MSolutions, a leading supplier of test devices for commercial and residential AV environments, has announced that its IP Network Analyzer software is now compatible with NETGEAR managed switches for more comprehensive, in-field testing of AV over IP networks. NETGEAR becomes the second industry-leading network switch brand to be supported by the software, following last month’s initial release with Cisco switch compatibility.
MSolutions has also added two new IP Network Analyzer software features—Port Connected Status and Real-time Bandwidth Monitor—which expand its testing functionality for NETGEAR and Cisco switches. Port Connected Status letsinstallers identify the number of ports the switch has and which ones are physically connected to the network, while the Real-time Bandwidth Monitor enables them to assess the bandwidth being used by a particular port in near real time.
The IP Network Analyzer software runs on MSolutions’ portable MS-TestPro testing device, which is the first HDBaseT tester to integrate AV over IP analysis capabilities. When connected to a compatible network switch, the IP Network Analyzer software uses vendor-specific parameters to perform custom testing and reporting that help installers fully evaluate the integrity and performance of AV signals transmitted over the IP network. The MS-TestPro is immediately compatible with NETGEAR’s M4200, M4300 and M4500 Series managed switches.
The data and analytics generated by the IP Network Analyzer software let installers immediately verify if an IP network’s settings and cabling satisfy the desired performance and resolution requirements. They can also determine whether a switch is properly connected and configured on the network to enable uninterrupted video streaming.
“As more businesses transition their AV systems to IP networks, end users need the confidence that their networks are secure, highly available, and optimized for performance as video, audio and data traffic move through the facility or campus,” said Laurent Masia, Director of Product Line Management, NETGEAR. “As NETGEAR managed switches lie at the core of these systems, our customers depend on their reliability across all of these areas. MSolutions is providing integrators and tech managers with the exact toolset they need to test, verify, troubleshoot and certify that reliability and performance within and AV over IP environment.”
In addition to the new Port Connected Status and Real-time Bandwidth Monitor functions, other key IP Network Analyzer software features include:
- Identification of network configuration faults
- Identification of network port status (open or blocked) and present network nodes
- Confirmation that pertinent multicast settings are correctly enabled
- IGMP Snooping, including VLAN setup and fast-leave supports
- SNMP compatibility for network status queries
“Our MS-TestPro with the IP Network Analyzer software enables AV installers and systems integrators to perform critical testing while they’re in the process of deploying an AV over IP network,” said CEO Eliran Toren. “Our integration of HDBaseT, HDMI and IP network testing in a single device further bolsters our ‘all-in-one’ value proposition, sparing technicians from the need for multiple, stand-alone test devices while easily addressing hybrid installations in both commercial and residential installations. We are excited to add support for NETGEAR’s popular managed switches to our constantly growing list of compatible vendors.”
Customers can download the updated IP Network Analyzer software to their existing MS-TestPro devices for a free 14-day trial or purchase it for use on new devices. Compatibility announcements with network switches from additional leading manufacturers are also expected over the coming months.
