For a decade, NETGEAR has been the switching backbone that AV-over-IP runs on. Now we’re building the layer above it — turning AV infrastructure into an open, cloud-managed application platform. Meet the NETGEAR Align Controller, the first platform purpose-built for what AV networks actually need above the switch layer.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Built for AV
The Align Controller runs NETGEAR Engage and the NETGEAR AV OS, software engineered from the ground up for how AV traffic behaves on a network. And it’s backed by a partner ecosystem of over 600 manufacturers, with real interoperability testing behind every profile, so when an integrator specifies a deployment, they can be confident everything works together before they touch it on-site. Deployments that once took hours are now plug-and-play. Management that used to require a truck roll is now remote, from anywhere in the world.
And this is just the beginning. The platform is designed to grow, supporting third-party applications alongside NETGEAR’s own, and evolving alongside every installation it supports. Ten years of building the foundation. Now we’re building what goes on top of it.
One box, endless applications
The NETGEAR Align Controller is the first dedicated appliance to host NETGEAR Engage, NETGEAR’s AV network management platform for designing, configuring, and managing AV-over-IP deployments. But it goes further than management. Precision timing and core network services, functions that have always required separate devices, are built right in. The Align Controller runs as a grandmaster clock and supports PTPv2, SMPTE ST 2110, gPTP AVB, and AES67. NTP, DNS, DHCP, and Syslog services are also built in. One device instead of four.
For integrators, the impact is immediate: less time configuring infrastructure, more time focused on the deployment itself. For end users, it means a more stable, resilient network from day one.
Remote Engage access
Since NETGEAR Engage launched, the question we’ve heard from integrators more than any other has been: “Can we access it remotely?” The NETGEAR Align Controller is the answer. It supports secure remote access to Engage for up to five concurrent users via the NETGEAR Insight portal (license required) and allows them to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot without having to be on-site.
The NETGEAR Align Controller starts shipping in August 2026. Simply connect it to an existing switch using PoE++, no dedicated power circuit needed, and it’s ready to go. It’s half-width 1U, so there’s room for a backup unit even when rack space is tight. Full specs can be accessed here.
Also new: Wi-Fi 7 access points
The NETGEAR Align Controller is the headline at InfoComm this year, but it’s not the only thing at booth N7011.
The WBE708 is NETGEAR’s new Wi-Fi 7 access point for professional AV environments, built for the density, latency, and reliability that AV-over-IP demands. The WBE708Y is an outdoor model for more demanding physical installations. Both will be at the booth.
The two new M4350 models will also be on hand. The M4350-16M4V is built for broadcast and live production, with Neutrik® locking connectors to prevent disconnections during load-in and live events. The M4350-16C offers 16 100G ports for high-demand aggregation. Both started shipping this spring.
Come see it all at InfoComm
InfoComm runs June 17–19 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Stop by booth N7011 to see the Align Controller running live, along with our new access points and switches. If you’re not yet registered, head to infocommshow.org and use code NET624 for a free exhibit hall pass.
Or you can discover the Align Controller at InfoComm Asia booth A01 in halls 3 – 4 (July 15–17, Bangkok) and InfoComm India, booth H27 in pavilion 1-3 (September 16–18, Mumbai)