Summary
Crestron Europe’s new headquarters represents the future of hybrid workplace technology. This state-of-the-art facility required a robust network infrastructure capable of supporting flexible workflows that could seamlessly integrate AV-over-IP, building automation, and control systems across multiple conference rooms, training spaces, and collaborative work areas. NETGEAR AV switches provide the scalable, reliable foundation that enables Crestron to demonstrate their technology solutions while maintaining broadcast-quality performance for both in-person collaboration and remote participation.
Background
Crestron Europe houses the EMEA headquarters of Crestron Electronics, an innovator and manufacturer of advanced control and automation systems designed to reinvent the way people live and work. When the company moved to a larger, more modern facility in Mechelen, they saw an opportunity to create a “working showroom” that would demonstrate their technology capabilities while providing an optimal environment for their hybrid workforce.
The new headquarters was designed to showcase Crestron’s complete technology portfolio, from Crestron Flex collaboration solutions to advanced DM NVX® AV-over-IP systems. Kenneth Noyens, director technical services and training, Europe, at Crestron, emphasized the importance of creating a future-proof environment: “We needed new technology that would support our hybrid way of working, making sure that people working remotely and from home could have the same experience as those in the building itself.”
Challenge
The Crestron Europe headquarters presented several complex networking challenges that required careful consideration. The facility needed to support extreme flexibility, enabling reconfiguration of spaces from event to event while maintaining seamless connectivity for hybrid work scenarios. The system had to handle multiple protocols simultaneously, including AV-over-IP, DALI® lighting control and KNX building automation systems, USB control, and various collaboration technologies.
The network infrastructure needed to support over 300 connected devices across multiple floors, including DM NVX encoders and decoders, Crestron Flex solutions, 1 Beyond intelligent cameras with the Automate VX multi-camera speaker-tracking solution, and endpoints from Sennheiser, Shure, Jabra, Sony, and Jupiter. The spaces required dual-use functionality, serving both as day-to-day work environments and as demonstration spaces for potential customers. NETGEAR switches support the AV, building automation, and Microsoft Teams® Rooms systems.
Ronny van den Boom, senior manager, sales support services, Europe, at Crestron, explains: “We needed an integration that would help us integrate and program in an easy and functional way, while ensuring our colleagues and visitors could use meeting spaces with complete reliability.”
Solution
Crestron selected 10 NETGEAR M4250 NETGEAR AV network switches after extensive evaluation, implementing a converged network design that combined AV and building automation systems on the same infrastructure. The solution featured NETGEAR’s dedicated AV switches optimized for the demanding requirements of professional AV environments, with pre-configured settings that reduced installation time and complexity.
“The compatibility between NETGEAR and Crestron solutions eliminated integration challenges, with pre-built profiles and certifications ensuring plug-and-play deployment across all technology systems,” explains Kenneth Noyens.
The network architecture separated IT and AV traffic while maintaining unified management, with NETGEAR switches providing the AV segment where colleagues could use meeting spaces and collaboration tools with complete reliability. The infrastructure supported multiple building technologies including:
- AV-over-IP Systems: DM NVX technology for video distribution and the DM NAX® audio-over-IP platform for audio distribution
- Collaboration Technologies: Crestron Flex solutions, Crestron Videobar 70 all-in-one collaboration bar, and AirMedia wireless collaboration systems
- Building Automation: DALI lighting control and KNX building management integration
- Control Systems: Unified control of meeting spaces, lighting, and HVAC systems
The NETGEAR solution leveraged proven AV networking technology to ensure stable, high-performance data transmission throughout the facility, with intelligent traffic management that optimized bandwidth usage across all connected systems.
Results
The NETGEAR-based solution delivered exceptional performance across all metrics, demonstrating significant improvements in both operational efficiency and technical capability. Since installation, the system has achieved zero downtime, with all meeting spaces and building systems operating with complete stability throughout the entire deployment period, enabling Crestron to confidently demonstrate its technology solutions to customers and partners. The scalable architecture supports Crestron’s evolving technology needs, enabling easy expansion and reconfiguration as requirements change.
Kenneth Noyens emphasizes the project’s success: “We are very satisfied with NETGEAR and their excellent support. The network has been extremely reliable,
and the performance has exceeded our expectations. The ease of setup and management also made the integration with our Crestron systems efficient.”
Why NETGEAR was chosen:
- Purpose-built AV switches optimized for professional AV environments
- Pre-configured profiles and certifications ensure plug-and-play deployment
- Seamless compatibility with Crestron solutions
- Proven reliability with zero downtime performance
- Scalable architecture supporting evolving technology needs
- Excellent technical support throughout deployment
NETGEAR products used:
- NETGEAR M4250 AV switches
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