Network Testing Companion Prerequisites for Teams
You have a Microsoft 365 subscription. You plan to implement Microsoft Teams. You need to perform network quality and connectivity tests from an on-premises network to Microsoft 365 Online services by using the Network Testing Companion. You install the Network Testing Companion module on a local Windows 10 device. Which additional software should you install to perform the tests?
Community Insight
The question asks for additional software required to run the Network Testing Companion; the trap is assuming a standalone network diagnostic tool suffices, whereas Teams requires its own client for context.
To perform network quality tests using the Microsoft Teams Network Testing Companion, you must install the Microsoft Teams desktop client alongside the companion module. This ensures the tool can authenticate and simulate real user traffic.
Many users select Option A (Network Assessment Tool) because it is an older legacy tool often associated with Skype for Business. However, the modern Network Testing Companion specifically requires the Teams client to function.
Community Discussion (10 comments)
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Expert Analysis
Why the Answer Is Correct
The Microsoft Teams Network Testing Companion is designed to evaluate network performance specifically for Teams calls. It relies on the Microsoft Teams desktop client (Option C) to provide the necessary authentication context and to generate realistic traffic patterns that mimic actual user behavior. Without the client installed, the companion cannot properly execute the connectivity and quality tests against Microsoft 365 services.Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A, the Network Assessment Tool, is a legacy tool primarily for Skype for Business and is not the prerequisite for the modern Teams Network Testing Companion. Option B, Windows Performance Analyzer, is used for deep-dive packet capture analysis but is not a runtime dependency for the companion tool itself. Option D, Windows Assessment Toolkit, is a general suite for OS deployment and evaluation, unrelated to Teams network testing prerequisites.Community Comment Notes
Community consensus strongly supports Option C. One commenter noted, "Required prerequisite — the companion uses it (signed-in user) to execute the tests," highlighting the authentication dependency. Another user confirmed this by stating, "is it still relevant in 2021?" implying awareness of its current status. While some confused it with the legacy Network Assessment Tool, the majority correctly identified the Teams client as the essential component.Official Reference
Exam Strategy
When dealing with Microsoft Teams troubleshooting tools, always check if the tool requires the application itself to be installed for context or authentication. Don't confuse legacy Skype for Business tools with modern Teams equivalents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Network Testing Companion need the Teams client?
The client provides the user context and authentication required to simulate real Teams traffic and test connectivity accurately.
Is the Network Assessment Tool still used for Teams?
No, it is a legacy tool for Skype for Business. The Network Testing Companion is the modern replacement for Teams.
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