Client: Pathway Connectivity - an Acuity Brand

Market: Commercial

The VIA™ series is a family of Ethernet switches purpose-built for the demanding world of entertainment lighting, sound, and video signal distribution.

Our team partnered closely with Pathway Connectivity to design a rack-mount solution that goes far beyond typical office networking gear — delivering a switch that’s rugged enough for live touring shows and theatre backstages, yet plug-and-play for fast deployment in high-pressure production environments. By prioritizing a robust enclosure, clear status indicators, and a clean, intuitive port layout, we made sure VIA switches stand up to the bumps and rigors of the road while staying simple to install and service. Advanced networking features — like VLAN support, EAPS ring protection, and IGMP — come pre-configured and optimized specifically for entertainment networks, eliminating guesswork for lighting and AV techs working in the field. From enclosure design and thermal planning to layout details and field usability, every aspect of the VIA™ series reflects our commitment to practical, high-performance design that keeps live productions running smoothly, night after night

Behind the Design, Obstacles to Innovation: Not all rack mount products need to be ugly!: Designing a slim, space-efficient form factor that fits seamlessly into crowded rack enclosures without blocking airflow or complicating cable management without replicating the industrial style rack mounts that Pathway's competitors manufacture. Thermal Performance: Ensuring reliable detection of drowsiness and distraction despite differences in lighting, weather, and individual user behaviors. Intuitive Maintenance: Laying out ports, indicators, and access points to make installation, monitoring, and servicing straightforward — minimizing downtime for network managers. Flexible System Compatibility: Ensuring the switch integrates easily with a range of pathway control systems and lighting infrastructure, supporting evolving site requirements. Clear Status Communication: Incorporating clear, easily readable status indicators to help technicians quickly diagnose network health at a glance.