NETGEAR AV at ISE 2026: Smarter Deployment for AV Networks

One of the most significant announcements centred around the latest release of the NETGEAR Engage Controller software, with version 2.4 introducing a feature many integrators have been requesting for some time: offline provisioning.

For those unfamiliar with Engage, it is the configuration platform designed to simplify the deployment and management of NETGEAR AV switches and wireless infrastructure. Traditionally, configuring a network required the physical switches to be connected before profiles and settings could be applied. With Engage 2.4, that limitation has been removed.

Offline provisioning allows integrators to design and configure an entire network without having the hardware present. Virtual switches and access points can be created within the platform, allowing a complete site design to be built in advance. When the physical devices are eventually connected on site, the system automatically recognises them and applies the preconfigured settings, dramatically reducing setup time.

This is a genuinely practical enhancement and a welcome addition for our project design teams. When managing large-scale AV projects simultaneously, the ability to design and configure networks weeks or even months before installation allows projects to be planned in far greater detail. In practice we have no doubt this will reduce the amount of engineering time required on site while providing greater confidence that once the hardware is connected, everything will operate as intended.

The update continues to build on Engage’s existing capabilities, including the AV-focused operating environment and certified profiles for major audio, video and lighting protocols, which remove much of the complexity traditionally associated with AV network configuration. With the addition of offline provisioning in version 2.4, the platform takes another step towards making large-scale AV network deployment faster, more predictable and far easier to manage.

NETGEAR also used ISE to expand its M4350 Series with two new switches, introducing capabilities that support the kind of scalable, high-performance AV networks regularly delivered by Cinos.

The M4350-16M4V switch has been designed specifically for demanding AV environments where reliability and cable security are essential. Built with live production and other mission-critical scenarios in mind, the switch incorporates industry-standard Neutrik locking connectors throughout. This includes eight front-facing etherCON ports for secure Ethernet connections and powerCON connectors on the rear, ensuring both data and power remain firmly connected even in high-pressure environments.

The switch also delivers strong performance alongside its rugged design, offering 16 x 2.5G PoE++ ports capable of delivering up to 1,130W to power AV endpoints, alongside 25G SFP28 uplinks for high-bandwidth aggregation. A modular uplink card slot provides additional flexibility, allowing different fibre or copper interface options depending on the installation. Features such as support for SMPTE ST 2110 further position the platform for professional broadcast and advanced AV-over-IP deployments.

To further support complex AV networks, NETGEAR also introduced the M4350-16C, a switch designed to tackle the growing bandwidth demands of large AV-over-IP deployments. Delivering 16 ports of 100G connectivity, the platform is aimed at aggregation and core network layers where multiple high-resolution video streams converge. As resolutions, frame rates and stream counts continue to increase, the additional throughput provides the headroom required to keep complex AV networks stable and scalable.

For Cinos, the focus on secure connectivity, high availability and scalable performance is particularly relevant in environments such as control rooms and command centres, where network resilience is critical. The addition of these new switches means that Cinos projects can benefit not only from secure, reliable connections and redundant power, but also from the extra bandwidth required for larger, high-resolution AV deployments.

Together with the new models highlighted at the show, the NETGEAR M4350 Series continues to expand into a comprehensive switching portfolio for professional AV environments. The range now spans 18 models, covering speeds from 1G through to 100G, alongside features such as high-power PoE++, redundant modular power supplies and support for SMPTE ST 2110 timing. With TAA-compliant versions also available, the platform is well positioned for regulated sectors and government projects; areas where Cinos has significant delivery experience.

If you are looking at NETGEAR AVs for your business then please reach out. With our expereince and expertise, we are perfectly placed to advise on your requirements.