Netgear Enhances AV Network Management with Offline Provisioning in Engage Controller 2.4
Netgear has introduced offline provisioning capabilities to the latest version of its Engage Controller, version 2.4. This feature allows for the design and configuration of virtual AV networks—including switches and access points—without requiring the physical hardware to be present.
Engage Controller 2.4 is available as a free download and operates as a portable application, eliminating the need for traditional installation. It can be run directly from a flash drive, supporting both Windows and macOS operating systems. Learn more about downloading and installing the Engage Controller.
Offline Provisioning Streamlines AV Deployments
Offline provisioning enables users to create and fully configure virtual switches and access points for new or existing sites. Once the physical devices are on-site, configurations can be deployed via Auto-Onboard or manual assignment using serial numbers or MAC addresses. Saved virtual sites function as reusable templates, accelerating and standardizing repeat deployments.
The Engage Controller also simplifies firmware updates. Once connected to the internet, the controller can detect and apply switch firmware updates with a single click. Details on version 2.4.1.21 are available here.
Automated Networking for AV-over-IP
Engage automates complex networking tasks traditionally associated with AV-over-IP deployments, including multicast configuration, VLAN setup, quality of service (QoS), and inter-VLAN routing. The controller automatically applies the correct settings for industry-standard protocols such as Dante, NDI, SMPTE ST 2110, and AES67, and provides a live network topology map for instant verification.
According to Laurent Masia, Netgear’s senior director of product line management, Netgear prioritizes feedback from installers and customers in its product development process. “Offline provisioning is a great new feature – and we’re planning on releasing more capabilities for NETGEAR Engage.”
New M4350 Series Switches Expand Portfolio
Netgear is also expanding its M4350 series of managed switches with two new models:
- M4350-16C: Designed for large AV-over-IP environments, this switch provides 16 ports of 100G connectivity for aggregation and core layers.
- M4350-16M4V: Targeted at live production environments, this switch features 16 25G PoE++ ports (totaling 1,130W), including eight etherCON ports, and four 25G SFP28 uplinks via a modular card slot.
NETGEAR Engage Controller Features
- Centralized configuration and monitoring of AV switches, Pro Routers, and WiFi 7 Access Points.
- Multi-site and multi-switch management with a central repository of AV network profiles.
- Simplified switch configuration with certified profiles for fast, reliable setup.
- Profile-based configuration for Pro Routers with advanced features like single-click mDNS Gateway.
- Site-wide WiFi configuration with global or local SSIDs and user isolation.
For more details about the Netgear Engage, click here.
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