Top 5 Must-Have Features in an AV-over-IP Switch (2025 Guide)

In today’s AV-over-IP world, the switch isn’t just a network component, it’s the heart of your entire signal distribution system. Whether you’re deploying in a corporate control room, a sports bar, or a large-scale digital signage network, choosing the right switch ensures smooth, lag-free video and reliable audio transmission.

But with so many options on the market, how do you know what really matters?

In this 2025 AV-over-IP switch buyer’s guide, we’ll cover the five must-have features every professional installer, integrator, or AV technician should look for when selecting a network switch for HDMI over IP, Dante, or NDI-based systems.

1. IGMP Snooping: The Key to Efficient Multicast Traffic

In an AV-over-IP network, multiple devices often receive the same video signal simultaneously. Without IGMP Snooping (Internet Group Management Protocol), multicast data floods every port, wasting bandwidth and creating playback issues.

With IGMP Snooping enabled, the switch intelligently forwards video packets only to the ports that need them, ensuring stable, low-latency video and no network overload.

👉 Pro Tip: Always confirm your switch supports both IGMP Snooping and MLD Snooping for maximum efficiency in mixed IPv4/IPv6 networks.

2. PoE Support: Simplify Your Power and Cabling

Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a must-have for modern installations. It eliminates the need for separate power adapters by sending power directly through the same Ethernet cable used for data.

This simplifies rack design, reduces clutter, and makes remote endpoints (like receivers behind displays) much easier to install.

Look for a switch that supports IEEE 802.3af/at PoE standards, with enough total power budget to run multiple encoders and receivers simultaneously.

3. Jumbo Frames: Optimize Large Data Transfers for 4K/8K Streams

AV-over-IP systems transmitting 4K or 8K video create massive data packets. Jumbo Frames let your switch handle larger packets (typically 9,000 bytes instead of the standard 1,500), reducing overhead and improving efficiency for large video streams.

Without Jumbo Frames, even a high-performance network can experience lag, buffering, or frame drops.

A good AV switch will have Jumbo Frames enabled by default to support high-bitrate, low-latency applications.

4. Web GUI Control: Manage Everything from One Dashboard

A web-based management interface (GUI) transforms complex network setup into a visual experience. Instead of command lines, integrators can log into a browser, assign ports as inputs/outputs, monitor real-time data flow, and save presets for quick changes.

This is particularly valuable when multiple users manage the same system, allowing password-protected access and straightforward troubleshooting without needing network certification.

5. Static Routing: Precision Control for Complex AV Networks

As installations scale - spanning multiple rooms, buildings, or VLANs - Static Routing becomes essential. It ensures that each subnet communicates efficiently without interference, letting you integrate control systems, Dante networks, or automation seamlessly.

For larger or Layer 3 systems, Static Routing adds precision and stability that unmanaged switches simply can’t provide.

Recommended Solutions: AV-over-IP Switches Built for 2025

Now that you know what to look for, here are two professional-grade options that check every box:

J-Tech Digital 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch for AV-over-IP Systems

This Layer 3 managed switch is designed for professional AV-over-IP distribution, allowing installers to easily create flexible one-to-many or many-to-many HDMI matrix systems.

Key Highlights:

24 Gigabit Ethernet ports + 4 SFP+ uplinks
Layer 3 routing with IGMP, MLD, and DHCP snooping
User-friendly web management interface for port assignments and presets
Supports VLAN, port binding, and static routing
Ideal for medium-to-large installations where advanced network segmentation is needed

📘 Perfect for integrators who need precise routing control and enterprise-level flexibility in an AV-over-IP setup.

J-Tech Digital 48-Port Gigabit PoE Switch for AV-over-IP Systems

For larger or PoE-based AV systems, this Layer 2+ switch combines network reliability with power delivery—ideal for installations using multiple AV encoders, decoders, and IP-based control devices.

Key Highlights:

48 Ethernet ports with PoE power delivery (IEEE 802.3af)
4 SFP uplink ports for expanded connectivity
Jumbo Frames enabled by default for seamless 4K/8K video transmission
Intuitive web-based GUI and Telnet control options
Supports VLANs, Port Isolation, Loop Protection, and IGMP Snooping

🔌 Recommended for large-scale AV-over-IP systems where centralized power and easy management are key.

Final Thoughts: Build Smarter, Stream Smoother

Choosing the right switch determines the stability, scalability, and quality of your entire AV-over-IP system. Whether you’re powering a single control room or deploying hundreds of endpoints, investing in a managed switch with IGMP Snooping, PoE, Jumbo Frames, Web GUI, and Static Routing ensures your installation is future-proof and reliable.

✅ For enterprise-grade control: 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch for AV-over-IP: https://www.jtechdigital.com/products/jtech-ns24v3-jtd-3136-network-switch-24-port-av-over-ip-gigabit-network-switch
✅ For PoE-powered large systems: 48-Port Gigabit PoE Switch for AV-over-IP: https://www.jtechdigital.com/products/jtech-nsp48-jtd-2887-network-switch-48-port-av-over-ip-poe-gigabit-network-switch

Call our team at (888) 610-2818 or email us at sales@jtechdigital.com or support@jtechdigital.com for more information!