Netgear Introduces Wi-Fi 6 / 6E Access Points and Services for Residential Installers
Netgear is at the forefront of the SDVoE (Software-Defined Video over Ethernet) initiative, offering multiple AV switches to the growing market. His ProAV lineup of managed switches is marketed primarily in B2B settings by the Netgear business division. These switches are becoming part of high-end residential installations requiring AV-over-IP solutions. As part of CEDIA Expo 2022, Netgear is announcing a new “Netgear Home Solutions” push. The intention is to take the same line of Netgear AV products sold by Netgear Business and target it for both commercial and home installations.
As part of this initiative, Netgear will sell ProAV managed switches and ProWiFi access points to home installers, along with Pro versions of Insight Remote Management and Pro Support. While ProAV managed switches are already on the market, the new WAX628 and WAX638E APs complement existing members of the Insight access point portfolio.
The WAX628 (already available for home builders) is inserted between the dual-band AX3600 WAX620 and the tri-band AX6000 WAX630. This AX5400 dual-band solution supports 160 MHz channel bandwidth and is accompanied by the AX7800 WAX638E, which adds 6 GHz band support to the mix. Wi-Fi 6E APs are expected to hit the market in the coming months.
Netgear promises installer margin protection by selling ProAV and ProWiFi products exclusively through channels and not through Amazon or other e-tailers. These products reach the end consumer through custom installers that have their own cost structure, so the lack of pricing information from Netgear is not surprising.
Netgear’s traditional consumer Wi-Fi router market has evolved rapidly over the last few years. Despite Orbi’s success (both in the consumer and SMB markets), new entrants like eero have gained considerable name recognition and market share. In this regard, Netgear needs to look to services and expand into new markets to maintain and build on its technical leadership. Its forays into lucrative niches like the residential installer market shouldn’t come as a surprise.
