The NETGEAR M4350‑16C is exactly that kind of switch.

For anyone seriously working with 100Gbps Ethernet, AV‑over‑IP and IP‑based broadcast workflows, this is a model well worth a closer look. It combines extremely high bandwidth with a high degree of flexibility, without the unnecessary complexity often associated with traditional data‑center switches.

In this article, we’ll look at what makes the M4350‑16C so interesting, where it excels, and why it is a logical choice for modern AV and broadcast networks.

100Gbps Ethernet for AV and broadcast is no longer future talk

For many years, 10Gbps Ethernet was more than sufficient for most AV applications. That situation is changing rapidly. With the rise of SDVoE, SMPTE ST 2110 and IPMX, combined with 4K and 8K workflows and an increasing number of simultaneous streams, the demand for a much more powerful network backbone is growing fast.

The NETGEAR M4350‑16C is fully prepared for this reality. The switch features 16 QSFP28 ports, each configurable for 40Gbps or 100Gbps operation. This results in a total switching capacity of 3.2 Tbps.

This clearly positions the M4350‑16C not as an access switch, but as a true core or spine switch for high‑end AV‑over‑IP and IP‑based broadcast environments.

QSFP28 ports offer outstanding flexibility

One of the key strengths of the M4350‑16C is the flexibility of its QSFP28 ports. On a per‑port basis, you can deploy:

• 100Gbps QSFP28 transceivers
• 40Gbps QSFP+ transceivers

This makes the switch particularly attractive in environments where not everything is running at 100G yet. Typical scenarios include:

• phased migrations toward 100Gbps
• reuse of existing 40G optics
• hybrid networks where AV‑over‑IP and broadcast traffic coexist

That flexibility allows the M4350‑16C to fit naturally into both new network designs and existing infrastructures.

Breakout support: one port, four connections

Another powerful feature of the M4350‑16C is the QSFP28 breakout capability. Each QSFP28 port can be split into four independent logical connections:

• 1 × 100G → 4 × 25Gbps
• 1 × 40G → 4 × 10Gbps

In practice, this offers a great deal of design freedom. A single 100G port can feed four uplinks to leaf switches, while a 40G port can be used to deliver four 10G connections to AV endpoints, gateways or other switches.

It’s important to note that each four‑lane breakout group operates at a single speed. This is not a limitation, but something to consciously account for during network design.

Designed for AV cores, backbones and SMPTE ST 2110 networks

The M4350‑16C is clearly built with maximum bandwidth and low latency as core design principles. The switch is fully focused on bandwidth, stability and throughput, while also explicitly supporting SMPTE ST 2110.

This makes it suitable for professional IP‑based broadcast workflows, where video, audio and ancillary data are transported as separate, time‑sensitive streams across the network. Combined with 100Gbps Ethernet, strong multicast capabilities and predictable performance, the M4350‑16C forms a solid backbone for studios, control rooms and production facilities.

With latency below 1.25 microseconds at 100Gbps, it is perfectly suited for network segments where performance, timing consistency and reliability are critical.

Typical use cases include:

• AV core switch
• spine switch in a spine/leaf architecture
• backbone for AV‑over‑IP and SMPTE ST 2110 infrastructures

Support for redundant power supplies

In environments where availability is essential, the NETGEAR M4350‑16C provides support for redundant power. The switch comes with a built‑in internal power supply and includes an additional power supply slot for a second unit.

This allows the switch to be powered redundantly, so that operation continues uninterrupted in the event of a power supply failure. As a result, the M4350‑16C is well suited for mission‑critical AV and broadcast environments such as studios, control rooms and live production facilities.

AV‑friendly management without enterprise frustration

One of the major advantages of the M4350 series is NETGEAR’s clear understanding of real‑world AV and broadcast workflows. Where many enterprise switches are powerful but complex to manage, NETGEAR takes a deliberately AV‑centric approach.

This is reflected in features such as:

• the Dedicated AV User Interface
• support for the NETGEAR Engage™ Controller
• IGMP Plus
• automatic Auto‑LAG and Auto‑Trunk

The result is enterprise‑class hardware managed through workflows that make sense for AV and broadcast projects. No unnecessary multicast complexity, no licenses for core functionality, and far less time spent on configuration.

Strong price‑performance ratio for 100Gbps AV and broadcast networks

When compared to traditional data‑center switches offering 16 × 100G, similar throughput and redundant power options, one thing clearly stands out: the price‑performance ratio of the M4350‑16C.

You get:

• extremely high bandwidth
• exceptional flexibility (40G, 100G and breakout)
• support for AV‑over‑IP and SMPTE ST 2110
• optional redundant power
• and a lifetime hardware warranty

This combination makes 100Gbps Ethernet far more accessible for projects where it was previously considered too complex or too expensive.

Conclusion

The NETGEAR M4350‑16C is a switch that deserves more attention. Not just because of its 16 QSFP28 ports and 3.2 Tbps switching capacity, but because of how performance, flexibility, availability and ease of use come together in a single platform.

With support for AV‑over‑IP and SMPTE ST 2110, 40G and 100G Ethernet, breakout to 4 × 25G or 4 × 10G, redundant power options and AV‑friendly management, it is a very logical choice for anyone looking for a powerful core or spine switch for modern AV and broadcast networks.

The M4350‑16C proves one important thing:
100Gbps doesn’t have to be complicated — not even in broadcast environments.

Eric Lindeman, NETGEAR ProAV Staff Systems Engineer Benelux

For more information about NETGEAR AV Switching, please contact the NETGEAR Pro AV Design Team via email: ProAVdesign@netgear.com

If you’d like to delve deeper into AV over IP switching, I invite you to check out our Online Academy via the link: https://academy.netgear.com/

On our training portal, you can find both AV and IT-related training courses. These courses are free to attend after registration, and at the end of each course, you can take an exam to earn a certificate.