Unlike data networks, AV networks stream bandwidth-intensive, low latency multimedia content which due to the surge in cloud-based services and mobile device streaming, is often delivered to multiple network users simultaneously. Consumer grade equipment falls short in performance as it is designed to meet mass market price points, resulting in low grade chipsets, limited features, and a “good enough” mind set. While it can serve the buyer’s immediate needs, consumer grade equipment is ill-prepared to support growing AV traffic requirements. Instead, enterprise grade networking technology offers a more robust set of features and functionality that supports the specific needs of AV networks, including throughput and bandwidth control, security, scalability and reliability.

“The volume of media streaming into the home is steadily increasing to the point where consumer grade technology is no longer adequate. Even simple AV networks demand reliable, high performance routers,” Pakedge vice president of sales Nick Phillips says.

“The RE-1 is a feature-rich, enterprise grade, UHD/4K ready router capable of meeting these requirements and delivering a solution for integrators at an affordable price point. It’s a big step up from the average home router and perfect for basic custom installation networks reliant on media streaming.”

The RE-1 is designed with AV networks in mind. This router features 4 gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, one of which can be used as a LAN or WAN, giving connected devices rapid speeds. The RE-1 router also incorporates several performance-enhancing features, including Pakedge TruStream technology to prioritise latency-sensitive traffic (VoIP traffic, streaming video, etc.), IGMP snooping (for streaming devices and applications like SONOS) and is UHD/4K-ready. The RE-1’s dual-WAN failover ensures maximum network uptime. A USB 3.0 port is included to optimise high speed media sharing.

Security is top of mind on the RE-1 router, thanks to features like website access controls, VPN, a virtual DMZ port, and a guest network. In addition, the RE-1 provides the capability to block specific devices, ports and IP addresses.

Several features are built into the RE-1 to facilitate installation and troubleshooting. A simplified GUI and universal plug-and-play (uPnP) make the RE-1 easy to set up. This ensures a quick, easy installation – even on networks heavily reliant on traditionally complicated and difficult to configure AV devices. Secure remote access enables offsite troubleshooting while onboard network utility tools (e.g. Ping, traceroute and NSLookup, etc) assist in network problem resolution. The RE-1 is fully compatible with the BakPak Cloud Management System, a Pakedge hardware-and-app combo that lets integrators monitor and manage their clients’ networks remotely.

The RE-1 is the latest addition to the Pakedge Connect+ platform, a carefully integrated system of switches, routers, wireless, power management and software technologies, designed to work with each other to deliver seamless, scalable, and reliable multimedia performance.

Visit Booth 820 at CEDIA Expo 2014.