Precision Networking Enhanced
Artel Video Systems Launches New Quarra PTP-10G4POE Switch for Precision Networks
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Artel Video Systems, a brand of Patton, has launched the Quarra PTP-10G4POE — a precision networking switch built for broadcast studios, 5G cell sites, and defense networks. The switch is now open for preorder, with wide retail availability expected in August 2026, according to Montreal Gazette.
The device packs 24 Ethernet ports, four 10-gigabit uplinks, and a 128 Gbps switching fabric. It can run in temperatures as low as -40°C. Retail prices range from $2,439 to $3,552 depending on the model, according to listings on B&H and Markertek.
A Decade of Work Behind One Switch
The Quarra line did not appear overnight. Artel first partnered with ARG ElectroDesign in April 2017 to distribute PTP-based switches across the Americas. In November 2022, Television City Studios in Los Angeles chose Quarra 10G switches for a major network upgrade, giving the product a high-profile real-world test. Then in August 2024, Patton Electronics acquired Artel to expand its IP and fiber media portfolio, according to Brantford Expositor.
Patton's Chief Revenue Officer, Burton A. Patton, said the acquisition was designed to "leverage intellectual property to deliver on defense and industrial customer needs." Artel CEO Tom Fyfe called the merger a "fabulous win" for customers who need integrated IP solutions.
Why Nanosecond Timing Matters for Live TV
Broadcast networks are ditching old cable-based sync signals called Genlock. They are moving to IP networks that use a standard called SMPTE ST 2110. On those networks, every device must share the same clock — down to the nanosecond. That is where PTP, or Precision Time Protocol (IEEE 1588), comes in. Unlike standard internet clocks that sync within milliseconds, PTP can sync within less than 10 nanoseconds, according to Daily Herald Tribune.
Engineers Steve Holmes and Kevin Salvidge have warned that many broadcasters fail by using telecom-style timing gear in live broadcast environments. That can cause on-air disruptions. The Quarra is designed as a "Boundary Clock," meaning it absorbs timing noise before passing a clean signal downstream — a key selling point for live production crews.
PoE+ Ports Open Door to 5G and Industrial Markets
All 24 of the switch's local ports support PoE+, or Power over Ethernet. That means a single cable can carry both data and power to connected devices. For 5G small cells — the low-power antennas used in dense urban areas — this removes the need to run separate power lines. Analysts at Versa Technology call PoE a "critical enabler" for 5G deployments where extra wiring is too costly, according to Edmonton Examiner.
The switch also boots in under 30 seconds and meets IP-30 industrial standards. That makes it viable for outdoor broadcast vans, factory floors, and military field kits. The specs align with growing demand for 5G RedCap — a leaner 5G standard gaining traction in 2026 for smart city and logistics networks, according to Recorder.
Real-World Test at Television City Builds Confidence
Jerzy Gorczyca, VP of Engineering at Television City Studios, gave Artel a strong vote of confidence after evaluating the Quarra line. He said the switch's "accuracy was spot-on" and praised Artel's willingness to provide loaner units during testing. That kind of hands-on support stands out against larger vendors who offer less flexibility, according to Paris Star Online.
The bigger question is whether Patton can scale Artel's niche reputation into defense and aerospace contracts. The company says its "Contract Development & Special Project Services" division is the key vehicle for that push. If the August availability holds and field performance matches the specs, the Quarra PTP-10G4POE could become a standard tool across studios, cell towers, and command centers alike, according to Ontario Farmer.
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