ArtNet Switch: Build a Reliable Network Backbone for Your Lighting System

2 Minute Read

In lighting design, beautiful results depend on invisible infrastructure. Behind every stable ArtNet-controlled show or façade lies one critical component: the switch. A dedicated ArtNet switch is more than just a networking tool - it’s the backbone of your lighting data distribution.

While many installations begin with generic IT switches, large-scale or latency-sensitive lighting systems benefit enormously from equipment designed specifically for real-time control protocols like ArtNet and sACN.

Professional ArtNet switch with multiple Ethernet ports showing active data transmission
Sundrax GigaJet Pro device with built-in ArtNet switching capabilities

What Is an ArtNet Switch?

An ArtNet switch is a managed or unmanaged Ethernet switch optimized to handle ArtNet traffic – the DMX-over-IP protocol widely used in entertainment and architectural lighting. These switches:

  • Handle large volumes of small, rapid packets without dropping frames
  • Minimize latency and jitter across lighting networks
  • Allow broadcast or unicast ArtNet traffic to be routed cleanly
  • Offer robust connection stability for 24/7 applications

While standard Ethernet switches can be used in small systems, ArtNet switches make a clear difference when timing, performance, and reliability are non-negotiable.

Why Not Use a Standard Switch?

Typical office switches are not designed for:

  • Real-time packet flow of DMX universes
  • ArtNet-specific behavior like universe splitting and merging
  • Power surges or industrial conditions

As a result, lighting networks built on unmanaged or low-end switches often face flicker, lag, or signal dropouts during live operation.

 Comparison of lighting stability between generic switch and dedicated ArtNet switch

How Sundrax Approaches Switching in Lighting Networks

Sundrax understands that reliable ArtNet distribution starts with proper switching. That’s why several Sundrax devices such as GigaJet Pro and GigaJet20 Pro include a built-in Ethernet switch, allowing:

  • Daisy-chaining devices without external switches
  • Clean, simplified cabling
  • Fewer points of failure

When to Choose a Purpose-Built ArtNet Switch

Choose a specialized ArtNet switch if you need:

  • Stable operation in busy or long-running installations
  • Guaranteed data delivery without flicker or loss
  • Simplified topology for distributed devices
  • Long-term support and hardware reliability

Final Thoughts

Your lighting control is only as reliable as the network it runs on. An ArtNet switch might seem like a backend detail, but in reality, it's the unsung hero of modern lighting systems. With Sundrax’s embedded switching and system-level design, you gain confidence from the console to every pixel.

Request a consultation: Contact Us

Entertainment Lighting catalogs

Sundrax Entertainment Lighting Catalogs