> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/connected-devices/device-agents.md).

# Device Agents

The Connected Device Agent from Cisco ThousandEyes is designed with efficient packaging for broad deployment across consumer and business devices, including those with constrained resources. Its lightweight architecture enables integration across a wide variety of device types and platforms. While we support a broad range of device capabilities, we recommend integrating it on actively maintained firmware versions to ensure optimal performance and security. Cisco ThousandEyes has deployed Connected Devices Agents globally across millions of devices.

The Agent is designed to consume minimal CPU when idle, and resource usage scales only during active test execution. To minimize potential impact, the Agent includes cross-traffic detection mechanisms, such as CPU load and interface counters, to help determine when tests should run, ensuring they avoid periods of high device activity or user traffic.

## What You Can Measure

The agent measures performance to dedicated servers on your network (on-net), global servers outside your network (off-net), and real applications. These results help you understand your customers’ experience.

The agent combines test results with device context to support these teams:

* **Network operations teams** can use outage detection, analytics, alerts, reports, and data streaming APIs.
* **Consumers** can use Cisco RealSpeed for self-service.
* **Customer care teams** can use ConstantCare and instant tests.

## Before You Begin

* Confirm that your target device meets the [System Requirements](/product-documentation/connected-devices/device-agents/getting-started/system-requirements.md).
* Get the agent package and authentication details described in the guide for your platform from your ThousandEyes contact.
* For production deployments, coordinate device access, firmware integration, organization routing, and agent updates with your firmware owners. See [Plan, Deploy, and Update the Agent](/product-documentation/connected-devices/device-agents/plan-deploy-and-update-the-agent.md).

## Choose Your Installation Path

Start with [Getting Started with Device Agent Deployment](/product-documentation/connected-devices/device-agents/getting-started.md) if you are evaluating the agent for the first time.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Embedded Linux" %}
**Use This When**

You want to evaluate the agent on a Linux device before preparing a production firmware image.

**Start Here**

* [Embedded Linux Quick Install](/product-documentation/connected-devices/device-agents/getting-started/embedded-linux-quick-install.md)

**Prepare for Production**

Use the [Production Integration Guides](/product-documentation/connected-devices/device-agents/production-integration-guides.md) for Generic Linux, OpenWrt, or RDK-B. For devices that use OpenSync, follow the integration guide for the underlying platform, then apply the [OpenSync configuration](/product-documentation/connected-devices/device-agents/configuration/opensync.md).
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Docker" %}
**Use This When**

You want to demonstrate the agent on a PC or integrate it into a supported Linux device using Docker.

**Start Here**

* [Docker](/product-documentation/connected-devices/device-agents/getting-started/docker.md)

**Prepare for Production**

Follow the device integration requirements in the Docker guide and [Plan, Deploy, and Update the Agent](/product-documentation/connected-devices/device-agents/plan-deploy-and-update-the-agent.md).

Docker Desktop can demonstrate activation, but it cannot validate the target device’s network path or expected performance.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Raspberry Pi" %}
**Use This When**

You want to demonstrate the agent and run assigned tests on a supported Raspberry Pi.

**Start Here**

* [Raspberry Pi](/product-documentation/connected-devices/device-agents/getting-started/raspberry-pi.md)

**Prepare for Production**

If Raspberry Pi is your production target, follow the Raspberry Pi guide and [Plan, Deploy, and Update the Agent](/product-documentation/connected-devices/device-agents/plan-deploy-and-update-the-agent.md).
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## Configure and Validate the Agent

* Use [Configure the Agent](/product-documentation/connected-devices/device-agents/configuration.md) for authentication, identity, ISP routing, device metadata, and WAN configuration.
* Use [Validation and Troubleshooting](/product-documentation/connected-devices/device-agents/validation-and-troubleshooting.md) for self-test mode, performance checks, installation issues, logs, and service management.
* Use [On-Net Test Server Installation](/product-documentation/connected-devices/device-agents/on-net-test-server-installation.md) for validating the maximum device speeds in your labs.

## Releases and Support

* [Connected Devices Agent Release Versions](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/connected-devices/connected-devices-release-versions)
* [Device Agent Software Lifecycle Policy](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/connected-devices/device-agents/lifecycle_policy)

## After Installation

* Explore the available [Connected Devices Tests](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/connected-devices/connected-devices-tests).
* Use [Test Management](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/connected-devices/test-management) to configure tests, targets, and schedules.
* Set up [Alerts for Connected Devices](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/connected-devices/connected-devices-alerts).
* Use the [Usage Guides](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/connected-devices/usage-guides) to view results and access your data.