What TREND Networks does

TREND Networks is a UK-headquartered manufacturer of data cable and network testing equipment, formerly operating as IDEAL Networks. The company designs, produces, and distributes handheld and portable test instruments used to certify, qualify, verify, and troubleshoot copper cabling, fibre optic cabling, PoE, CCTV, and industrial/PROFINET networks. Its product portfolio spans cable certifiers (LanTEK IV-S supporting Cat6A to Cat8.1/8.2 up to 3000MHz, and the lower-priced LanTEK IV-L), qualifiers (SignalTEK QT, SignalTEK 10G/NT/CT), verifiers (VDV II series), PoE testers (PoE Pro), fibre instruments (FiberMASTER Fusion Splicer Series, FiberTEK IV, FiberMASTER Mini-OTDR, VFF5), network and CCTV testers (LanXPLORER Pro, NaviTEK NT/IE, UniPRO MGIG1, SecuriTEST IP), and photonics components. Hardware is paired with TREND AnyWARE Cloud, a Microsoft Azure-hosted test management platform with mobile apps and TeamViewer-enabled remote support, plus Sapphire Care subscription service plans and TREND Academy training.

The business monetises primarily through one-time hardware sales priced between roughly £5,000 and £12,000 per certifier, supplemented by recurring revenue from multi-year Sapphire Care Plans, a freemium cloud platform, trade-in programmes, and refurbished equipment sales. Distribution is multi-channel: a global distributor network spanning 60+ countries, 9 owned regional offices across the UK, Germany, France, the USA, Italy, China, Spain, Poland, and Brazil, direct e-commerce in 7 languages, and Amazon storefronts in the UK, US, France, and Germany. End customers include named enterprise and government accounts (BMW, Disney, SpaceX, Amazon, Virgin Media, Audi, NHS, UK Ministry of Defence, UK Government) served primarily through the fragmented base of data cable installers, network technicians, and systems integrators. The company is privately held with no public revenue disclosure and was most recently reported to have appointed a new CFO in July 2023.

Name

TREND Networks

Legal name

TREND Networks

Website

https://trend-networks.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1916

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

TREND Networks is a UK-based manufacturer of cable certifiers, qualifiers, verifiers, and fibre/network test instruments, serving data cable installers, network technicians, and systems integrators worldwide through distributors, regional offices, and its TREND AnyWARE Cloud platform.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Network Testing Equipment

NAICS

Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (334515)

SIC

Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825)

akta.pro primary industry

Power Quality, Metering & Monitoring (HDACAJAG)

Keywords

• Network testing equipment
• Cable certifiers
• Fiber optic testers
• PoE testers
• Structured cabling tools

Headquarters

HQ city

High Wycombe

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales: Primary revenue stream from selling cable certifiers, testers, and verifiers. Products include LanTEK IV Series, SignalTEK, VDV II, FiberTEK, and related accessories. One-time hardware purchase model with various bundle options.
2. Sapphire Care Plans: Extended warranty and support plans offered as add-on services to hardware purchases. Plans available in 1, 2, and 3-year terms with discounted rates for bundled purchases. Provides calibration, repairs, and reduced downtime protection.
3. Software/Cloud Services: TREND AnyWARE Cloud platform provides free basic access for test uploads and report generation. Premium features include fleet management, over-the-air software updates, and TeamViewer integration for remote support.
4. Trade-In Program: Trade-in programs allowing customers to exchange existing testers for newer models (e.g., SignalTEK QT Trade-In) at discounted prices, driving repeat hardware purchases.
5. Refurbished/Renewed Equipment: Sale of renewed/used test equipment providing lower-cost options for budget-conscious customers while maintaining revenue from older product cycles.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

TREND Networks manufactures and sells professional data cable and network testing equipment, including copper cable certifiers (LanTEK IV-S, LanTEK IV-L), cable qualifiers (SignalTEK QT, SignalTEK 10G/NT/CT), cable verifiers (VDV II Series), PoE testers (PoE Pro), fibre testers (FiberMASTER Fusion Splicer, FiberTEK IV, Mini-OTDR, Power Meter/Light Source, VFF5), and network/CCTV troubleshooters (LanXPLORER Pro, NaviTEK NT/IE, UniPRO MGIG1, SecuriTEST IP). The hardware is unified by the proprietary TREND AnyWARE Cloud platform for test management, collaboration and reporting. Products are sold globally to installers, technicians, and systems integrators.

Product overview

TREND Networks is a manufacturer of data cable and network testing equipment, formerly known as IDEAL Networks. The product portfolio is organized as a platform-plus-modules architecture centered around the TREND AnyWARE Cloud management system, which connects to and manages data from multiple hardware testers. The core hardware offerings include: Cable Certifiers (LanTEK IV-S supporting Cat6A to Cat8.1/8.2 certification up to 3000MHz, and LanTEK IV-L for copper-only certification); Cable Qualifiers (SignalTEK QT for 10G copper/fibre/Wi-Fi qualification, SignalTEK 10G for bandwidth testing, SignalTEK NT and CT for 1G/network testing); Cable Verifiers and PoE Testers (VDV II Series for voice/data/video verification, PoE Pro for 90W PoE++ testing, Tone & Probe for cable tracing); Fibre Testers (FiberMASTER Fusion Splicer Series with S40/S60 models, FiberTEK IV optical loss test sets, FiberMASTER Mini-OTDR for Tier 2 testing, VFF5 visual fault locator); Network Testers (LanXPLORER Pro, NaviTEK NT for general troubleshooting, NaviTEK IE for industrial/PROFINET networks, UniPRO MGIG1 for enterprise/telco); and CCTV Testers (SecuriTEST IP). The portfolio also includes Photonics products (TIA optical converters, LTX fibre links, C995 optical choppers, LT-880 laser tachometer), supported by Sapphire Care service plans and the TREND Academy training platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• TREND AnyWARE Cloud: Cloud-based test management system for managing, editing, and sharing reports from TREND certification, qualification and verification testers.
• TREND Academy

Products and services

• LanTEK IV-S Cable Certifier High-performance copper and fibre data cable certifier that tests and certifies links up to Cat8.1 and Cat8.2, with a 7-second Cat6A test time and cloud connectivity via TREND AnyWARE. Targeted at professional cable installers and systems integrators.
• LanTEK IV-L Cable Certifier Essential copper-only cable certifier for everyday structured cabling projects with Cat 5e, Cat 6, and Cat 6A testing, designed as a streamlined, cost-effective alternative to the LanTEK IV-S for installers focused on copper certification.
• SignalTEK 10G Cable Qualifier Bandwidth and cable performance tester for copper, fibre, and network testing supporting 10 Gigabit Ethernet verification, for installers and network technicians.
• SignalTEK QT Cable Qualification Series All-in-one 10G qualification tester for copper, fibre, and Wi-Fi networks that qualifies speeds up to 100Gb/s, with PoE testing, diagnostics, and cloud-based reporting for installers and systems integrators.
• SignalTEK NT 1G Tester 1G copper, fibre and network transmission tester for data cable installation verification, designed for installers and network technicians.
• SignalTEK CT 1G Tester Copper data cable transmission tester that generates PDF test reports proving installed links run at Gigabit Ethernet transmission rates, for installers and contractors.
• VDV II Series Cable Verifier Easy-to-use cable verifiers for testing and troubleshooting voice, data, and video cabling, with models from Basic to Pro offering advanced fault detection, TDR diagnostics, and cloud-based reporting.
• PoE Pro Tester Professional Power over Ethernet tester that verifies and troubleshoots PoE installations up to 90W (PoE++) with standards-based results and cloud integration, for installers and network technicians.
• Tone & Probe Cable Tracer Amplifier and tone generator kit for tracing and identifying voice, data, and video cables, for installers and technicians.
• FiberMASTER Fusion Splicer Series High-performance fibre fusion splicers delivering fast, precise splicing with ultra-low loss, available in S40 and S60 models with different alignment technologies for FTTH to high-volume telecom network applications.
• FiberTEK IV Optical Loss Test Set Multimode and Singlemode Optical Loss Test Set (OLTS) for Tier 1 fibre certification, for installers and systems integrators certifying fibre networks.
• FiberMASTER Mini-OTDR Single-mode and multi-mode OTDR for Tier 2 fibre certification and troubleshooting, providing detailed fibre analysis and fault location for network technicians.
• FiberMASTER Power Meter / Light Source Fibre qualification power meter and light source for testing fibre optic cable performance, for installers and technicians.
• VFF5 Visual Fault Locator Visual Fault Locator using a visible red laser to quickly verify continuity and locate breaks, bends, and faults in fibre optic cables, for fibre installers and technicians.
• LanXPLORER Pro LAN Troubleshooter In-line LAN network troubleshooter for network diagnostics and analysis, for IT and network technicians.
• NaviTEK NT Network and Cable Troubleshooter Network and cable troubleshooter for copper and fibre network diagnostics, for IT and network technicians.
• NaviTEK IE Industrial Ethernet Troubleshooter Industrial Ethernet troubleshooter for PROFINET and industrial network troubleshooting, for industrial automation and network technicians.
• UniPRO MGIG1 Series Telco/Enterprise Transmission Tester Telco/enterprise carrier transmission tester for WAN and enterprise network testing, for telecommunications operators and large enterprise network teams.
• SecuriTEST IP CCTV Tester CCTV tester for security camera installation verification and troubleshooting, for security installers and integrators.
• TREND AnyWARE Cloud Cloud-based test management system for managing, editing, and sharing reports from TREND certification, qualification and verification testers, with real-time collaboration between Project Managers and Field Technicians, pre-configuration, remote software updates, fleet management, and TeamViewer-based remote support. Sold as a freemium SaaS platform with premium fleet management and remote support features.
• Sapphire Care Plan Extended warranty and support service plans (1, 2, and 3 year options) reducing cost of ownership and providing calibration, repairs, and technical support for TREND Networks hardware owners.
• Renewed / Refurbished Test Equipment Sale of renewed/used TREND test equipment providing lower-cost alternatives for budget-conscious installers and contractors while maintaining revenue from prior product cycles.

Quantifiable outcome

• 7 second Cat6A test time - fastest in industry
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments9 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Microsoft AzurecoreTechnology or IntegrationTREND AnyWARE Cloud is powered by Microsoft Azure, providing cloud hosting infrastructure for the test management platform. This ensures dependable performance, top-tier security, and compliance coverage worldwide.
• TeamViewercoreTechnology or IntegrationTeamViewer integration enables Project Managers to remotely connect to LanTEK IV-S testers on jobsites via TREND AnyWARE Cloud for real-time troubleshooting support, reducing call-backs and increasing collaboration.
• AmazonminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAmazon marketplace partnership for selling TREND Networks products through Amazon UK, US, France, and Germany stores.
• Chengdu Ancentest Electronic Technologies Co., LtdminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor partner for China market, providing local sales and support for TREND Networks products in the Chengdu region.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Fluke Networks: The dominant global manufacturer of copper and fibre cable certifiers (DSX series) and network testers. Direct head-to-head competitor across TREND's core LanTEK and SignalTEK product lines, with overlapping installer and systems integrator customer bases.
• Viavi Solutions: Specialist in fibre optic test (OTDR, OLTS) and cable certification. Direct competitor in TREND's fibre portfolio (FiberTEK IV, FiberMASTER OTDR) and increasingly in enterprise network certification, with similar tier-1/tier-2 fibre workflow positioning.
• EXFO: Fibre optic and optical transport test specialist competing in OTDR, OLTS and Tier-1/Tier-2 fibre certification. Most comparable in TREND's FiberMASTER and FiberTEK product lines, particularly for telecom and hyperscale fibre deployments.
• Softing Industrial Automation: Provider of industrial network diagnostics and PROFINET/industrial Ethernet troubleshooting tools. Comparable to TREND's NaviTEK IE industrial troubleshooter and broader cable/network testing portfolio targeting systems integrators.
• Tempo Communications: Cable installation, verification and testing tools for telecom and datacom installers. Overlaps with TREND's VDV II verifiers, Tone & Probe tracing tools and SignalTEK qualification range across installer-focused channels.
• Platinum Tools: Manufacturer of cable preparation, termination and verification tools for datacom and security installers. Comparable to TREND's entry-level verifiers and accessories, with similar distribution through installer supply channels.
• AEM (Asia) Pte Ltd: Singapore-headquartered test equipment maker with overlapping cable certifier and fibre tester ranges. Direct competitor in structured cabling certification, particularly across Asia-Pacific channels.

Broad incumbents

• Keysight Technologies: Large test & measurement incumbent with a broad portfolio spanning electrical, optical and network test. Overlaps with TREND in electrical signal integrity and network test, but does not specialise in structured cabling certification.
• Ideal Industries (parent of former IDEAL Networks): Former parent of TREND Networks when it operated as IDEAL Networks. Wider electrical and tooling portfolio with adjacent cable installation products; historical comparability is direct, but the businesses are now operationally separate.

Emerging players

• Jonard Tools: Specialist tools and test equipment provider for telecom, datacom and fibre installers. Partial overlap with TREND's cable tracing and verification accessories; comparable installer channel and customer profile.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCa2prN35PhEnOIFAK6ne9zg/featured
• Facebookfacebook.com/TRENDNetworksEN
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/trend-networks
• Instagraminstagram.com/trend_networks_
• TikToktiktok.com/@trendnetworks
• Xx.com/trend_networks

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about TREND Networks