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Automated network validation library
Keysight IxANVL software delivers automated, standards-based protocol conformance and interoperability testing with minimal hardware requirements. Designed for multilayer protocol qualification, it emulates large multinode Layer 2 and Layer 3 environments to validate devices under real-world network conditions. IxANVL supports fast automation, flexible scripting, and an intuitive interface, enabling efficient regression testing and new stack qualification for Ethernet, IP, routing, MPLS, VPN, and more. Easily extend the platform with new protocols and test suites as standards evolve, optimizing your development workflow and accelerating time to market. Choose a license based on the protocol support and license subscription type required. Request a quote for one of our popular configurations today. Need help selecting? Check out the resources below.
Multinode emulation
Simulate complex Layer 2 and Layer 3 multinode networks and L3 control protocols, enabling L3 protocol validation and performance analysis under realistic conditions.
| Protocol support |
Test comprehensive protocols, including IPv4 / IPv6 routing, bridging, Multiprotocol Label Switching, virtual private networks, TCP / IP, carrier Ethernet, and automotive Ethernet.
Software-based solution
Run powerful, automated conformance testing on standard PCs with supported Ethernet interface cards, no chassis or specialized hardware needed.
Adaptable platform
Easily add protocols, interfaces, and test suites as industry standards evolve; automate workflows using scripting and a user-friendly GUI.
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Protocol support
Automotive-IPv4 binary, Automotive — IPv4, Automotive-IPv6 binary, Automotive-IPv6 source, Segment routing, IPv6 binary, IPv4 binary, IPv4 routing binary, Multicast, IPv6 routing, MPLS binary, TCP / UDP, IPSecv4 binary, IPSecv6, PPP, Carrier Ethernet, Bridging binary, SDN binary, OSPF-SR, ISIS-SRv6, Binary framework, Source framework, Automotive-IPv4, ISIS-SR, Automotive TC8 L2 binary, DHCPv6 client
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License options
Perpetual, Subscription
Most popular configurations
IxANVL Framework Bundle, Floating Binary Perpetual License
IxANVL Automotive-IPv6 Floating Source Perpetual License
IxANVL Protocol Test Package IPv6 Routing Bundle, Floating Binary Perpetual License
Services and support
Innovate at speed with curated support plans and prioritized response and turn-around times.
Get predictable, lease-based subscriptions and full lifecycle management solutions—so you reach your business goals faster.
Experience elevated service as a KeysightCare subscriber to get committed technical response and more.
Ensure your test system performs to specification and meets local and global standards.
Make measurements quickly with in-house, instructor-led training, and eLearning.
Download Keysight software or update your software to the newest version.
Frequently asked questions
Automated protocol testing accelerates network device validation by enabling comprehensive, repeatable verification of protocol compliance and interoperability. It reduces manual errors and speeds debugging by simulating complex Layer 2 and Layer 3 network environments. This approach supports faster time to market for routers, switches, and other network equipment, ensuring devices meet industry standards such as Ethernet, IP routing, MPLS, and VPN protocols while validating real-world behavior.
IxANVL (automated network validation library) is an automated test platform used to verify whether network devices like switches, routers, and hosts comply with industry-standard Layer 2/3 protocols. It provides vendor-neutral RFC-based test suites and scripting support to validate interoperability, protocol behavior, and edge-case performance, ensuring your device meets industry and deployment requirements.
Automated conformance testing tools support a broad range of protocols across the OSI model’s Layer 2 and Layer 3, including IPv4 and IPv6 routing, bridging, Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), virtual private networks (VPNs), TCP/IP, carrier Ethernet, and automotive Ethernet. This wide protocol coverage enables thorough testing of device stacks in enterprise, service provider, and automotive networking environments to ensure robust interoperability and compliance.
IxANVL supports a wide range of Layer 2 and Layer 3 protocols including IPv4, IPv6, BGP, OSPF, IGMP, MLD, RIP, RSTP, LLDP, and many more. It also includes specialized test suites for multicast, neighbor discovery, and mobility protocols. The platform is regularly updated to align with evolving IETF standards and test specifications.
Software-based protocol validation offers flexibility and cost efficiency by running on standard PC hardware with supported Ethernet interface cards, eliminating the need for expensive chassis or dedicated test hardware. It integrates seamlessly into automated regression testing and continuous integration pipelines, supporting scripting and easy test customization. This improves scalability and accelerates development cycles, especially for pre-silicon validation and multilayer protocol stacks.
Unlike packet blasting or traffic emulation tools, IxANVL focuses on deep conformance testing using curated and deterministic test cases based on official RFCs. It allows step-by-step analysis, pass/fail tracking, and reproducible debugging, all within a user-friendly GUI or automated CLI interface. It’s ideal for certification, regression, and interoperability testing.
Automated validation platforms provide adaptable architectures that allow users to add new protocols, interfaces, and test suites as networking standards evolve. With flexible scripting and intuitive user interfaces, these tools enable continuous updates and enhancements to test coverage, ensuring ongoing compliance, interoperability, and readiness for emerging technologies in enterprise, data center, and service provider networks.
Keysight IxANVL (Automated Network Validation Library) extends this adaptability by offering a broad and continuously updated set of protocol libraries, covering areas such as IPv4/IPv6, MPLS, IPsec, PPP, and carrier Ethernet. Its modular design lets users expand test coverage as standards change, while automation and scripting streamline the process of incorporating new scenarios. IxANVL also supports multi-node emulation, enabling realistic validation of interoperability and conformance across complex topologies. By combining extensible libraries with flexible deployment options on standard PCs or high-performance load modules, IxANVL ensures that organizations can validate compliance quickly and cost-effectively as networking technologies evolve.