Audio-visual technology is no longer confined to boardrooms or stage productions. It’s everywhere—delivering experiences in schools, healthcare facilities, government centers, smart buildings, and enterprise offices. But as AV systems become smarter, more complex, and more connected, the way they’re installed must evolve too.

Welcome to the world of AV over IP—a scalable, flexible, high-performance approach to audiovisual deployment. And guess what? The backbone of it all isn’t your display screen or soundboard... it’s the network cabling.

At All Day Cable, Inc., we’ve seen firsthand how structured cabling makes or breaks AV system performance. Let’s dive into what you need to know to install AV over IP correctly—and keep your systems future-ready.

What Is AV Over IP?

AV over IP (Audio-Visual over Internet Protocol) is a method of sending audio, video, and control signals over standard Ethernet networks instead of traditional AV cabling like HDMI or VGA.

It allows:

● Video content to stream to multiple displays from a single source

● Audio systems to be managed centrally

● Seamless integration with building networks and IoT

● Scalability without rewiring entire systems

It’s the new standard for digital signage, conference rooms, training centers, classrooms, and even command and control facilities.

Why AV Over IP Needs the Right Cabling Infrastructure

While it may sound simple to send video over a network, AV traffic is bandwidth-heavy, latency-sensitive, and constant.

Without proper cabling, you get:

● Choppy video

● Audio delays

● Lost signals

● Overloaded switches and firewalls

Your AV systems are only as reliable as the network they run on.

Key Infrastructure Requirements for AV Over IP

✅ 1. CAT6A Cabling (or Higher)

To ensure clean 4K (and beyond) video with no lag, you'll need:

● CAT6A for 10G speeds and better noise isolation

● Shielded cabling (STP) in high-interference environments

● Quality patch panels and keystone jacks rated for performance

All Day Cable, Inc. installs CAT6A and fiber for AV systems in educational, government, and enterprise settings.

✅ 2. Managed Network Switches with QoS

A quality AV over IP system requires:

● VLAN setup to segment AV traffic

● Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritize video/audio

● Sufficient bandwidth for peak performance

While this may be handled by your IT department, the cabling infrastructure must support it.

✅ 3. Power Over Ethernet (PoE+ or PoE++) Capability

Many AV endpoints (like speakers, digital signs, and wall displays) are powered via PoE.

To future-proof your space:

● Install cabling and switches rated for PoE+ or PoE++

● Use horizontal cabling that supports power and data delivery

● Consider thermal loading and bundle sizes for safe operation

✅ 4. Proper Rack and Equipment Room Planning

A/V systems often require media servers, distribution hubs, and control panels—all of which must live in a well-ventilated, accessible, and logically routed equipment space.

We help clients:

● Design rack layouts for easy access

● Route patch cables cleanly and efficiently

● Label ports and drops for intuitive troubleshooting

Real-World Example: AV Over IP in a Corporate Campus

We recently worked with a tech company redesigning its headquarters to include:

● Interactive displays in every meeting room

● Digital signage across five floors

● VoIP-integrated paging system

Our role:

● Installed CAT6A for all AV endpoints

● Segmented AV traffic from production and guest networks

● Built out switch closets on each floor to reduce latency

● Provided full documentation for IT and facilities staff

The result? A scalable, high-performance AV system that’s easy to manage and ready for future expansion.

Ideal Environments for AV Over IP

AV over IP is revolutionizing:

● Education – Digital whiteboards, lecture streaming, hybrid classrooms

● Healthcare – Video conferencing, surgical suite feeds, staff alerts

● Government – Emergency operations centers, council chambers

● Retail – Advertising screens, music, customer experience tools

● Hospitality – Conference rooms, event spaces, digital wayfinding

Each use case demands reliable cabling—and not just any cabling, but professionally designed and installed systems that support AV transmission under pressure.

What All Day Cable, Inc. Delivers for AV Over IP

We go beyond pulling wire—we design the system with performance in mind:

Our AV Infrastructure Services Include:

● Site assessments and AV planning consultations

● High-performance CAT6A and fiber optic cabling

● PoE and power management planning

● Rack system setup, cable management, and port labeling

● Testing and certification for all runs

We collaborate directly with your AV integrator or IT team to ensure all systems function flawlessly—without finger-pointing or blame games.

Future-Proofing Tips for AV Infrastructure

✔ Install extra drops at display locations for flexibility
✔ Use shielded cable in spaces with electrical interference
✔ Leave room in racks for expansion—screens and endpoints are only growing
✔ Document all cable runs and endpoints
✔ Plan for 4K/8K content today—even if you’re not using it yet

Ready to Streamline and Scale Your AV Systems?

Don’t let choppy video or signal loss ruin your AV investments. Let All Day Cable, Inc. give your audio-visual systems the structured, secure, and scalable cabling they need to shine.

👉 Contact us today to schedule an AV infrastructure consultation or site walk-through.
We’ll wire you for seamless sound, crystal-clear video, and total AV control over IP.

Integrating AV Over IP: What You Need to Know About Future-Proof Media Cabling