Switching Lanes: How Network Switches Drive the Future of AV
Written by Ralph Illingworth | June 6, 2025
Over the last decade at DVSI, I've witnessed close-up the worlds of AV and IT fully merging into each other. A profound convergence that has put sophisticated networking at the heart of every audio visual environment we design. For us, constantly taking stock of the complex networking technology required to sustain this crucial infrastructure is not just an academic exercise – it's fundamental to delivering the seamless, high-performance AV solutions DVSI’s clients expect.
From corporate boardrooms to the most demanding experience centers, network switches now serve as the critical backbone for cutting-edge AV deployments. However, the switch's role isn't static; it's continually expanding alongside evolving AV demands. This article, from the perspective of an experienced AV systems integrator, examines the critical considerations for network switch selection; implementation best practices, and the emerging trends that will shape how DVSI connects and distributes its clients’ audio visual content in the years ahead.
The Role of Layer 3 Switches in Modern AV
As AV over IP (AVoIP) continues to gain traction, these powerful switches now handle everything from video distribution to audio streaming while maintaining network integrity. For professional AV deployments, Layer 3 switches have become the standard choice, offering advanced routing capabilities between different subnets. In extensive AV networks spanning multiple departments or buildings, these switches improve scalability by enabling devices to communicate across network segments without sacrificing performance.
The complexity of network switch configuration has led many OEMs to offer pre-configured, re-branded network switches specifically designed for AV applications. These purpose-built switches come with optimized settings to avoid the headaches that can arise from improper configuration.
Making AV over IP Work: Traffic Separation and Best Practices
The shift to AV over IP represents a fundamental change in how we approach audiovisual distribution. Understanding the various traffic types flowing through these networks is crucial for optimal performance. AV networks typically carry three distinct types of traffic:
►. 1. Regular internet data traffic
►. 2. Control system messages for AV device management
►. 3. AV over IP signals including video streams and audio (like Dante)
Best practice strongly suggests keeping these traffic types separated through dedicated VLAN segments, particularly isolating AV over IP video signals and Dante audio in their own segments. This approach prevents interference and ensures consistent performance for time-sensitive media.
To get the most from AV over IP, consider these proven approaches:
Build in Redundancy: Mission-critical AV systems can't afford downtime. Implementing redundant power supplies and creating dual network paths ensures that a single failure point won't bring down operations when it matters most.
Calculate Bandwidth Requirements Carefully: High-definition video and uncompressed audio can consume substantial bandwidth. Before deploying an AVoIP solution, assess your actual requirements and ensure your infrastructure can handle the load comfortably. At the same time it's important to consider the future uses and ensure the systems you install today are capable enough to handle what might be thrown at them further down the road.
Implement QoS Strategically: Quality of Service isn't just a nice-to-have feature in AV environments—it's essential. Proper QoS configuration ensures your video stays crisp and your audio remains synchronized, even when the network faces competing demands.
The 10Gb Revolution: Why Higher Bandwidth Networks Are Inevitable
While 1Gb networks remain commonplace even for 4K video signals in many current AV over IP installations, the industry is rapidly moving toward higher bandwidth requirements. The future of AV clearly points to 10Gb networks becoming standard, driven by several key factors:
BYOD Evolution: Bring Your Own Device capabilities are transitioning from simple screen sharing to full-featured connectivity. The industry is working to replicate the comprehensive functionality of a USB-C connection over network connections—something a 1Gb pipe simply cannot handle adequately.
BYOM Integration: Bring Your Own Meeting (BYOM) functionality currently relies heavily on direct USB-C connections but is poised to merge into the AV over IP ecosystem. This convergence is the next major target for networked AV, requiring substantial bandwidth increases.
Comprehensive Connectivity: Modern meeting spaces need to support simultaneous camera feeds, speaker systems, microphone arrays, single 4K displays, and increasingly dual 4K displays—all potentially from a single connection. This level of integration demands the headroom that only 10Gb networks can provide.
IPMX Standard Development: The AIMS Alliance reports that the IPMX specification (essentially ST-2110 adapted for Pro-AV, including USB transport) will be production-ready this year. This signals broader interoperability and will accelerate the adoption of high-bandwidth AV networking solutions.
PoE Considerations: We need more power!
USB-C's ability to charge devices over the same cable handling all AV signals is yet to be matched by network switches, even PoE + + falls short of the 100w mark, required for laptop charging. This means we need to be using locally powered USB-C devices for now, however in the future this is likely to change. When we start to see more power being sent down the ethernet cable it is inevitable for the ethernet cable itself to change as it will need to be of thicker gauge in order to handle POE over 100w.
PoE (802.3af): The original standard provides up to 15.4W per port, sufficient for basic devices like IP phones and simple displays.
PoE+ (802.3at): This enhanced standard delivers up to 30W per port, capable of powering more demanding devices like PTZ cameras and larger displays.
PoE++ (802.3bt): The latest standard comes in two types—Type 3 providing up to 60W and Type 4 delivering up to 90W per port. This level of power enables support for larger touchscreens, all-in-one video conferencing solutions, and even compact digital signage displays.
When selecting switches, it's crucial to consider both the per-port power capacity and the switch's total power budget. A switch may technically support PoE++ on all ports, but its overall power supply might not support maximum draw on every port simultaneously—a critical detail often overlooked in system design.
AI Takes the Wheel: Network Intelligence in AV Systems
Artificial intelligence is transforming how we manage network infrastructure, particularly in demanding AV environments. Platforms like Juniper Mist represent the leading edge of this trend, offering capabilities that were science fiction just a few years ago.
These AI-driven systems continuously analyze network performance, dynamically adjusting parameters to ensure optimal operation for AV devices. When video conferencing systems, digital signage, or media players connect to the network, the platform automatically prioritizes their traffic and monitors for potential issues.
The practical benefits extend beyond just performance. Enhanced visibility means teams can quickly identify and resolve problems before they impact users. Cloud-based management eliminates geography as a limitation, allowing AV and IT staff to monitor and configure systems from anywhere.
Perhaps most exciting is the emergence of AI-assisted switch configuration. There used to be a few select members of the team that were designated this role and a skill set which was hard earnt but now it's easier than ever due to AIs knowledge on CLI commands for the majority of switches out there. AI can now analyze network conditions in real-time and suggest or implement optimizations automatically. This approach reduces human error, speeds deployment, and helps ensure consistent performance across complex AV systems.
Conclusion: Switching to the Fast Lane
Network switches have quietly become the foundation upon which modern AV experiences are built. Whether powering simple presentations or complex immersive environments, these devices determine what's possible in corporate settings, experience centers, and beyond.
The steady migration toward 10Gb infrastructure, BYOM integration, and comprehensive AV over IP solutions signals that we're entering a new era where the distinction between traditional AV connectivity and network transport will disappear entirely. Forward-thinking organizations are already preparing for this transition by investing in network infrastructure that can accommodate tomorrow's demands.
At DVSI, as we look to the future, we anticipate intelligent, AI-powered networks will continue to dismantle technical barriers. This evolution will empower our AV professionals to dedicate their expertise to crafting truly compelling experiences, rather than expending valuable time on connectivity troubleshooting. The convergence of AV and IT has put the network switch resolutely at its center. For DVSI, the switch is more than just a connecting device; it's actively enabling the next generation of audio visual innovation and ensuring the seamless delivery of ever advancing AV solutions to our clients.
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Ralph Illingworth,
CTO, DVSI.
Ralph Illingworth is CTO of DVSI, a specialist systems integrator delivering complex audio visual environments around the world
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