NETSCOUT Announces First Android™-Based Smart Network Tester

28 Nov 2017

LinkRunner G2 Improves the Effectiveness of Network Operations by Automating Manual Processes and Combining Enhanced Copper and Fiber Ethernet Testing with the Use of Mobile Apps in a Single Device

WESTFORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 28, 2017-- NETSCOUT SYSTEMS, INC., (NASDAQ: NTCT), a leading provider of business assurance, a powerful combination of service assurance, cybersecurity, and business intelligence solutions, today announced the availability of LinkRunner™ G2, the world’s first Android-based smart network tester. For organizations challenged by the rapid growth of network-connected devices, this next-generation test tool enables IT professionals to accelerate deployments and speed problem identification, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of network operations.

Digital transformation has led to an exponential growth of IP-connected devices, including wireless access points, intelligent sensors, digital lighting, access controls, etc., many of which also rely on the enterprise network for power. This is putting pressure on the access network infrastructure, requiring major updates including new, high-powered power over Ethernet (PoE) across many industry segments.

Network operations plays an essential role in building and managing the network of the future, enabling those deployments in access networks. But, with limited resources and tight budgets, these teams need tools that can help them improve their productivity through faster installation, quicker upgrades, and the rapid identification of issues.

“As the world’s leading network connectivity tester, LinkRunner provides immediate visibility and value to professionals responsible for delivering reliable network services,” says Michael Szabados, chief operating officer, NETSCOUT. “The novel combination of LinkRunner G2’s Ethernet test capabilities with a hardened Android operating system simplifies and streamlines installation and troubleshooting workflows and automates manual processes, significantly improving efficiencies in network operations.”

A Single Platform Gets The Job Done

Using LinkRunner G2 with its wired Ethernet capabilities and hardened Android OS, IT professionals get the job done from start to finish. The combination of using vendor-specific mobile apps and LinkRunner’s custom hardware means network professionals can now execute their entire workflow on a single device. They can receive a trouble ticket, review documentation, test loaded PoE and network services, automatically document the results, and configure and triage connected devices.

The use of apps on smartphones may be considered an alternative by some, but it often creates security risks and is not always practical due to connectivity issues. Namely, personal mobile devices have no ability to validate wired Ethernet infrastructure – they cannot test PoE, cabling, link negotiation or network services, so multiple tools are needed.

“Handheld tools, like NETSCOUT’s LinkRunner G2, allow network professionals to focus on proactive tasks, rather than reactive tasks,” said Nolan Greene, Sr. Research Analyst, IDC. “Greater automation allows IT to focus on building the network of the future, rather than on solving short-term problems.”

Unique PoE “Under Load” Testing

More and more access devices are using high-wattage PoE, from wireless access points to security devices and digital lighting. But without the tools to validate it, IT professionals are left guessing when failures occur and finger pointing ensues. LinkRunner G2 is the industry’s first solution to offer a patented TruePower™ PoE test that supports 51 Watt UPOE under load on all four pairs at the powered device, critical for ensuring the correct installation and operation of new building automation elements.

To learn more, visit the LinkRunner G2 product page. Join our live stream today 11/28/2017 at 11 am Eastern Standard Time at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAX6t54bqEo.

About NETSCOUT

NETSCOUT SYSTEMS, INC. (NASDAQ: NTCT) is a leading provider of business assurance – a powerful combination of service assurance, cybersecurity, and business intelligence solutions – for today’s most demanding service provider, enterprise and government networks. NETSCOUT’s Adaptive Service Intelligence (ASI) technology continuously monitors the service delivery environment to identify performance issues and provides insight into network-based security threats, helping teams to quickly resolve issues that can cause business disruptions or impact user experience. NETSCOUT delivers unmatched service visibility and protects the digital infrastructure that supports our connected world. To learn more, visit www.netscout.com or follow @NETSCOUT on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

Safe Harbor

Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and other federal securities laws. Investors are cautioned that statements in this press release, which are not strictly historical statements, including without limitation, the statements related to the benefits and capabilities of LinkRunner and LinkRunner G2, constitute forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from the forward-looking statements due to known and unknown risk, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors. Such factors include slowdowns or downturns in economic conditions generally and in the market for advanced network and service assurance solutions specifically; the volatile foreign exchange environment; the Company’s relationships with strategic partners and resellers; dependence upon broad-based acceptance of the Company’s network performance management solutions; the presence of competitors with greater financial resources than ours and their strategic response to our products; our ability to retain key executives and employees; and lower than expected demand for the Company’s products and services. For a more detailed description of the risk factors associated with the Company, please refer to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017 and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. NETSCOUT assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information contained in this press release or with respect to the announcements described herein.

©2017 NETSCOUT SYSTEMS, INC. All rights reserved. NETSCOUT, the NETSCOUT logo, Guardians of the Connected World, Adaptive Service Intelligence, InfiniStream, InfiniStreamNG, nGenius, nGeniusONE, LinkRunner and True-Power are registered trademarks or trademarks of NETSCOUT SYSTEMS, INC., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

Source: NETSCOUT SYSTEMS, INC.

NETSCOUT
Donna Candelori, +1-408-571-5226
Director, Corporate Communications
Donna.candelori@netscout.com