UNH-IOL first and only independent lab to offer testing for all data center bridging (DCB) standards

DURHAM, USA: The University of New Hampshire InterOperability Laboratory (UNH-IOL), an independent provider of broad-based testing and standards conformance services for the networking industry, has enhanced its entire spectrum of Data Center Bridging (DCB) testing services by updating existing test suites and test tools in accordance with the finalization of all IEEE Data Center Bridging (DCB) standards.

The first and only independent laboratory to offer testing for all DCB standards, the UNH-IOL has seen a growing interest in DCB, as evidenced by membership in the lab’s DCB Consortium doubling over the past 12 months. By providing members with access to the latest DCB testing services, the UNH-IOL is helping members prepare for the next-generation of data center networks.

The UNH-IOL contributes extensively to technology standards development through participation in a variety of standards bodies and industry forums, such as the Fibre Channel Industry Association (FCIA). Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE), a storage protocol dependent on DCB, will be tested at the FCIA Fibre Channel Over Ethernet Plugfest #7. During the plugfest, which will take place October 24-28 at the UNH-IOL, cable and data center operators, as well as Fibre Channel (FC) device vendors, will have the industry’s first opportunity to test against the recently ratified 16G FC standard in a neutral, multi-vendor environment.

Backward compatible with previous FC standards, 16G FC protects existing storage infrastructure investments. Interoperability testing of FCoE devices will also be performed at the plugfest. In addition to the FCIA plugfest, the UNH-IOL is partnering with the Ethernet Alliance for the upcoming Ethernet Alliance DCB Plugfest, which will take place October 17-21 at the lab.