NETGEAR’s M4250 series AV switches are providing the networking backbone for mission-critical acoustic testing of satellites at MSI-DFAT Services, a provider of direct field acoustic testing systems used by aerospace manufacturers.
MSI-DFAT’s mobile testing systems are designed to simulate the extreme sound pressure levels experienced during rocket launches. Using between 80 and 300 networked amplifiers, the systems generate sound levels ranging from 130 to 150 decibels to qualify satellites valued at up to $500 million. The testing is conducted on-site at satellite manufacturing facilities, requiring a network infrastructure that can be deployed quickly and operate with zero tolerance for failure.
As MSI transitioned from analog to digital systems, its networking requirements became significantly more complex. The company selected NETGEAR’s M4250 series switches based on their AV-focused design and available technical support. In MSI’s largest deployment, 16 NETGEAR switches manage the entire network infrastructure. Each switch supports approximately 24 amplifiers along with monitoring and control devices, all connected via fiber-optic links.
“We’re typically running anywhere from 80 to 300 amplifiers in a single system,” said Arthur Isaacs, lead audio engineer at MSI. “Everything has to work flawlessly because there’s no room for error when you’re testing a half-billion-dollar satellite. The AV-optimized features and support quality made NETGEAR the clear choice. We went from complex manual configurations to simple, reliable digital systems.”
The network design uses preconfigured audio networking profiles, simplified VLAN configuration and auto-trunking capabilities. MSI also relies on NETGEAR’s Engage management software to provide centralized monitoring and control across its systems. According to the company, these features have reduced setup time and minimized the risk of configuration errors during deployment.
The solution now supports three active mobile testing systems and allows MSI to scale its infrastructure based on project requirements, from smaller 80-amplifier deployments to systems exceeding 300 amplifiers. The architecture is designed to remain consistent regardless of size, helping engineers maintain reliability while adapting to different testing environments.
MSI said the shift to an AV-optimized switching platform has transformed its operational workflow, enabling faster setup, greater consistency and improved confidence during high-stakes testing scenarios where system failures are not an option.
More information about the project is available on NETGEAR’s website.