Our Testers
The tester range falls into three distinct categories, data cable testers, network testers and telecom/enterprise testers.
The data cable tester range includes easy to use copper and fibre testers for cable verification, Ethernet transmission testing and cable certification that provide proof of performance.
The unique network tester range helps to pinpoint and solve networking issues quickly. They decrease downtime by allowing field technicians to discover the root cause of network connectivity issues such as incorrect IP configuration, rogue network services, network bandwidth issues and PoE supply problems.
The telecom testers are designed for mobile backhaul and broadband access using copper, fibre and wireless networks. They offer full Ethernet testing of carrier service turn-up, mobile backhaul link, microwave and wireless link and for enterprise users to monitor carriers’ SLA performance.
“To provide connected products and services which simplify, demystify and improve the productivity of those installing, testing & maintaining network cabling & devices.”

SEP 2025
Launched SignalTEK QT Cable Qualification Series

OCT 2024
Launched FiberMASTER Fusion Splicer Series

AUG 2024
Launched LanTEK IV-L (Lite) - A dependable and cost-effective solution for Copper certification

JUN 2023
Launched Cloud Connected VDV II Series

FEB 2023
Relocated UK headquarters to High Wycombe. Secured a larger premises to support future growth and in-house warehouse facility

DEC 2022
Launched AnyWARE Explorer – a pivotal software enhancement to the TREND AnyWARE Cloud

NOV 2022
Launched Cloud Connected PoE Pro

MAR 2022
Launched LanTEK IV-S – the fast Cloud Enabled Certifier in the world

JUL 2021
Enhanced TREND Fiber range launched

Jul 2021
Launched Tone and Probe

May 2021
Terahertz Technologies Inc. acquired

Mar 2021
Rebranded business to TREND Networks with the tagline, Depend On Us

Jan 2021
SignalTEK 10G Ethernet and bandwidth tester launched

Jul 2019
LanTEK IV, FiberTEK IV and AnyWARE Cloud launched with the Patented VisiLINQ PL adapters

Mar 2019
Opened office New Jersey, USA with warehousing, Customer Service, Technical Support and Sales teams

Dec 2018
IDEAL Networks is acquired by CBPE Capital alongside the incumbant Management Team

Apr 2018
SecuriTEST IP CCTV tester launched

Jun 2017
Award Winning Test4Less offering launched

2016
Launch of AnyWARE app

Dec 2015
LanTEK III & FiberTEK III cable certifier launched

2014
VDV II series of wiremappers launched

2013
UniPRO MGig1 enterprise and WAN tester launched

2012
NaviTEK NT series of network troubleshooters launched
SignalTEK CT & NT transmission testers launched

2011
LanXPLORER Pro advanced network troubleshooter launched

2010
Merged datacom test businesses and rebranded as IDEAL Networks

2004
Trend Communications acquired

2001
Acquisition of Acterna’s LAN tester division (formerly known as WaveTEK)

2000’s
10G SDH / Jitter, Triple play (IPTV, Voice and Data) testers

1990’s
E1, PDH / SDH (first handheld SDH testers in the market), xDSL, ISDN testers

1980’s
PCM testers era

1970’s
Telex testers era

1965
Foundation as Trend Communications and first product launch (9600b/s modern tester for General Post Office)

Paul Walsh
Chief Executive Officer
Paul joined TREND Networks in 2013 and is responsible for operations globally. Under his leadership, the company underwent a significant rebrand from its previous identity as IDEAL Networks to become TREND Networks, reflecting its commitment to evolving with the dynamic needs of the market. Paul is dedicated to delivering high-quality, reliable solutions that meet the evolving demands of network professionals worldwide. His leadership continues to drive TREND Networks toward new heights, fostering a culture of innovation and customer-centricity.

Jean-Baptiste Rancon
Chief Financial Officer
Jean-Baptiste joined TREND Networks in May 2023 and is a highly experienced CFO. He is responsible for Global Finance and IT functions at TREND, joining us from Portals International, a UK manufacturing company with operations in the UK and Europe. Prior to Portals, Jean-Baptiste held senior roles at De La Rue, as well as at Morgan Stanley in London. Jean Baptiste has a Master’s degree in Engineering from Ecole Centrale de Paris in France as well as a BFP qualification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales.

Magali Dale
HR Director
Magali brings extensive international HR leadership, joining from WF Education Group where she led strategic HR initiatives, including a complex four-business merger, harmonising terms and conditions, and driving cultural alignment. She previously shaped global HR strategy at Ideal Industries, focusing on talent management and strategic change. Her proven ability to manage complex organisational change, enhance employee development, and align HR strategy with business objectives makes her an invaluable addition, ensuring we attract, develop, and retain the best talent.

Mike Grindele
Vice President of Sales in North America
Mike joined TREND Networks in 2020 and is responsible for Sales and Operations in North America. Residing in Dallas, Texas, Mike began his career in IT with EDS in the 1990’s, when LAN network testing was in it’s infancy. Prior to joining TREND Networks, Mike spent 19 years with Fluke Networks leading the Sales and Operations teams in North America.

Tim Widdershoven
International Sales Director
Tim joined TREND Networks in 2014 and was responsible for Marketing globally until September 2022 when he transitioned into the role of International Sales Director. Tim and his team cover a wide area and are responsible for sales in the UK, France, Europe (excluding the DACH region), Latin America, Australia and Asia. Prior to TREND Networks Tim was with ITW for 15 years.

Stefan Schöfer
Sales Director DACH
Stefan joined TREND in 2007 and is responsible for Sales and Operations in the DACH region. His vast experience and industry knowledge is pivotal to driving success in the DACH market, growing market share exponentially during his time at TREND. Stefan supports product launches with valuable insight and ensure VOC is echoed within the NPD process.

Steve Slyne
Marketing Director
Steve joined TREND in 2015 as Market Manager, bringing a wealth of expertise in Voice of Customer (VOC) insights. Over the years, he has successfully delivered numerous projects worldwide, ensuring market needs and feedback were seamlessly integrated across multiple touchpoints. As his role evolved, Steve transitioned into Customer Experience and later became Marketing Director, where he now leads the teams driving TREND Networks’ marketing and customer service efforts.

Peter Kent
Development Director
Peter joined Trend Communications in 1996 which was later acquired by IDEAL INDUSTRIES INC. He is now responsible for TREND Networks Product Development. Peter has 24 years’ experience in product development and software engineering.

Grant Baker
Operations Director
Grant is a driven and accomplished Operations Director with over 35 years of experience in UK and offshore production. At TREND Networks, he oversees manufacturing, inventory, shipping, and after-sales servicing, ensuring seamless operations and customer satisfaction. With deep expertise in planning, procurement, purchasing, logistics, inventory management and manufacturing, Grant also specialises in New Product Introduction (NPI).

