What is the best network switch for Dante?
Quick answer
For Dante audio networks, the best switches are managed Gigabit Ethernet switches with IGMP snooping, QoS (DiffServ), and low latency—such as Cisco SG350, Netgear M4250, or Luminex GigE. SSOUNDS recommends using a dedicated, managed switch to ensure reliable, deterministic audio transport.
Dante audio networking requires a robust, managed Gigabit Ethernet switch to handle high-density, low-latency audio streams. Key features include IGMP snooping (to manage multicast traffic), QoS with strict priority (to prioritize audio packets), and full-duplex operation. Unmanaged switches lack these controls and can cause dropouts or clock issues.
Top-tier choices include the Cisco SG350 series (enterprise reliability), Netgear M4250 (purpose-built for AV), and Luminex GigE (optimized for live sound). SSOUNDS engineers often deploy Netgear M4250 switches for their Dante-optimized presets and ease of configuration. Always use a dedicated network—never share with general IT traffic—and follow Dante's recommended switch settings.
For smaller systems, a managed switch like the Netgear GS108Tv2 or Cisco SG250 can work, but ensure they support IGMP snooping and QoS. SSOUNDS recommends consulting Dante's official switch list and testing with your specific system to guarantee performance.
Key things to consider
- Use managed Gigabit Ethernet switches with IGMP snooping and QoS (DiffServ) enabled.
- Top models: Cisco SG350, Netgear M4250, Luminex GigE; avoid unmanaged switches.
- Dedicate the network to Dante traffic only; do not mix with general data.
- Configure QoS to prioritize audio (DSCP 46) and enable flow control if supported.
- Test with Dante Controller to verify latency and clock stability before deployment.
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