NETGEAR Announces First-Ever AV-Dedicated Platform 'Align Controller'

NETGEAR Japan LLC, a global leader in networking equipment (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative: Ryohei Ohinata), today announced the 'NETGEAR Align Controller,' NETGEAR's first-ever AV platform product. The Align Controller is a hardware platform designed to consolidate AV infrastructure services into a single unit, hosting the network management software 'NETGEAR Engage' and serving as a future-ready execution environment for various AV applications.

Having established itself over the years as a leader in AV-over-IP switching infrastructure, NETGEAR is now building its upper-layer ecosystem, transforming AV infrastructure into an open, cloud-managed application platform. The Align Controller makes the AV edge intelligent and programmable. It enables plug-and-play deployment, remote management from anywhere, and secure concurrent operation of both NETGEAR's proprietary applications and third-party applications. Additionally, it finally delivers the most requested feature since Engage's launch: secure remote access to Engage from any location.

Pramod Badjate, President and GM of NETGEAR Enterprise, stated:

"The Align Controller marks a turning point in how we think about AV infrastructure. For the past decade, NETGEAR has built a strong foundation as a switching platform for AV-over-IP. Now, we are building a platform on top of that foundation—one where integrators can remotely manage deployments, run proprietary and third-party applications side by side, and unify AV and IT management on a single, secure platform. The Align Controller is just the first step, and our roadmap extends far beyond."

As AV networks grow in scale and complexity, integrators are expected to go beyond simple equipment installation. Clients demand continuous performance assurance, remote support, and stable operations in increasingly business-critical environments. Until now, integrators had no choice but to combine individual components—such as clocking hardware, network service appliances, and management platforms—that were not originally designed to work together. This often led to unpredictable latency, clock drift, and difficult-to-trace service conflicts.

The Align Controller changes this. Instead of a patchwork of separate components, it integrates three critical functions—precision timing, core network services, and AV management—into a single, compact, rack-mountable appliance. No dedicated power circuit is required; it powers up instantly when connected directly to a PoE++-enabled switch. A backup power supply is included as needed.

Notably, the Align Controller enables the first-ever remote AV network management for Engage. It provides secure remote access for up to five simultaneous users, allowing integrators to monitor system health, troubleshoot issues, and support clients from anywhere—without needing to be on-site.

Laurent Masia, Senior Director of Managed Switches & Pro AV at NETGEAR, stated:

"Integrators have been asking for remote access since the very first day Engage launched. The Align Controller answers that demand while delivering a complete platform equipped with all the network services and timing infrastructure required for AV-over-IP deployments. The era of struggling with incompatible component combinations is over. Integrators now have a single device that handles everything and gives them the remote management capabilities needed to build the managed services clients are already demanding."

The Align Controller is designed for future expansion, positioned not as a single-function appliance but as a platform foundation that evolves alongside the installation environment.

Live demonstrations will be held at the NETGEAR booth (N7011) during InfoComm 2026 in Las Vegas, USA, from June 17–19.

In Japan, commercial availability is scheduled for fiscal year 2026.

NETGEAR Align Controller (GB406)

https://www.netgear.com/hub/business/av/meet-netgear-align-controller/

https://www.netgear.com/business/management/align-controller-gb406/

■ Company Overview
NETGEAR Japan LLC

Headquarters: Kintetsu Kyobashi Square 12F, 3-7-5 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Ryohei Ohinata
Established: November 1999
Business: Sales and support of networking equipment
URL: https://www.netgear.com/jp/