VIAVI and Keysight both sell test and measurement capabilities into communications markets, but they are not shaped the same way. VIAVI is organized around network and service enablement plus optical security and performance. Its portfolio is closest to the operational problems of validating, deploying, monitoring and securing communications networks, data-center links and critical infrastructure. Keysight combines communications solutions with a much broader electronic-industrial test and design business, spanning semiconductor, automotive, energy, consumer electronics, aerospace, defense and other engineering markets.
That distinction matters more than any single instrument specification. VIAVI’s center of gravity is network, field, assurance, optical and resilient-infrastructure work. Keysight’s is electronic design enablement, laboratory and production measurement, communications-system validation and industrial engineering workflows. Both are exposed to data-center and AI infrastructure, wireless evolution and defense modernization, but they reach those transitions through different customer problems and segment structures.
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VIAVI and Keysight at a glance
| Comparison point | VIAVI Solutions | Keysight Technologies |
|---|---|---|
| Reported operating segments | Network and Service Enablement (NSE); Optical Security and Performance Products (OSP) | Communications Solutions Group (CSG); Electronic Industrial Solutions Group (EISG) |
| Primary business orientation | Network and service testing, monitoring, assurance, security, optical technologies and resilient position, navigation and timing | Electronic design and test, communications-system validation, measurement instruments, software, systems and related services |
| Communications exposure | Data-center, optical, Ethernet, fiber, wireless, service-provider and critical-infrastructure testing and assurance | Commercial communications, protocol and physical-layer validation, next-generation connectivity and communications infrastructure |
| Additional markets emphasized | Aerospace and defense, resilient PNT, optical security, anti-counterfeiting and 3D sensing | Aerospace, defense and government; automotive, energy, consumer electronics, education, general electronics and semiconductor design and manufacturing |
| Typical form factors or delivery | Field instruments and systems, lab and production test, monitoring and assurance platforms, services and optical products | Benchtop, handheld and modular instruments; electronic design and test software, systems, application software and services |
The companies’ own descriptions support this portfolio distinction. They do not establish a universal ranking in which one company is technically better than the other, nor do they provide a basis for comparing market share, profitability or customer satisfaction.
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Network and Service Enablement
VIAVI reports NSE as the larger of its two businesses. It includes test, monitoring and assurance products and services for data centers, communications networks and critical infrastructure. The segment also includes resilient position, navigation and timing (PNT) capabilities, which address the need for dependable timing and positioning when satellite-navigation signals are disrupted, unavailable or unreliable.
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![[Upgraded] AURSINC NanoVNA-H Vector Network Analyzer 9KHz -1.5GHz Latest HW V3.7 HF VHF UHF Antenna Analyzer, Measuring S Parameters, SWR, Phase, Delay, Smith Chart](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41hseV6xSbL._SL160_.jpg)
- [UPGRADED NanoVNA-H] New HW Version V3.7. It is upgradeable as new firmware is developed. With MicroSD card port now can have the measurement data or the screenshots saved in the it at anytime. Added battery circuit management, more secure. Redesigned PCB, you can connect to mobile phone with Type C-Type C cable (original PCB needs OTG cable), see a clear HD image on your phone. Added a ABS case, which is protective and dust-proof. Disply: 2.8 inch TFT (320 x240).
- [IMPROVED FREQUENCY ALGORITHM] The improved frequency algorithm can use the odd harmonic extension of si5351 to support the measurement frequency up to 1.5GHz. The 9KHz-300MHz frequency range of the si5351 direct output provides better than 70dB dynamic, The extended 300M-900MHz band provides better than 60dB of dynamics, and the 900M-1.5GHz band is better than 40dB of dynamics.
- [MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS] The default firmware main function is used for antenna performance measurement. The TX/RX method can measure the complete S11 and S21 parameters. If you need to obtain S12 and S22, you need to manually replace the transceiver port wiring. The CH0 output level is increased to 0dBm when using the fundamental wave, resulting in more accurate reflection measurement.
- [SUPPORT ANDROID PHONE & PC SOFTSARE CONTROL] Designed a practical and simple control application on PC, you can download touchstone(SNP) files for radio design and simulation software. There is a PC interface that adds functionality and lets you work interactively on a bigger screen. Supports time domain analysis function (TDR). Compatible with most Android mobile phones, convenient for connecting to mobile phones. Support Windows Computer Control.
- [STRONG AND SECURE POWER SUPPLY] This VNA is battery powered or USB powered. Built in 650mAh battery, could work for 2 hours continuously. For longer measurement time, kindly connect an external power source. The product interface displays battery usage, providing a clear understanding of the power status.
The portfolio spans the network lifecycle rather than one isolated laboratory stage. High-speed optical and Ethernet systems are used in laboratory and production environments; fiber instruments support installation and maintenance; wireless test solutions address radio and network evolution; and network-security, AIOps, automation and performance tools target operation after equipment is deployed. Aerospace and defense products sit alongside these communications offerings, giving NSE a critical-infrastructure and mission-oriented dimension.
High-speed Ethernet and the OSI stack
VIAVI says its high-speed Ethernet portfolio addresses layers 0 through 7 of the OSI stack following its October 2025 acquisition of certain Spirent businesses. In practical terms, that description signals coverage from the physical optical or electrical transmission layer through higher-level protocols and applications. It is not a claim that every product is interchangeable with every Keysight product; it describes the breadth of VIAVI’s Ethernet testing scope after the transaction.
Optical security and performance
VIAVI’s OSP segment is distinct from network assurance. It covers optical security and performance products, including anti-counterfeiting and 3D-sensing technologies. Those products connect the company to optical applications in aerospace, defense, industrial and automotive settings, not only to carrier or data-center network testing.
What Keysight’s test and measurement business covers
Communications Solutions Group
Keysight’s CSG serves commercial communications as well as aerospace, defense and government customers. Its work includes the measurement and validation of communications systems, from physical-layer behavior and protocol interactions to system-level performance. Keysight’s fiscal 2025 reporting describes customer use of physical-layer test, protocol emulation and system-level modeling for next-generation infrastructure.
This communications orientation overlaps with VIAVI in wireless, optical, Ethernet and data-center work. The difference is organizational context: at Keysight, communications is one major group alongside a broad electronic-industrial group, while VIAVI’s company structure is more concentrated on network enablement, optical technologies and adjacent infrastructure applications.
Rank #2
- UPGRADED NANOVNA ANALYZER: SeeSii Nanovna-h4 Vector Network Analyzer is developed by Hugen. With the latest 4.4 version,9KHz-1.5GHz measure range,4.0 inch LCD touchscreen, mini and portable design. This Antenna Analyzer is provides outstanding vector network measurement capabilities and perfect for evaluating antenna resonance and SWR. It is a very handy & smart analyzer for electronics engineers, amateur radio operators, or radio diy amateurs
- BUILT-IN MICRO-SD PORT & TIME DISPLAY: The latest antenna analyzer with a MicroSD card port, so you can save field test data or screens to a MicroSD card at any time, supporting up to 32GB memory card. (Not included in the package).In addition, different from the old version of NanoVNAs, the date and time can be customized, which is convenient for you to further record and save data. The default firmware main function is used for antenna performance measurement
- IMPROVED FREQUENCY ALGORITHM: The Vector Network Analyzer can use the old harmonic extension of si5351 to support the measurement frequency up to 1.5GHz. The 50K-300MHz frequency range of the si5351 direct output provides better than 70dB of dynamics, The extended 300M-900MHz band provides better than 60dB of dynamics, and the 900M-1.5GHz band is better than 40dB of dynamics. Great for troubleshooting antennas and improving performance
- PC CONNECTION & TX/RX FUNCTION: The VNA analyzer uses PC software NanoVNASaver, it can connect to a NanoVNA and extracts the data for display on a computer for saving to Touchstone files. We can export Touchstone (snp) files for various radio design and simulation software through PC software. In addition, the default firmware is mainly used for antenna performance measurement. The TX/RX method can measure the complete S11/S21 parameters (need to manually replace the transceiver port wiring)
- Abundant Accessories: Equipped with 1x NanoVNA-H4(with 1950mA-h battery), 1x USB Type-C cable, 2 x 15cm SMA male to male RG316 RF cable, 1x SMA male calibration kit - OPEN,1x SMA male calibration kit - SHORT,1 x SMA male calibration kit - LOAD,1 x Touchscreen pen. It's very useful as an antenna analyzer for your ham station, easy to set without fancy calibration
Electronic Industrial Solutions Group
EISG extends Keysight into electronic engineering markets that are not limited to communications networks. The group serves automotive, energy, consumer electronics, education, general electronics and semiconductor design and manufacturing, in addition to other electronic-industrial applications. Its offerings include electronic design and test software, measurement instruments, systems, application software and related services.
Keysight therefore participates in design and verification workflows before a product reaches a communications network. Engineers may use its tools to model, design, characterize and validate electronic devices, subsystems and complete systems. The company supplies benchtop, handheld and modular form factors, allowing the same broad measurement orientation to appear in laboratory, production and field contexts.
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Shared communications and infrastructure exposure
Both companies address the rising complexity of communications infrastructure. Their portfolios can touch optical links, high-speed Ethernet, wireless development, data-center interconnects and validation of next-generation networks. Both also describe work connected with aerospace and defense customers, where communications, timing, electronic systems and reliability requirements intersect.
That overlap explains why a communications-equipment maker, service provider, data-center operator or defense contractor might encounter both names during a technology program. A buyer could need physical-layer characterization, protocol testing, traffic generation, network troubleshooting, installation verification or ongoing assurance, and the boundary between those activities depends on the project.
VIAVI’s operational and service-enablement emphasis
VIAVI’s NSE description places unusual weight on what happens in and around a live network: monitoring, assurance, automation, security, performance and resilient timing. Fiber instruments and field systems address deployment and maintenance. AIOps and network-performance tools address operations. Resilient PNT addresses infrastructure that depends on trustworthy positioning or timing. This gives VIAVI a portfolio identity tied to network outcomes and service continuity.
Rank #3
- 2026 Upgraded Tinysa Ultra+ ZS407 Spectrum Analyzer: Supports an ultra-wide frequency range of 100kHz–7.3GHz, delivering precise test data for RF system development, satellite alignment, and frequency verification. Features a 4.0-inch HD touchscreen (480×320 resolution) with up to 450 scan points for clear visualization of complex spectrum data. The intuitive interface ensures ease of use, while ESD protection and the latest V0.5.4 hardware system provide professional and stable performance
- Broad Frequency Coverage: Supports 100kHz–7.3GHz, ideal for 5G NR, Wi-Fi 6E, satellite communications, and higher wireless frequency bands. Calibrated up to 8GHz, it enables broader applications for high-frequency testing in lab environments. Standard mode covers 100kHz–800MHz, while ULTRA mode extends to 6GHz. With 200Hz–850kHz RBW, it ensures fast, efficient measurements, meeting high-precision needs like SSB two-tone intermodulation tests
- Robust Signal Generation: Functioning as both a spectrum analyzer and signal generator, it produces MF/HF/VHF sine waves from 100kHz-900MHz, UHF square waves from 800MHz-6.3GHz, and mixed signals from 4.4GHz-6.3GHz. Our spectrum analyzer antenna's versatility is perfect for RF system development, wireless communication debugging, and RF interference detection, aiding professionals in identifying and resolving frequency issues
- Convenient PC Control and Data Transfer: With USB and TinySA-APP connectivity, the device supports real-time data display and transfer, enhancing data management efficiency. This sdr spectrum analyzer includes a 32GB MicroSD card for easy data storage and sharing, catering to spectrum scanning, signal detection, and radio noise measurement needs
- 10-Hour Working Time: Powered by a 5000mAh battery, it offers up to 10 hours of continuous operation, ideal for field use by RF interference troubleshooters and satellite communication technicians. This signal analyzer's compact design makes it portable for various work environments, facilitating quick wireless signal detection and analysis for electronic and audio technicians
Keysight’s design and electronic-measurement breadth
Keysight’s EISG makes its overall business broader across electronic product development. Automotive electronics, semiconductors, energy systems and consumer devices are part of the stated customer landscape even when the immediate project is not a telecom-network deployment. Software and modeling are also explicit parts of the offering, alongside instruments and systems.
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Strategic themes each company identifies
VIAVI’s stated priorities
- Data-center ecosystems: high-speed optical and Ethernet testing for increasingly dense, faster interconnects.
- Wireless evolution: 5G, 5GA, 6G and Open RAN test and service-enablement opportunities.
- Service enablement: AIOps, automation, security and network-performance capabilities intended to improve operation and assurance.
- Aerospace and defense: test equipment and optical technologies for mission-oriented applications.
- Resilient PNT: positioning, navigation and timing capabilities for critical infrastructure.
- Optical applications: aerospace, defense, industrial and automotive uses for optical security, sensing and performance products.
These are VIAVI’s stated priorities, not an independent forecast of which area will grow fastest.
Keysight’s stated growth drivers
- Next-generation connectivity: validation of evolving communications technologies and interfaces.
- High-performance compute: measurement and modeling for systems that move and process data at increasingly high rates.
- Defense modernization: electronic and communications test requirements associated with updated defense systems.
- AI-related infrastructure: customer collaborations and test needs linked to AI computing infrastructure.
- 6G development: research and customer work around future wireless systems.
Keysight’s fiscal 2025 annual report describes these activities as company and customer engagements. They should not be read as independently verified market forecasts or as proof that one company has captured a larger share of any transition.
How to read the latest financial figures
The most recent figures located for the two companies cover different periods. VIAVI has reported a full fiscal year, while the latest located Keysight figure is a fiscal-quarter result. Putting those two headline numbers next to each other as though they were equivalent annual revenues would produce a misleading comparison.
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Rank #4
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- IMPROVED FREQUENCY ALGORITHM: The improved frequency algorithm of Nano VNA H4 can use the odd harmonic extension of si5351 to support the measurement frequency up to 1.5GHz. The 50K-300MHz frequency range of the si5351 direct output provides better than 70dB dynamic. The extended 300M-900MHz band provides better than 60dB of dynamics, and the 900M-1.5GHz band is better than 40dB of dynamics. Used it to check out new cable or antenna installations and to routinely adjust the RF tuner for optimum
- BUILT-IN MICRO-SD PORT & TDR FUNCTION: This antenna analyzer features a brand new panel and a new SD port for data storage, supporting up to 32GB memory cards (not included). Unlike older NanoVNA versions, it lets you customize the date and time for easier data recording. Added TDR functionality—widely used to quickly measure coaxial cable length and locate faults via impedance discontinuity calculations. The default firmware's main function is antenna performance measurement
- PC CONNECTION & ANDROID CONTROL: Using the PC software NanoVNASaver, the Nano VNA H4 antenna analyzer can connect to your device, extract data for display on a computer, and save it to Touchstone files. You can also export Touchstone (snp) files via the software for use in various radio design and simulation tools. With its TX/RX method, the analyzer measures complete S11 and S21 parameters. To obtain S12 and S22 parameters, you only need to manually rewire the transceiver ports
- WHAT'S INCLUDED: 1 x NanoVNA-H4 Host (built-in 1950mAh long-life battery), 1 x 4pcs SMA Male Calibration Kit (open/short/load + SMA female-to-female connector, for precise calibration), 2 x 6.3-inch (16cm) SMA Male-to-Male RG174 RF Cables, 1 x USB Type-C Data Cable, 1 x Type-C to Type-C Cable, 1 x Lanyard (with integrated stylus), 1 x Extra Stylus Pen, 1 x User Manual. It's a great antenna analyzer for your ham station—easy setup, no complex calibration
| Company and period | Total revenue | Segment detail | What the period means |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIAVI, fiscal year ended June 27, 2026 | $1,518.3 million, reported as 40.0% above FY2025 | NSE: $1,182.9 million; OSP: $335.4 million | Full-year result |
| Keysight, third fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2026 | $1.85 billion | CSG: $1,345 million; EISG: $501 million | Single-quarter result, not a full-year total |
| Keysight, fiscal year 2025 | $5.4 billion, up 8% year over year | Software and services represented 37% of revenue | Full-year result; segment revenue is not stated here |
VIAVI’s FY2026 total and Keysight’s Q3 FY2026 total therefore answer different questions. The VIAVI number covers twelve months ending June 27, 2026; the Keysight number covers the quarter ending July 31, 2026. Keysight’s $5.4 billion FY2025 figure is the appropriate full-year reference in the information above, but it belongs to an earlier fiscal year than VIAVI’s FY2026 result.
Segment mix also reflects different corporate designs. VIAVI’s FY2026 revenue was approximately four-fifths NSE and one-fifth OSP based on the reported segment amounts, whereas Keysight’s Q3 FY2026 result was divided between CSG and EISG. Those proportions describe each company’s own reporting structure for the stated period; they are not a market-share comparison.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which company fits which business problem?
Choose the VIAVI lens when the core question is network outcome
VIAVI is the more natural starting point when a program is centered on validating or operating communications infrastructure: fiber installation, optical and Ethernet links, service-provider assurance, network performance, security testing, automation, AIOps or resilient timing. Its NSE portfolio is explicitly organized around data centers, communications networks and critical infrastructure, and its OSP products add optical security and sensing applications.
That does not mean every VIAVI product is a field instrument or that its tools stop at the physical layer. The company describes coverage from OSI layers 0 through 7 for high-speed Ethernet after the 2025 Spirent-business acquisition, as well as lab, production and operational systems.
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Choose the Keysight lens when the core question is electronic design and system validation
Keysight is the more natural starting point when a project spans electronic design, semiconductor development, automotive systems, energy equipment, consumer devices or broad communications-system validation. Its stated product set combines software, instruments, systems and services across benchtop, handheld and modular formats. CSG handles communications and defense-related work, while EISG broadens the addressable engineering environment.
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- [1MHz-6GHz ULTRA-WIDE RANGE] Upgraded NanoVNA-F V3 covers 1MHz to 6GHz. Features S21 dynamic range up to 65dB and S11 up to 50dB for fast, high-precision RF measurements.
- [801 SCAN POINTS & RTC] Delivers high data resolution with 101-801 customizable scan points and 12 calibration storage slots. Built-in Real-Time Clock (RTC) for easy timestamping.
- [4.3" IPS TOUCH SCREEN] High-resolution 4.3-inch IPS TFT LCD touch display offers wide viewing angles and clear visibility under bright outdoor light. Intuitive touchscreen interface.
- [VERSATILE RF MEASUREMENTS] Measures S-parameters, VSWR, Log Mag, Phase, Smith Chart, Group Delay, Resistance, and Reactance. Ideal for filters, amplifiers, cables, and duplexers.
- [4500mAh BATTERY & DURABLE SHIELD] Rugged metal aluminum housing shields against EMI interference. Built-in 4500mAh battery charges fully in 3 hours via Type-C for long field work.
Again, this is a decision framework rather than a superiority claim. A communications project may require both network-oriented assurance and detailed electronic characterization, and the correct evaluation depends on interfaces, test phases, throughput, protocols, deployment setting, software integration and service requirements.
Technology transitions to watch in a fair comparison
Data centers and AI infrastructure
Data-center ecosystems are a named VIAVI priority, with high-speed optical and Ethernet testing extending across lab and production settings. Keysight’s fiscal 2025 reporting connects its work to high-performance compute and AI infrastructure, including customer collaborations. The common theme is faster, more complex interconnect and compute infrastructure; the portfolio emphasis differs between network enablement at VIAVI and electronic, communications and system-level validation at Keysight.
Wireless evolution
VIAVI explicitly names 5G, 5GA, 6G and Open RAN. Keysight’s reporting discusses next-generation connectivity and 6G collaborations. Neither statement establishes a definitive lead in wireless technology, but they show that both companies are positioning for standards and architectures beyond current 5G deployments.
Defense modernization and resilient infrastructure
Both companies report aerospace and defense exposure. VIAVI combines defense work with resilient PNT and optical technologies; Keysight describes defense modernization within its communications and electronic-industrial activities. A defense customer should therefore examine the exact mission, timing, RF or optical requirements, electronic-design workflow and accreditation or support needs rather than infer fit from segment labels alone.
Important limits on the comparison
- No market-share conclusion: the available company materials do not provide a neutral market-size or market-share dataset.
- No product-by-product winner: segment descriptions cannot determine which specific instrument, software package or service is superior for a particular test plan.
- No profitability or valuation comparison: the figures above are revenue disclosures from different periods, not a basis for comparing margins, cash flow, valuation or investment attractiveness.
- Management statements are attributed claims: priorities such as AI infrastructure, 6G, Open RAN or data-center growth are company-stated strategies, not independent forecasts.
- Acquisition context matters: VIAVI’s stated OSI-layer coverage follows its October 2025 acquisition of certain Spirent businesses, so portfolio descriptions should be read in that post-acquisition context.
Bottom line
VIAVI and Keysight overlap in communications and network testing, but they solve different portions of the engineering and infrastructure problem. VIAVI’s identity is built around network and service enablement, optical security and performance, field and assurance workflows, resilient PNT and critical infrastructure. Keysight combines communications validation with a much larger electronic-design and industrial-test footprint covering semiconductors, automotive, energy, consumer electronics and other engineering markets.
For a network operator, data-center program or critical-infrastructure team, VIAVI’s NSE and OSP structure may map more directly to deployment, assurance, security, optical and timing requirements. For an electronics manufacturer, semiconductor designer or multidisciplinary engineering organization, Keysight’s CSG-and-EISG model may offer the broader design-to-validation context. The financial disclosures reinforce the difference in scale and reporting shape, but because they cover different fiscal periods, they should be used as context—not as a direct performance ranking.
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