Fluke Boosts Wireless Analysis With AirMagnet Acquisition

The terms of the definitive agreement were not disclosed. The deal is expected to close in the coming weeks.

Everett, Wash.-based Fluke makes network installation, certification, testing, monitoring and analysis tools for copper, fiber and wireless networks. Used by both enterprises and telecom carriers, Fluke's line of Network SuperVision tools gives network installers, owners and maintainers visibility into network performance.

AirMagnet, Sunnyvale, Calif., makes performance, security and compliance tools for enterprise wireless networks. AirMagnet tools let IT organizations monitor and analyze the wireless LAN infrastructure to ensure applications function properly. Its product line includes AirMagnet Enterprise, a 24x7 WLAN security and performance management tool; AirMagnet Wi-Fi Analyzer, a Wi-Fi troubleshooting tool; and a host of other wireless tools such as AirMagnet Survey, AirMagnet Spectrum Analyzer, AirMagnet Planner and AirMedic.

Buying AirMagnet gives Fluke stronger footing in the Wi-Fi testing arena and strengthens its network testing and analysis capabilities, regardless of whether those networks are wired or wireless, Fluke said.

"Together, we expect that the solutions from Fluke Networks and AirMagnet will provide the end-to-end network visibility network engineers need and the actionable information required to deploy, secure, manage, analyze and troubleshoot their networks, independent of media type," David Coffin, president of Fluke Networks, said in a statement, adding that AirMagnet's product lineup is a strong fit with Fluke's portfolio.

The acquisition comes as wireless LAN usage inches closer to eclipsing its wired counterpart as the network of choice. More and more companies are moving applications to the WLAN and devising mobility challenges. Fluke said through the AirMagnet acquisition it will give its customers the visibility to ensure those networks are secure, compliant and performing uninterrupted.

"The power of a combined Fluke Networks and AirMagnet should help us fulfill more quickly the growth opportunities and product and technology road maps to better serve our customers' evolving needs," Dean T. Au, AirMagnet president, said in a statement.