Netgear and their AV switches that changed our installations
By Jennifer P
In this article by Patrik Lindahl, the evolution of AV (Audio-Visual) installations and the transformative impact of Netgear’s ProAV switches on the industry are explored. Lindahl begins by discussing the traditional use of networks in AV installations, which were largely isolated and employed primarily for basic device communication. Over time, as AV and IT technologies converged, the complexity of AV systems grew. This evolution was driven by advancements such as the introduction of Dante and other proprietary protocols, as well as standardized protocols like AES67 developed to address interoperability challenges.
The shift from HDBaseT systems, which relied on point-to-point connections, to AV over IP (AVoIP) marked a significant turning point. This transition introduced unprecedented challenges as AV traffic became part of network switches, creating confusion for AV professionals and IT specialists alike. Between 2017 and 2018, the industry grappled with the complexities of managing multicast traffic, IGMP snooping, and the need for significantly increased bandwidth.
Netgear emerged as a leader in addressing these challenges with its ProAV switch product lines, including the M4250, M4300, M4350, and M4500. By developing IGMP Plus, a proprietary enhancement of the IGMP protocol, Netgear provided a solution that improved multicast traffic handling. The company also collaborated with leading AVoIP hardware manufacturers to create configuration profiles tailored to specific devices, simplifying setup and ensuring optimal performance.
Lindahl highlights how Netgear’s solutions have significantly streamlined network management for AV professionals. He shares insights from his own experience in AV product support, where Netgear’s switches have often been used to demonstrate the correct configuration of networks to customers. This approach has not only resolved technical issues but has also led to increased adoption of Netgear’s ProAV switches.
To further support AV professionals, Lindahl mentions creating instructional videos on setting up Netgear ProAV switches, both for standalone and multi-switch networks. These resources aim to alleviate the struggles many face when adapting to the complexities of modern AV networking.
Read the full article by Patrik Lindahl HERE
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