Recommended Network Switches for Milan AVB Systems
Overview
Milan certified devices use network switches with specific capabilities. While these functions are critical, there are numerous options widely available depending on application, budget, and system complexity. Larger systems will require considerations such as switch management software, gPTP Grandmaster Clock selection, and the IT infrastructure and support available or required in the network environment.
The switches listed in the table below all meet the considerations above, and support:
IEEE 802.1AS (generalized Precision Time Protocol)
IEEE 802.1Qav (Credit-Based Shaper)
IEEE 802.1Qat (Stream Reservation Protocol)
The Avnu Alliance tests and certifies network switches compliant with 802.1AS, 802.1Qav, and 802.1Qat. For a complete list of Avnu-certified Milan products, see Avnu's Certified Product Registry.
Manufacturer | Model / Series | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
Luminex | GigaCore t-series | Ruggedized for touring applications; AVB-ready with AVB license; plug-and-play with Araneo monitoring |
GigaCore i-series | Optimized for installed applications. | |
Netgear | M4250, M4350 | Lower cost solution with an intuitive AV web interface for configuration. |
Extreme Networks | 5520 Series | Milan-certified when using Switch Engine OS |
X460-G2 | Reliable AVB performance, widely deployed in live/touring systems |
For a complete list of Avnu-certified Milan products, see Avnu's Certified Product Registry (https://avnu.org/certified-product-registry?cert=Milan&).
Milan AVB switches comparison and recommendations
The following sections go into more detail about the switches available from Luminex, Netgear, and Extreme Networks.
Luminex
Meyer Sound recommends Luminex GigaCore series network switches because they are designed specifically for AV professionals, not IT admins, and require no command line interface. Luminex’s Araneo software interface is visual, intuitive, and built around AV needs.
Gigacore switches natively support Milan AVB protocols out of the box, and AVB is automatically enabled and prioritized.
Luminex provides Araneo software, which gives a full top-down graphical view of the entire network, including bandwidth usage, port status, and errors.
Tip
Make sure your GigaCore switch is running the latest firmware with AVB support.
Use AVB Enabled mode on every port connected to Meyer Sound Milan devices.
Netgear
Netgear AV M4250 series switches are certified by the Avnu Alliance for AVB and Milan operability, ensuring interoperability with Milan-compliant devices. They feature a dedicated AV GUI with port-based profiles for simplified AV protocol setup, and their rear-facing ports with reversible rack ears support clean rack installations.
AVB support became license-free starting with firmware 13.0.4.17.
Firmware 13.0.4.23 introduced 802.1AS Grandmaster capability, allowing the switch to serve as a timing master in Milan AVB networks.
Tip
While the AV GUI offers a simplified interface for switch setup, some parameters must be set separately in the IT GUI.
Extreme Networks
Extreme Networks offers a range of switches that support Milan AVB. Meyer Sound recommends the 5520 Series (with Switch Engine OS).
This is an enterprise-grade solution with hardware-accelerated AVB processing appropriate for large systems with complex integration into larger networks
Extreme’s switches offer layered security and policy-driven segmentation for keeping mission-critical AV traffic isolated and secure.
Cisco
If you're considering Cisco switches for a Meyer Sound system running Milan AVB, you'll need to be selective in your choice. Some models can work well with proper configuration, especially in controlled or hybrid network environments. Cisco switches have a steeper learning curve than plug-and-play AVB switches, like Luminex or Extreme.