Velocity Automation Switches
A Layer 1 switch, also known as a physical layer switch or a crosspoint switch, operates at Layer 1 of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model. Our switches use specialized hardware that enables you to cable the equipment in your test lab only once and then use software to create or modify connections between equipment as needed for test sets. Layer 1 switches move data from one port to another between devices with minimal delay and no modification, creating secure network connections.
Why use a Layer 1 switch vs a Layer 2 switch? A Layer 1 switch emulates a circuit between two ports as if those ports were physically wired or connected to each other. The Layer 1 switch guarantees that traffic is delivered between those ports and is unchanged by the switch. A Layer 2 switch needs to analyze each packet and make routing decisions based on the packet’s destination MAC address and learned MAC address tables. This adds complexity to test labs where the network topology is constantly changing. If a frame error is discovered, a Layer 2 switch will drop the errored frame because it does not know what to do with it. Conversely, a Layer 1 switch does not examine the frames and therefore will pass errored frames to the correct destination because it does not rely on routing protocols.
Secure network connections with Velocity Series switches
HS Series
3900 Series
OS Series
Velocity HS Series
Accelerate Testing with Velocity Lab Automation
Velocity automation switches are a critical part of the Velocity Automation Portfolio. Velocity accelerates new technology releases and curtails equipment and energy costs by consolidating multiple labs into a single web-accessible resource across teams. This reduces manual effort and maximizes lab asset utilization.
Key Features

Reduce Lab Downtime
Automating test lab network topology changes eliminates unnecessary delays caused by broken connectors, human error, and changing priorities.

Better Testing
Test labs have unique requirements that are not well served by traditional networking infrastructure. Velocity Switch series is designed to address these requirements.

High Scalability
Optimize your existing test lab while delivering a scalable solution to support all your future growth requirements.
Features & Datasheets
Support Ethernet speeds from 1G to 400G
Uses aggregation to utilize lower speed tools for higher speed tests
Software-adjustable, any-rate blades
Scalable solution supporting growth requirements
Flexible configurations from 16 to 1,152 ports of connectivity per system
Centralized software control and 3rd party interoperability
Intuitive GUI enables instantaneous configuration changes and speed upgrades