NETGEAR AV switches support multicast traffic for video over IP systems through IGMP Plus, which helps direct video streams only to the ports connected to the intended receivers instead of flooding the network. Many models also provide preconfigured AV profiles and automatic switch interconnect features, helping integrators deploy multicast video with less manual configuration.

Choose port speed based on the AV traffic and endpoint requirements: one-gigabit ports suit many standard audio and video over IP codecs, while 10G or multi-gigabit ports support higher-bandwidth endpoints and larger AV networks. Select the port count based on connected endpoints and Power over Ethernet (PoE) needs, then match the uplink type and speed, such as copper, SFP, SFP+, SFP28, or QSFP28, to the switch-to-switch distance, fiber cabling, and aggregation requirements.

Choose AV switches with Power over Ethernet (PoE) when network-connected endpoints, such as AV devices or Wi-Fi access points, can receive both data and power through the Ethernet cable, which can simplify installation and reduce separate power connections. Plan the switch’s total PoE budget by adding the expected draw of connected endpoints, allowing headroom for startup demand and future devices, and selecting ports that support the required PoE level, such as PoE+, Ultra90 PoE++, or other supported options.

AV switches use AV-focused web interfaces, preconfigured port profiles, and multicast features to simplify connections for audio, video, and control networks. Managed options also support Auto-Trunk, Auto-LAG, Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching, and common management tools such as command-line, web, SNMP, and centralized controller interfaces for integrating and managing multi-switch systems.