3-ODU3-40GE Ethernet payload will be available in the next GA release.

Software versions: 03.05.06
Dec 18, 2020
Release Scope:
Initial Public Release. General availability.
Requires TX300S Platform version 03.05.13 or newer. Use with ReVeal RXTS 01.02.08 or newer

New Packet features and improvements:

1. New built-in Ethernet-focused test module supporting up to 100G, for the TX300s platform.

2. New QSFP28/QSFP+ port and test mode options for Ethernet testing at, 40GBASE-X, 100GBASE-X. Includes Throughput, BERT, RFC 2544, V-SAM (Y.1564), multi-stream, Loopback, Lane BERT, PCS and IP test features.

3. New SFP28/SFP+ port and test mode options for 100BASE-FX, 1000BASE-X, 10GBASE-X, 10GBASE-T and 25GBASE-X.
   Includes Throughput, BERT, RFC 2544, V-SAM (Y.1564), Loopback and IP test features. All data rates and interfaces require compatible transceivers.

4. New RJ45 port and test modes for 10/100/1000BASE-T. Includes Throughput, BERT, RFC 2544, V-SAM (Y.1564), Loopback and IP test features.

5. New 100GE V-PERF (RFC 6349 with iPerf and iPerf3 compatibility)

6. New 100G EoE and Transceiver testing options.

7. New optional Layer 4+ advanced test suite, including hardware-based line rate tests: V-TEST (http throughput speed test), V-PERF (RFC 6349), V-FTP.

8. New OTU4-ODU4-100GE Ethernet over OTN and Bulk payloads

9. New Fibre Channel test suite options supporting 1/2/4/8GFC and 10/16/32GFC testing.

10. New concurrent multi-test application support.
    – The module can run up to two tests in a single-module TX300s-100GX configuration
    – The test set can run a total of up to three tests when combined with TX340sm module, in a TX340s-100GX configuration.
    – Tests can be managed with the intuitive TX300s summary test cards and using the orange App button.

Known issues or limitations:
a. After installing this version, please connect the test set to the internet (via LAN or WiFi), then go to >System Tools ( ) >Utilities >VeExpress and press Check, to refresh all the licenses.

References

Test Profiles and Test Results Backup Procedure
The TX300S File Management system offers backup [To USB] and restore [From USB] functions. They can be found in the >Utilities >Files >Saved, on the left side of the screen.
To enable the [To USB] and [From USB] functions, insert a FAT32 USB Memory stick into any of the USB ports. Wait for the USB memory to be recognized (the folder icon will change appearance with a green USB memory icon).
Select the desired test results, test profiles, screen capture and protocol capture files to be saved, using the individual check boxes. For a full backup, check the master box on the header and all files will be marked.
Tap the [To USB] button to initiate the file transfer procedure and wait for the progress bar to finish. Original files will not be deleted from the test set.
When all files have been copied to the USB, you may tap the folder icon (top- right corner) and select “Remove USB Drive” to make sure all cached data is transferred to the USB drive, especially when transferring small files.
It is highly recommended to select all important test profiles and results, and make a backup copy to a USB drive, before upgrading the unit’s software. The software upgrade process cleans up all the data stored in the unit. After the unit has been updated, use the [From USB] function to restore the data back to the test set.

Synchronizing the Test Set with VeExpress
The TX300S needs to connect to VeExpress to auto-register, validate its licenses (newly assigned or shared) and check for any new Platform (System) or Application (Test Module) software updates available.
Connect the TX300S to the Internet via its LAN management port (located on the right side of the test set), verify that a valid IP address is displayed on the bottom-left corner of the screen, press the utilities’ V icon on the top- left corner of the screen to access the Utilities section, and select

Utilities >VeExpress to access the built-in client. Press the Check button to register and update licenses (permanent, rented or leased). It also checks if the test set is running the latest software version.
It is recommended to sync the TX300S with VeExpress on a regular basis, especially after performing software upgrades, to refresh its licenses (e.g., expecting a new license or releasing/sharing licenses with other test sets). Connecting to VeExpress is also required if new software features (licenses) have been purchased, leased, rented or shared/reassigned.
Mangers can also login to www.v-express.com, using a PC or tablet, to manage test sets and licenses

Updating the TX300S Platform (System) software
Depending on the hardware configuration, the TX300S can have up to three software components that need to be updated, basically the Platform (System) software and the built-in test modules’ software (TX300sm, TX320sm, TX340sm, 100GQ, 100Gx, or OTDR hardware).
There are two main ways to keep the TX300S system up-to-date:

1. Using the built-in VeExpress feature (>Utilities >VeExpress). Using an Internet connection, through the Management Port, the test set connects to the VeExpress server and user can press the Check button to see if there is a new SW update (Delta Push directly to the test set) or full upgrade (performed via USB memory). The Software Upgrade tab should show all the applicable software versions available (if not shown, please go to item 2).
   A) Delta Update: Using the built-in VeExpress users can perform consecutive (incremental) updates directly from the test set (for example, updating from 2.0.1 to 2.0.2). The advantage is that update packages are smaller and a lot faster to download. The test set must be connected to a LAN (using the Management port) and have access to the Internet.
   B) Full Upgrade: If the software version in the test set is much older than the current release, then a FAT32 USB Memory stick needs to be inserted in the USB port located on the left side of the test set. Select the applicable software components using the check boxes and press Download. The test set will then download the selected install packages directly to the root of the attached memory stick. When finished, turn the test set OFF. Then press the App, and Power buttons simultaneously to power the test set ON in software upgrade mode. The three buttons can be released once the confirmation tone (beep) is heard. Wait for the upgrade process to finish.

2. Via USB Memory Stick: Using a (PC) web browser, go to http://veexinc.com/en-us/Products/TX300s and click on the open the Software download window and click on the link to get the latest SW upgrade package for the Platform (no need to login). Select the applicable module page and download the Module software. Copy the tx300s-100Gx.tar.gz file to the root of a FAT32 USB memory stick and then plug it to the USB port located on the left side of the TX300S. Turn the power OFF. Press the App, and Power buttons simultaneously, to power the test set ON in software upgrade mode. The three buttons can be released once the confirmation tone (beep) is heard. Wait for the upgrade process to finish.
   Note: Software packages and other tools can be downloaded from the TX300S product page at www.veexinc.com >Products and Solutions >TX Series >TX300S >Software

The TX300S must be connected to AC/DC charger at all times during the whole upgrade process. DO NOT turn it off at any time; the upgrade process will take several minutes and the TX300S will reboot itself at the end.
To verify the current software version number installed in the unit, open the Utilities section, select Settings, and open About.
Note: If installed in your PC, some file compression agents (applications) may show the resulting tx300s-veex-arm.tar.gz as a compressed file, but there is no need to expand the file anymore. Keep it as is.

Updating the Built-in Test Modules’ Software (via USB)
Make sure the TX300s Platform is running the latest firmware version available. The TX300s Platform always formats the internal SD card during a platform (system) upgrade, so the modules’ software needs to be reloaded after the system upgrade. Take this opportunity to check if new versions are available for the 300sm Multi-service (XFP/SFP), 320sm Multiservice (SFP/SFP+), 340sm Multi-service (SFP+), 100G and/or OTDR modules.

• Download the applicable test module software from the web site or using the built-in VeExpress client.
• Copy the test modules’ uncompressed firmware update package files to the root of the memory stick (both modules can be upgraded simultaneously)
• Plug the memory stick into the USB port located on the left side of the platform
• Turn the TX300s On and wait for the boot up process to finish.
• The TX300s may display an “incompatible software version” warning message to indicate that the test module requires a firmware update. Tap the OK button to close the message.
• Touch the Utilities button on the top bar, open the Utilities tab on the left bar, and select M.Upgrade.
• The platform will search the memory stick for valid update packages and show their information.
• Use the check boxes to select the desired software updates
• Tap on the Upgrade button to start the firmware update process. This could take several minutes. The test set will shut itself off at the end.
• Turn the test set ON, connect to a LAN, go to >Utilities >VeExpress and press Check to update its licenses

The TX300s must be connected to AC/DC charger at all times during the whole upgrade process. DO NOT turn it off at any time; the update process would take a few minutes and the test set may reboot itself at the end.
To verify the software version number installed in the current test module, turn the test set back on, open the Utilities section, select Settings, and open About.

Updating the Test Set Software via WiFi or LAN
Make sure the test set is ON and connected to a wireless LAN, set as an access point (AP) or connected to a LAN. This functionality will only be available after the test platform has been upgraded to 03.02.06.
PCs, Mac, tablets, and smartphones can be used to perform this task, as long as they provide access to the file system and allow you to select the software upgrade install file.

• Open the Web Browser and enter the IP address of the test set into the browser’s address/search field (e.g., 10.0.1.15). The test set’s IP address is displayed on the bottom-left corner of the screen,
• Once the test set’s Web Remote Access page loads, select Platform Upgrade from the menu on the left side of the screen.
• Tap or click on the Select File button and point it to the Software Image file.
• Tap or click on the Upload button to transfer the Software Image file to the test set.
• Once the file transfer is done, tap or click on Upgrade and let the test set go through the process, uninterrupted. This will take a few minutes.
• The test set will reboot itself during upgrading process. IP connection to the test set will be lost. Need to check the status directly on the test set display

ReVeal RXTS (PC software)
Offers Remote Access, download screen capture, results, profiles, and wander files, create reports, etc. Download it from www.veexinc.com >Transport/Metro/Core >TX300s Family

Downloads
ReVeal Wander Analysis (PC software)
Wander and absolute phase analysis and reporting. MTIE and TDEV analysis and standard pass/fail masks Download it from www.veexinc.com >Transport/Metro/Core >TX300s Family Downloads

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Some features listed in this document require software options that may require paid activation or license and may or may not be available in all products. VeEX Inc., reserves the right to change product offerings or specifications without notice.

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References

• VeEX Inc. | The Verification EXperts
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• VeEX Inc. | The Verification EXperts
• VeEX Inc. | The Verification EXperts
• VeEX Inc. | The Verification EXperts

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