NETGEAR, provider of networking products, announced the launch of Engage 2.0, a major upgrade to the powerful platform designed to streamline management of audiovisual (AV) networks. NETGEAR Engage 2.0 is free and available to download now, says the company.
According to NETGEAR, the convergence of AV and IT environments and return of large-scale and mobile events and experiences continue to change the way AV systems are used, and the impact is significant. AV-over-IP brings complexity to commercial, broadcast or residential installers when it comes to managing Ethernet switches, routers, and WiFi access points. For example, detecting Ethernet switches and access points deployed across a network requires a great deal of manual effort. Additionally, the company states that updating firmware on multiple devices requires more time, and proper configuration of AV networks can be cumbersome. Now that the network is the central AV fabric, an improper setup can ruin the entire AV experience.
Main Features
The new NETGEAR Engage 2.0, a free software download, thus provides a centralized and user-friendly way to manage AV networks. By providing AV network, router, and WiFi controllability under one platform, users gain more seamless configuration and management for any installation. “With almost three decades of network leadership, we’re constantly innovating to simplify AV and WiFi connectivity and provide a more seamless management experience,” says Laurent Masia, senior director of product line management, managed switches, NETGEAR. “The new Engage 2.0 software delivers expansive, unified control features for even the most complex AV network installations.”
Per the company, Engage 2.0 allows for effortless WiFi control in AV fixed installations with touch panels and tablets connecting to ad-hoc wireless networks. As a result, it enhances the control of AV endpoints across VLANs. For large events, the platform allows installers to create temporary WiFi guest networks to provide a robust WiFi solution for mobile studios or crews, ensuring guests stay connected. For residential settings, the enhanced capabilities streamline AV deployments. With this, AV system integrators can manage both AV systems and home WiFi networks.
Additional Capabilities
According to NETGEAR, additional Engage 2.0 WiFi features include:
- Freedom for AV & Lighting Crews: Allows technicians to connect to the AV network wirelessly, freeing them from being tethered to the rack. This flexibility supports the integration of other AV and lighting control software that can now connect via WiFi to the wired network.
- Unified Wired and Wireless Management: Seamlessly integrates wired and wireless infrastructure, allowing NETGEAR AV switches, pro router, and WiFi access points to be configured together with Engage profiles. Key features include Auto-Trunk, Fast Roaming, and mDNS reflector/gateway across profiles.
- LAN and WLAN under Control: Engage 2.0 firmware introduces advanced WiFi management for NETGEAR AV installations, supporting WiFi assignment to Profiles/VLANs, Auto-Trunk, and Instant Mesh for simplified setup.
- Auto Discovery and Onboarding Capabilities: Automatically detects all NETGEAR AV M4250, M4300, M4350, and M4500 series switches and supports one PR460X Pro Router and up to 10 WBE758/WBE718 WiFi 7 access points per site.
- Zero Configuration Setup: Auto-trunking on switches where the access points are connected ensures seamless integration and ease of use.
- Fast Roaming and Auto-Mesh Support: Utilizes protocols such as OKC, 802.11r, 802.11k, and 802.11v for optimal performance and connectivity.
