MTX642 2x400GE Test Set | Quick Start Guide

The MTX642 400G is an advanced handheld test solution designed with dual test engines, enabling comprehensive support for both legacy and next-generation optical transceiver form factors across a broad spectrum of applications, including Transport, Core, Metro, P2P links, DCI, transceivers, AOC, AEC, ACC, DAC, and Break-out testing up to 2x400GE. It also offers native RJ45 (copper) interface support for rates up to 10GBASE-T, addressing the requirements of modern multi-gigabit access services.

1. Getting To Know the MTX642 Platform

As 400GE becomes mainstream in aggregation, interconnect and transport applications, the MTX642 handheld test set represents the next step in high-speed Ethernet (HSE) testing for the field. It has been designed for portability, user accessibility, minimizing onboarding time and simplifying complex test procedures for operators at any experience level. As a result, it is an essential tool for professionals engaged in high-speed Ethernet deployment.

The MTX642 test set is available in different hardware configurations and can run single or dual tests from 10 Mbit/s up to 400 Gbit/s (for a total of up to 800 Gbit/s test traffic in 2x400GE mode). From physical layer to link and service performance verification, this comprehensive test platform covers Layer 1 through Layer 4+, including packet capture and decode, for all supported data rates. The dual test modes also allow it to test active and passive high speed Ethernet cables (e.g., AOC, AEC, ACC, DAC and break-out), in addition to regular transceiver testing.

Some of the features and functions described in this guide may require specific hardware options, software licenses, transceivers and/or optional external accessories.

Supported Test Ports and Data Rates:

2x QSFP-DD, QSFP56, QSFP28, QSFP+ for 400G, 200G, 100G, 50G, 40G
2x SFP-DD, SFP56, SFP28, SFP+, SFP for 100G, 50G, 25G, 10G, 1G, 100M
2x RJ45 for 10G, 5G, 2.5G, 1G, 100M, 10M

Supported Test Applications (Depend on Data Rate, Test mode and software version):

Link QoS: Throughput, RFC2544, Y.1564 V-SAM
Link QoE: RFC6349 V-PERF (iPerf), V-TEST (Speed test)
Transceiver Test, AOC/DAC test, Lane BERT, Pre/Post FEC Stress Test, Loopback Mode
L2CP, Protocol Capture and Decode (PCAP) with built-in Wireshark™, and more.

1.1 Key Platform Elements

List of VeEX's MTX642 400G key elements requires for operation

Connector Panel - Test Ports. The MTX642 (High-Speed Ethernet version) offers the following test ports:
1. 2x QSFP - QSFP-DD, QSFP56, QSFP28, QSFP+
2. 2x SFP - SFP-DD, SFP56, SFP28, SFP+, SFP
3. 2x RJ45 Ethernet - 10/100/1000BASE-T, 2.5/5/10GBASE-T
4. 1x SMA(f) CLK - External Reference Clock Input
5. 1x SMA(f) - GNSS/GPS Active Antenna port (with 5 V_DC)
LCD Screen with capacitive touchscreen.
Power Indicator (LED) - Turns green when the test set is powered ON.
Power Button - To turn the test set ON, press and hold the power button, until you hear a beep and the VeEX logo is displayed on the screen. (The three second delay is to prevent it from accidentally turning ON during transport, e.g., in its carrying bag.) To turn the test set OFF, press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps.
RJ45 Management Port - Ethernet LAN port for platform connectivity (e.g., Web Remote Control, Web Access, VNC^®, EZ-Remote™, VeSion^® R-Server, VeExpress™, etc.)
USB-C Port - For optional external dongles (e.g., memory stick).
USB-A Port - For optional external dongles (e.g., memory stick).
DC 24V - DIN-4 DC Jack for battery charging and operation. Only use the 160W AC/DC charger (A01-00-026G) supplied by VeEX with the MTX642. Plug it in the orientation described below (Flat Side facing towards the back).

MTX642 warning label directing users on how to correctly plug the DC charger jack, with the flat side facing towards the back.

1.2 Connector Panel and Test Interfaces

The MTX642 offers two sets of test ports, Group 1 and Group 2. The Test Mode Selection menu will display the available and applicable Test Modes, based on the test port selection and Data Rate. A graphical representation of the connector panel is displayed on the screen.

Port Group 1 (left) is used for Single Port tests, in which the test set terminates one side of the link and tests against another instrument, remote test unit (RTU), server or loopback at the other end. (e.g., Lane BERT, P2P link tests, Throughput, RFC2544, V-PERF/iPerf RFC6349, V-SAM Y.1564, V-TEST speed test, transceiver check, etc.)
Port Group 2 (right) is used for Dual Port applications, in which the test set terminates both ends of the cable, link or device under test or runs two similar tests independently. (e.g., AOC/DAC cable testing, local one-way delay, NE load testing, local troubleshooting, etc.)

Connector panel and test ports of the VeEX MTX642 400G test set

QSFP Slots - Supporting QSFP-DD, QSFP56, QSFP28, QSFP+ optical transceivers for 400G, 200G, 100G, 50G and 40G rates
SFP Slots - Supporting SFP-DD, SFP56, SFP28, SFP+, SFP optical transceivers for 100G, 50G, 25G, 10G 1G and 100M rates
RJ45 Ports - Supporting 10/100/1000BASE-T and 2.5/5/10GBASE-T copper UTP interfaces for 10G, 5G, 2.5G, 1G, 100M and 10M rates
CLK IN SMA(f) - External Reference Clock Input
SMA(f) - GNSS/GPS Active Antenna port (with 5 V_DC)

The Pull Tab marking guides, printed on the panel, next to the slots, indicate the pull tab orientation required to correctly insert the transceivers.

The (Pull Tab UP), next to the QSFP slots, indicate that QSFP-DD, QSFP56 and QSFP28 transceivers must be inserted with the pull tab facing towards the back of the test set.
The (Pull Tab DOWN), next to the SFP slots, indicate that SFP-DD, SFP56 and certain SFP28 transceivers must be inserted with the pull tab facing towards the front of the test set.
Transceivers with retractable Bail Clasp (no pull tab), such as traditional QSFP+, SFP+, SFP and certain SFP28, must be inserted with the colored part of the bail clasp facing the opposite direction (e.g., towards the back of the test set for SFPs and towards the front for QSFP+). Think about it this way, when the bail clasp is lifted to unlock and remove the transceiver, it becomes a pull tab, which follows the same orientation as indicated by the connector panel icons.
Regardless of the different standard positions for the Pull Tabs and Bail Clasps, the orientation of the LC fiber ports is consistent throughout the test set. This is important when inserting the simplex and duplex patch cords required for testing.

Pull Tabs are very convenient because they allow users to remove the transceivers, from their cages, without having to disconnect the fiber patch cords, hence reducing potential exposure to contamination for the optical LC connectors.

1.3 Main Menu and Touch Screen Gestures

When turned ON, the test set boots up to the System, Tools & Settings Menu, in which users can configure different aspects of the test platform and access common tools, by tapping on the widgets and buttons.

Users can access the Test Mode Selection Menu by tapping on the desired Test Port icon, at the bottom of the screen, or by swiping up from the bottom, as indicated by the icon.

The MTX642's Test Mode Selection Menu allows user to select the desired Test Port, Data Rate and Test Mode. Swipe down from the top to return to the Main Platform Menu, as indicated by the handle icon () on the top of the screen.

After selecting the target Test Port, Data Rate and Test Mode, users can use the following gestures to quickly navigate through menus, functions, settings and actions.

Animated demonstration of some basic multi-touch gestures used in VeEX's MTX642 400G test set.

Swipe Down from the top to access the System, Tools & Settings Menu, whenever the handle icon () is displayed on the top of the screen, by dragging it down (swipe down) with one finger.
Swipe Up from the bottom to close the System, Tools & Settings menu or to reveal the bottom menu of a test application, to access its specific Options, Actions and Settings. The availability of such menu is indicated by the handle icon () on the bottom of the screen.
Swipe Left from the right edge when running a test application, this reveals a Test Application Selection Menu, displaying which test functions are available for the current configuration (e.g., Throughput, V-TEST, V-PERF, V-SAM, PCAP, etc.)
Swipe Right from the left edge goes back to the Test Mode Selection Menu, allowing users to change the test interface, data rate and/or test mode, to configure new tests.
Swipe Down with three fingers to save a Screenshot. The screenshot (screen capture) function saves the content of the screen into the File Manager, in PNG format, and organized under the Screens folder and marked as Screen file ("Test") type. The image is saved in the File Manager with a timestamp name (YYYYMMDD_hhmmss.
- Tip: For more consistent results, start by placing the three fingers on the black glass border above the screen and then drag them down. This assures that the screen content does not get modified by mistake. Alternatively, you can swipe-down from the top with one finger, to access the platform menu and select the Screenshot function.
Swipe Up and Down when the scroll bar is displayed on the right, to navigate through the contents of the current page.
Swipe Left and Right to navigate through multiple pages, when the index dots appear on the bottom of a page.

2. System, Tools & Settings

Swipe down from the top of the screen to reveal the main System, Settings & Tools menu. Swipe up from the bottom, or tap on the icon, to close.

Date & Time - Displays current date and time. Tap on this button to adjust the system's date, time, time format, time zone, etc. Users have the option to enable the Network Time Protocol (NTP) and enter a public NTP server URL (pool.ntp.org by default), so the test set automatically updates its time when connected to the Internet. Note: If connected to R-Server, the Date and Time related settings may be disabled, since R-Server provides a centralized/common time of day (ToD) to the test sets.

File Manager - Tap on the Files button to access and manage stored test results, test profiles (configurations). protocol captures (PCAP) and screenshots (screen capture image files). A list of stored files is displayed for each of these categories. Access and manage test results, test profiles and screenshots. Files can be renamed, deleted, locked, shared, uploaded to R-Server or transferred to/from USB memory sticks. The widget displays the current amount of storage memory used (out of about 18 GB allocated for User Data).

About - Provides test set's serial number, information, software version, licenses/options and system's internal storage capacity details.

Global Settings - General platform and system configuration. Includes Language, Telnet/SSH permission, set NoApp QR code generation as default, and enable/disable NTP time synchronization service, among other platform features.

Owner Information - Create and access owners' profiles, with company and user contact information, to be added to test reports.

Help - Provides access to the user manual and/or quick start guide.

Calculator - Simple calculator utility.

Screen Copy - The screenshot (screen capture) function saves the content of the screen (being displayed prior to opening the System Menu) into the File Manager, in PNG format, and organized under the Screens folder with Screen as file ("Test") type. This is similar to using the three-finger swipe down. The image is saved in the File Manager with a YYYYMMDD_hhmmss (timestamp) name.

Screen Lock - Touch this button to LOCK the touchscreen and prevent accidental operations. The screen content will be grayed out and the Unlock button will be displayed in different places of the screen. Touch and hold the button to UNLOCK the touchscreen.

Cloud Services - Provides access to R-Server cloud services.

Battery Status - Displays current battery charge level, charging status , estimated time to reach full charge or remaining operation time (under the current load conditions). A small power status icon is also displayed on the top bar.

A power LED above the screen indicates whether the test set is ON (green), OFF with charger plugged in (orange), or OFF without charger plugged (off).
In Low Battery condition, the test set will start beeping to warn users that it needs to be recharged. If a charger is not plugged in on time, the test set will power itself OFF.

Brightness Control - Touch the screen (LCD) backlight button and drag it UP and DOWN to increase and decrease the backlight intensity. By default, it is set to 50%, which should be good for indoor environments. Increase the intensity for outdoors use or decrease it for darker rooms (e.g., equipment rooms) or to extend the battery autonomy.

Bluetooth^® - Bluetooth transceiver ON/OFF and pairing. A small Bluetooth indicator icon is also displayed on the top bar, when Bluetooth os ON and the test set is discoverable. Initiate the pairing process from the computing device (PC/tablet/phone) and use the last four digits of the S/N as PIN.

Wi-Fi^® - This WLAN connectivity configuration menu allows users to Enable or Disable the Wi-Fi radio, as well as select and Access Point (AP) to connect to. The Wi-Fi IP connection is considered a Management Port, used by the MTX642 platform for Remote Access, Web Remote Control, EZ-Remote, VeExpress, VeSion R-Server, NTP time server, software updates, remote support, collaboration, training, etc.

Ethernet - This (wired) LAN and IP connectivity configuration menu allows users to Enable or Disable, and configure the RJ45 Ethernet management port on the side of the test set, used by the MTX642 platform for Remote Access, Web Remote Control, EZ-Remote, VeExpress, VeSion R-Server, NTP time server, software updates, remote support, collaboration, training, etc.

EZ Remote™ - A cloud-based Remote Control and Remote Access service provided by VeEX. The basic service is provided free of charge (Internet access required for the test set and the controlling PC, tablet or smartphone).

Enable remote access by toggling the EZ Remote slider button.
Press the Connect button to register the test set on the EZ-Remote server to make test set available for others to use, from remote locations, using the web browser on any PC, tablet or smartphone (no installation required).
Scan the QR code, with a smartphone of tablet, to send an Email of SMS/TXT notification to your peers, with instructions. A direct link will be included in the messages, along with any comments and passwords edited into them, so remote users just have to click (or manually go to https://ezremote.veexinc.net and enter the test set's Serial Number and Password). The default password is "pass1".
For more information go to https://kb.veexinc.com/en/knowledge/remote-control-veex-test-sets.

VeExpress™ - This basic cloud service helps keep the test set fleet up-to-date and optimizes license ownership, by managing software updates, licenses (owned, rented, or shared), with basic asset tracking.

R-Server™ - Part of the VeSion® service assurance ecosystem, it provides access to (optional) advanced cloud/hosted service that manages test set fleets, test results, data aggregation and analysis, workflow and job closing, reporting, asset management, software updates and protection.

GNSS - This provides access to the GNSS/GPS receiver configuration and status. Users can Enable or Disable the GNSS receiver hardware option (if installed), select among the different frequency bands and global navigation satellite systems available (GPS, Galileo, BeiDou, GLONASS). The GNSS can be used to synchronize the time of day (ToD) of the test platform, to provide coordinates and precise timestamps to geotag test results, or to serve as timing reference for synchronous applications, among other applications).

Software Upgrade - Use this function to apply new software updates to the test set, when a USB memory stick containing a valid software update package from VeEX is inserted into the test set. This function is only accessible when the test set detects a memory stick.

3. Test Mode Selection Menu

The Test Mode Selection menu provides an intuitive workflow that allows users to select the desired test type, based on the specific interface(s) under test (e.g., transceiver, AOC/DAC, link, NE/device or network).

The initial configuration workflow is based on answering the question: What Am I Testing Today? "I will be using a QSFP28 transceiver for Ethernet testing at 100 Gbit/s, to verify the link/device/port performance", so the user interface follows the same logical sequence.

Select the Test Port (transceiver) being used for the test. It must support the interface, modulation, rate and protocol required for the test.
1. For Single Port test applications, select from Port Group 1.
2. For Dual Port test applications, select from Port Group 2.
Select the transmission Technology (a.k.a. protocol) to be used for the test.
Select the Data Rate to match the interface under test.
Select the Test Mode from the list available
If multiple FEC options are supported, tap on the (FEC: None) indicator to select the required FEC mode. (e.g., None, RS-FEC, KP4, KR4, oFEC, etc.)
Tap on the Load button to launch the selected Test Mode configuration. This may take a few seconds.

Once the test application launches, the graphical user interface (GUI) content will depend on the selections made. Nonetheless, they all have a common look-and-feel and follow similar workflows. Swipe left, from the right edge of the screen, to reveal the Test Application Selection menu and select the specific test required and use any of the gestures described earlier to navigate through the test configuration and results.

The current (selected or active) test application button is highlighted in blue.

When done testing, the Test Mode and Test Application can be released (terminated) by swiping right from the left edge of the screen, to go back to the Test Mode Selection menu. then tap on the Release button, confirm the Release and Continue.

Releasing the Test Applications, once done with the testing, will significantly increase the battery autonomy (up to >24 hours managing results, with no active test).

4. File Manager - Results, Profiles & Screenshots

Swipe down from the top of the screen to reveal the System, Settings & Tools menu, then tap on the Files button to access and manage stored test results, test profiles (configurations) and screenshots (screen capture image files). A list of stored files is displayed.

Tap on the Results | PCAPs | Profiles | Screens section tabs, on left of the page, to select the type of files to be displayed. The current type is highlighted in blue. Use the / and / to sort the files in descending or ascending order, based on file name or timestamp. The provides information about the percentage of internal storage used and the number of files currently stored in each section.

To manage individual files, select the desired file row and swipe half-way to the left, to open the individual file Edit sub-menu.
Touch and Hold anywhere on the files list to access the multi-file functions and perform batch operations (e.g., file transfers, deletion, upload, etc.), then tap on when finished. (There must be at least one file stored in the test set for this to work.)

Rename file.

File Information - Shows basic test results details and Lock/Unlock function. Locked files can't be deleted.

Transfer File(s) - Share selected file(s) through Bluetooth, export to attached USB memory stick (backup) or upload to R-Server.

Generate QR Code - Easily transfer test results to smartphones and tablets with NoApp cloud services. (The default setting for this function can be enabled or disabled in Settings, on the main menu.)

Delete individual file - Files can be locked to prevent accidental deletion.

Delete all selected files.

From USB - Restores (loads) previously exported test results, profiles and screenshots from the attached USB memory stick.

5. Software Upgrade

Keeping the test set up to date, by upgrading its software to the latest available version, is very important. Download the installer package provided by VeEX and unzip (uncompress) the mtx642-veex-arm.tar.gz installer package. The computer may identify it with a compressed folder icon, however there is no need to uncompress it further.

Some organizations may have a policy for running on standardized software versions, so all the devices in their fleet run the same specific approved version. Check with your managers to see if your company or team allows using the latest public release version recommended by VeEX.

Also, organizations using R-Server™ asset management may choose to block individual test sets from being manually upgraded. In those cases, the approved software version would only be available through the R-Server system.

5.1 Software Upgrade Using a Web Browser

Verify that the test set's battery has >50% charge, it is connected to its charger and charging.
Establish a LAN or WLAN (Wi-Fi) connection and take note of the test set's IP address, displayed on the top-left side of the test application screens.
On a computer, connected to the same network, open a web browser and point it to the test set's IP address, to open its Web Remote Access page.
Select Upgrade from the left menu.
Click on Select File button and use the File Browser to find and select the uncompressed installer package, then click on Upload to transfer it to the test set. A wired LAN connection is recommended for faster file transfer.
Once the file upload has finished and has been verified, click on the Upgrade button, then on OK to start the software update process in the test set.
The test set may reboot multiple times during the process. DO NOT turn it OFF, until it has finished.

5.2 Software Upgrade Using a USB Memory Stick

Also known as a "clean install", this procedure may reset certain parameters and configurations back to the factory default values.

Verify that the test set's battery has >50% charge, it is connected to its charger and charging.
Copy the mtx642-veex-arm.tar.gz installer package file to the root of a trusted USB memory stick.
Insert the memory stick to the test set's USB port.
Swipe down from the top of the screen to reveal the System, Settings & Tools menu, then tap on the Upgrade button to access the software update utility.
The Software Upgrade page will display the current version installed on the test set and the version available on the memory stick. Users may tap on the Check button to refresh the content, if necessary.
Tap on the Upgrade button to install the most recent (higher) version only. The test set will Beep and reboot. This may take a few minutes. DO NOT downgrade the test set software, unless specifically instructed by VeEX's customer support team.

5.3 Software Upgrade Using VeExpress^™ Cloud Service

This functionality will be available in future releases.

5.4 Upgrade Using R-Server^™

This functionality will be available in future releases.

If your organization uses R-Server to control the software versions to be deployed throughout the fleet and your test set has an active R-Server Client (Advanced Management) license, then you should follow this procedure, as long as your test set has been registered and approved by the account administrator or manager.

Part of the VeSion® family, R-Server is a Centralized Workflow, Results and Asset Management System (requires corporate subscription and Internet access). If enabled, allows users to download workorder-related tests profiles, software, and upload test results directly from the test set. Among other features, R-Server administrators or managers can also monitor the inventory and track test sets in repair, etc.

First, connect the test set to the Internet, using the Wi-Fi/WLAN or LAN management ports. Swipe down from the top of the screen to access the System, Tools & Settings menu and tap on the R-Server button.

If it is the first time using it, you may need to enter the Server Address/URL for the server in your organization, the Tech Name (your name), tap on Check or Register and wait for authorization.

Once the Registered and Authorized confirmation message appears, swipe right to access the Software page. Select the software version and download.

Note that due to potential Internet bandwidth limitations, the software versions distributed through R-Server may be in the form of smaller incremental update packages, with previous version prerequisites.

^{*All trademarks are property of their respective owners.}

Glossary

ACC - Active Copper Cables with signal equalization and amplification electronics at both ends, to improve reach, performance and/or speed over coaxial cables.

AEC - Active Electrical Cables with improved conditioning (compared to ACC), adding retiming and CDR functions to improve reach, performance and/or speed over coaxial cables.

AOC - Active Optical Cables have permanently connected xSFP transceiver modules at both ends, supporting longer distances and higher speeds.

DAC - Direct Attach Copper cables are passive high-speed coaxial patch cords using xSFP transceiver bodies as connectors at both ends.

DCI - Data Center Interconnect (high-speed connectivity links).

FEC - Forward Error Correction.

GNSS - Global Navigation Satellite systems, including USA GPS, European Galileo, Chinese BeiDou and Russian GLONASS. They provide position, navigation and timing (PNT).

iPerf - Open-source speed test tool for network performance measurements and tuning, from the Internet Performance Working Group. Part of the RFC6349 test methodology.

MSA - Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) industry standard.

NE - Network Element (e.g., switch, router, multiplexer, modem, etc.)

NRZ - Non-Return to Zero (baseband 'modulation').

P2P - Point-to-Point links.

PAM4 - Pulse Amplitude Modulation, 4 levels.

PCAP - Packet Capture feature and industry-standard file format for protocol capture.

SAM - Service Activation Methodology (ITU-T Y.1564).

xSFP - Generic reference to the different types of Small Form-factor Pluggable transceivers, such as SFP, QSFP and OSFP versions.

ZR/OpenZR+ - High-performance coherent optical transmission MSA standards used for high-speed, long-distance data networking.