Calnex Paragon-neo User manual
GETTING STARTED GUIDE
Calnex Paragon-neo
Enhanced Accuracy Synchronization Tester
PTP and SyncE for rates up to 400GbE
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Notices
This document refers to Calnex Paragon-neo Software Revision 11.00.xx and higher.
Last Updated: January 2024
© Copyright Calnex Solutions plc, 2024. All rights reserved.
Reproduction, adaptation, or translation without prior written consent is strictly prohibited, except as allowed under
copyright laws.
Warranty
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
Calnex Solutions plc makes no warranty of any kind with regards to this material, including but not limited to,
the implied warranties or merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
Calnex Solutions plc shall not be liable for errors contained herein and for incidental or consequential damages in
connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.
Warnings and Cautions
WARNING
A WARNING notice denotes a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or
personal injury.
CAUTION
A CAUTION notice denotes a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in damage to,
or destruction of, this equipment or other property.
IMPORTANT
Indicates information, procedures or recommendations that need to be followed to make correct
measurements.
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Contents
1Introduction.................................................................................................................................................. 4
2Installation.................................................................................................................................................... 5
3Paragon-neo Front Panels ......................................................................................................................... 8
4Front Panel Controls..................................................................................................................................12
5Rear Panel Description..............................................................................................................................19
6Optical Transceivers.................................................................................................................................20
7Connecting Your Paragon-neo ................................................................................................................21
8Switching On/Off & User Interface Basics ............................................................................................24
9Workflow.....................................................................................................................................................26
10 Example Paragon-neo Workflow ............................................................................................................28
11 Remote Live CAT & PFV...........................................................................................................................32
12 Access Security .........................................................................................................................................33
13 Paragon-neo Option 133 1PPS/ToD/Frequency Converter ................................................................35
14 Help and Support ...................................................................................................................................... 37
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1Introduction
This guide shows you how to install and operate the Calnex Paragon-neo hardware and navigate the user
interface.
The operational guidance is generic, detailed operational steps for specific test scenarios and results
interpretation can be found in the Calnex Test Guides and Software Release Notes available on the instrument.
1.1 Overview
Calnex Paragon-neo provides direct insight into the performance of high-accuracy timing signals at interfaces up to
400GbE, and the ability to generate real-world scenarios to validate the operation and behavior of network
devices.
This guide describes all versions of the instrument: Paragon-neo first generation, Paragon-neo second generation,
Paragon-neo R and Paragon-neo PAM4.
Paragon-neo functions (with appropriate options installed):
•Ethernet interface rates of –
-NRZ ports: 100M, 1GbE, 10GbE, 25GbE, 40GbE, 50GbE and 100GbE.
-PAM4 ports: 50GbE, 100GbE, 200GbE and 400GbE.
•PTP timeTransmitter/timeReceiver emulation, impairments, and time error measurements to ITU-T G.826x and
G.827x standards, including Class-C, Class-D and other Enhanced Timing devices.
•PTP and Time of Day message decode and analysis.
•SyncE wander tolerance, transfer and generation testing to ITU-T G.8262.1 and G.8262.
•SyncE jitter tolerance and generation testing to ITU-T G.8262.1 and G.8262. Jitter testing available only on NRZ
interfaces.
•ESMC message generation and measurement to ITU-T G.8264.
•1PPS/ToD generation and measurement.
•Background traffic generation.
1.2 Terminology
This document uses the following definitions:
•Paragon-neo –a general description applying to both Paragon-neo NRZ and Paragon-neo PAM4 instruments.
•Paragon-neo NRZ –an item or description specific to the Paragon-neo NRZ first or second generation
instrument.
•Paragon-neo R –an item or description specific to the Paragon-neo R instrument.
•Paragon-neo PAM4 –an item or description specific to the Paragon-neo PAM4 instrument.
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2Installation
The Paragon-neo is bench portable and operates stand-alone in a normal laboratory environment. If the Paragon-
neo is to be mounted in an equipment rack, either use the Calnex supplied rack mounting kit, or the Paragon-neo
can be placed on an appropriately secured and weight rated shelf in the rack.
Always position the equipment with unrestricted access to the AC power connector.
The vents to the left and right sides of the Paragon-neo chassis must always be unimpeded to allow for the cooling
of the internal components (airflow is left to right when looking at the front panel). Ensure that there is at least
75mm unobstructed space on each side of the instrument to allow airflow.
Environmental operating conditions must comply with the specifications in section 2.2.4.
2.1 Supplied Accessories & Paperwork
After unpacking the Paragon-neo, make sure that the accessories below are present. If anything is missing, contact
•Power cord (1)
•Getting Started Guide (1)
•Declaration of Conformity (1)
•CSS Brochure (1)
•Customer Information Sheet (1)
•Calibration Certificate (instruments fitted with Jitter measurement option only) (1)
•Rackmount Instructions (1)
•Packing List (1)
2.2 Specifications and Operating conditions
WARNING:
Use of this equipment in a manner not specified by Calnex Solutions may impair the protection
afforded by the equipment and invalidate the warranty. Note that there are no user-serviceable
parts inside the Paragon-neo. The instrument should be returned to Calnex Solutions for all
repairs. Unauthorized opening of the instrument will invalidate the warranty.
WARNING:
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
WARNING:
To avoid electrical shock:
•Use the only power cord supplied, or one with adequate ratings, and connect only to a
properly grounded power socket outlet. Ensure the power socket outlet is easily accessible
and near the unit.
•Do not open covers. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
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2.2.1 Dimensions
Paragon-neo: 45cm x 40cm x 17cm (W x D x H).
Cardboard Shipping Carton: 63cm x 60cm x 33cm.
Carry Case: 63cm x 60cm x 33cm.
2.2.2 Weight
Paragon-neo: 13kg (max).
Gross Packed Weight (shipping carton): 25kg (max). Paragon-neo plus Power Cord fitted in Carry Case with
Cardboard Shipping Carton.
Gross Packed Weight (carry case): 24kg (max). Paragon-neo plus Power Cord fitted in Carry Case.
2.2.3 Power Requirements
The unit requires a power source of:
Voltage: 100 –240V AC.
Power: 800W max.
Frequency: 50 –60Hz.
2.2.4 Environmental Conditions
The environmental conditions the instrument is designed to support are as listed below:
•For indoor use only
•Altitude: Operating: ≤2000m
•Operating temp: 0 –40˚C
•Relative Humidity: Operating: ≤90% non-condensing
•Pollution degree of the intended environment: PD2
•Mains supply voltage fluctuations: ±10%
•Overvoltage category: OVC II
2.2.5 Regulatory
CE and EMC (incl. EN-61010, EN-61326, etc.) certified.
•Safety: EN 61010-1:2010 +A1:2019, CAT II
•EMC: EN 61326-1:2021
2.3 Cleaning
If the surface of the Paragon-neo becomes dirty, remove the AC power and clean with a soft lint-free cloth. Never
use flammable liquids to clean the instrument.
2.4 Shipping Packaging
Paragon-neo is supplied in a carrying case. This case is designed and tested specially to protect your Paragon-neo
during transport. Please retain for future use, as transporting in any other packaging will void the instrument
warranty.
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2.5 Labels and Disposal Information
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment regulations label indicates that the equipment
should only be disposed of through an approved method. At the end of life please dispose of the
equipment through a recognized and approved scheme fulfilling the local environmental
requirements.
The CE mark indicates that the product meets all the appropriate provisions of the relevant
legislation contained in the European Directives.
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3Paragon-neo Front Panels
3.1 First Generation Paragon-neo NRZ Front Panel
First generation Paragon-neo NRZ instruments can be identified by the presence of two CFP4 transceiver ports on
the front panel.
On/Off Switch
Optical Ethernet Ports
SFP (P2, P9)
SFP+/SFP28 (P3, P8)
QSFP+/QSFP28 (P4, P7)
100G CXP (P1, P10)
100G CFP4 (P5, P6)
Optical Ethernet Ports 100M SFP (P11, P14)
Electrical Ethernet Ports 100/1000BASE-T (P12, P13)
Clock Measurement Ports
Balanced (P15)
Unbalanced (P16)
Measurement Ports
1PPS+ToD Balanced (P17)
1PPS Unbalanced (P18)
Diagnostic Ports
(unused) (J12, J13)
Status Display
USB (J11)
LAN (J10)
Reset Switch
Unbalanced Clock
Ref Output (J3)
Ref Outputs
1PPS+ToD Balanced (J4)
1PPS Unbalanced (J6)
Ref Inputs
1PPS+ToD Balanced (J5)
1PPS Unbalanced (J7)
Test Outputs
1PPS+ToD Balanced (J8)
Unbalanced Clock (J9)
Clock Ref Inputs
Unbalanced (J1)
Balanced (J2)
Buttons
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3.2 Second Generation Paragon-neo NRZ Front Panel
Second generation Paragon-neo NRZ instruments can be identified by the presence of two high speed electrical
(2.5G/5G/10G) Ethernet ports on the front panel. Second generation instruments do not have CFP4 transceiver
ports.
Diagnostic Ports
(unused) (J12, J13)
Status Display
USB (J11)
LAN (J10)
Reset Switch
Unbalanced
Clock Ref Output (J3)
Ref Outputs
1PPS+ToD Balanced (J4)
1PPS Unbalanced (J6)
Ref Inputs
1PPS+ToD Balanced (J5)
1PPS Unbalanced (J7)
Test Outputs
1PPS+ToD Balanced (J8)
Unbalanced Clock (J9)
Clock Ref Inputs
Unbalanced (J1)
Balanced (J2)
On/Off Switch
NRZ Optical Ethernet Ports
SFP (P2, P7)
SFP28/SFP+ (P3, P6)
QSFP28/QSFP+ (P4, P5)
Clock Measurement Ports
Balanced (P13)
Unbalanced (P15)
Measurement Ports
1PPS+ToD Balanced (P14)
1PPS Unbalanced (P16)
Electrical Ethernet Ports
2.5G/5G/10G (P1, P8)
Optical Ethernet Ports 100M SFP (P9, P12)
Electrical Ethernet Ports 100/1000BASE-T (P10, P11)
Buttons
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3.3 Paragon-neo R Front Panel
Paragon-neo R instruments can be identified by the Paragon-neo R logo on the front panel.
Diagnostic Ports
(unused) (J12, J13)
Status Display
USB (J11)
LAN (J10)
Reset Switch
Unbalanced
Clock Ref Output (J3)
Ref Outputs
1PPS+ToD Balanced (J4)
1PPS Unbalanced (J6)
Ref Inputs
1PPS+ToD Balanced (J5)
1PPS Unbalanced (J7)
Test Outputs
1PPS+ToD Balanced (J8)
Unbalanced Clock (J9)
Clock Ref Inputs
Unbalanced (J1)
Balanced (J2)
On/Off Switch
NRZ Optical Ethernet Ports
SFP (P2, P7)
SFP28/SFP+ (P3, P6)
Clock Measurement Ports
Balanced (P13)
Unbalanced (P15)
Measurement Ports
1PPS+ToD Balanced (P14)
1PPS Unbalanced (P16)
Electrical Ethernet Ports
2.5G/5G/10G (P1, P8)
Optical Ethernet Ports 100M SFP (P9, P12)
Electrical Ethernet Ports 100/1000BASE-T (P10, P11)
Buttons
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