1. AV over IP Becomes the Default Architecture
IP-based distribution is expected to increase from 38% of AV deployments in 2025 to 65% by 2030, transforming the $7.1 billion signal routing segment. Every new conference room and classroom now starts with a network infrastructure. The question is no longer whether to adopt AV over IP, but how quickly you can transition.
NETGEAR’s M4250 and M4350 series switches are purpose-built for this transition, featuring AV-specific capabilities such as automatic IGMP configuration, PoE++ power budgets, and single-pane-of-glass management that both IT and AV teams can easily navigate.
2. Broadcast Meets IT Infrastructure
Broadcasters are migrating to 25Gb and 100Gb networks for uncompressed 4K and 8K workflows under SMPTE ST 2110 standards. While the cost per gigabit falls, high-speed ports remain expensive: a 100Gb port costs $8,000, versus $3,000 for a 10Gb port. The opportunity lies in designing networks that strike a balance between performance and cost.
Our M4350 and M4500 series switches deliver precisely-timed switching with built-in PTP support and ultra-low latency, essential for broadcast environments where frame-accurate synchronization isn’t optional.
3. The Pixel Explosion in Live Events
Arena LED walls are jumping from 25 million pixels in 2025 to approaching 1 billion pixels by 2030, a 190% CAGR. Traditional distribution can’t handle this scale. AV over IP is the only viable solution, creating an entirely new category of high-value installations.
We’ve seen this firsthand in major venue deployments where our high-density 10G and 25G switches handle massive video feeds across standard network infrastructure, eliminating the complexity of proprietary distribution systems.
4. Video Surveillance Becomes a Strategic Asset
The $38.4 billion surveillance segment is growing at 7.7% annually, driven by AI analytics and higher-resolution cameras. Organizations now use surveillance to optimize operations, tracking customer flow in retail, monitoring production lines, enhancing safety.
Modern surveillance networks require switches that can handle PoE power for hundreds of cameras while maintaining quality of service for video streams. Our switches deliver up to 90W per port with intelligent power management, ensuring cameras stay online even during peak loads.
5. Residential AV Demands Enterprise-Grade Networks
Residential integrators reported median revenues of $1.1 million in 2024, with 6.1% projected growth. Homeowners expect whole-home audio, 4K streaming, automation, and security on a single network. Structured wiring, PoE, and managed switches are now table stakes.
The residential market increasingly demands enterprise-class reliability in a simplified package. Our solutions bridge this gap with features like quick setup, lifetime warranties, cloud management options, and silent operation suitable for home theaters and media rooms.
6. The Relentless March to Higher Bandwidth
Corporate environments are moving from 1Gb to 10Gb, while broadcast shifts to 100Gb. Though cost per gigabit decreases, total capacity demand grows faster. AV-optimized switches with features like IGMP snooping and PTP timing command premium prices by solving problems generic IT switches can’t.
NETGEAR switches are designed specifically for AV workflows, automatically handling multicast traffic without the configuration headaches that plague generic IT switching.
7. Cloud-Managed Digital Signage Takes Off
Modern signage is cloud-managed and distributed across thousands of endpoints in retail, hospitality, and school campuses. Combined with 5G and WiFi 7, this segment is growing at double-digit rates, offering integrators recurring revenue through content management and network optimization & monitoring services.
Our cloud-managed switches through NETGEAR Insight provide remote visibility and control across distributed signage networks, reducing truck rolls and enabling proactive maintenance.
8. Ecosystem Partnerships Reduce Integration Risk
Modern AV-over-IP systems require validated interoperability across cameras, encoders, switches, and software. Companies investing in certification programs and co-branded solutions build trust at scale.
NETGEAR collaborates with nearly 500 ecosystem partners, from Crestron and Extron to Barco and Audinate, to validate workflows before they reach your job site. When you see a NETGEAR switch in a certified solution, you know it’s been tested and proven in real-world deployments.
9. Advanced Support and Managed Services Create Recurring Revenue
As AV becomes network-dependent, uptime becomes non-negotiable. Integrators are offering paid SLAs, remote monitoring, and proactive design support. These high-margin services guarantee performance and smooth out the feast-or-famine cycle of project work.
We support this business model with Network Design services that give integrators access to AV-specialized engineers, extended warranties, and advance hardware replacement. That is the foundation they need to confidently offer their own managed services.
10. Emerging Markets Offer Above-Average Growth
Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Central and Eastern Europe are projected to grow 3–5% faster than developed markets. Companies that localize education, build regional partnerships, and provide local support will capture outsized market share as these regions mature.
NETGEAR maintains a global presence with localized support teams, ensuring integrators have access to training and technical resources in their language and time zone.
Building the Network-Defined Future
AV is becoming inseparable from the network. Signal distribution, content management, device control, and analytics all depend on robust IP infrastructure.
At NETGEAR, we’ve built our Pro AV portfolio specifically for this reality. Our switches are engineered from the ground up for AV workflows, featuring key integrator benefits such as automatic multicast handling, flexible PoE, zero-touch provisioning, and intuitive management interfaces designed for AV professionals.
Technical mastery of networking protocols is now as crucial as understanding video formats. Ecosystem partnerships matter as much as product specifications—global execution capabilities separate market leaders from the rest.
The $70 billion growth opportunity through 2030 will flow to those who recognize these realities. The architecture of the future is being built today.
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