Critical operations no longer respect geographic boundaries. Whether monitoring offshore drilling platforms, coordinating emergency responses from a mobile command centre, or managing utility networks spanning large territories, modern control rooms must share information securely across vast distances. The partnership between Barco and Extreme Networks addresses this challenge head-on, creating what the companies call the “Connected Control Room” – a solution that will be demonstrated live at ISE 2026 in Barcelona.
Bridging distance with security
Traditional control rooms operate within physical constraints. Information stays confined to a single location, and operators must be physically present to access critical systems. This limitation becomes particularly problematic when expertise is distributed globally, when operations span multiple sites, or when disaster recovery requires backup facilities.
The Connected Control Room principle eliminates these constraints by combining two industry-leading technologies. Barco CTRL, the innovative all-in-one KVM over IP solution designed specifically for control rooms, acts as a sophisticated source orchestrator – collecting information from multiple sources, securely transporting it, and presenting it seamlessly on video walls and operator desks. Extreme Networks provides the connectivity backbone through their SD-WAN technology and Secure Fabric switching, creating secure bridges between locations regardless of distance.
Extreme Networks (Extreme) is a global leader in cloud networking solutions, specializing in creating intelligent, adaptive networks that connect devices, applications, and people. Their SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) technology enables organizations to connect distributed locations efficiently while maintaining security and performance. Renowned for its intelligent application performance control, the Extreme Networks solution analyzes and optimizes traffic to enable an end-to-end per-sessio QoS for critical application sessions. Combined with Extreme Fabric switching, these solutions create robust, encrypted pathways for mission-critical data transmission – leveraging satellite communication to ensure the most remote sites stay reliably connected.
Watch the video for a quick demo of the Connected Control Room principle
Real applications, real impact
Offshore drilling operations
The practical applications of this technology integration address genuine operational challenges. Consider offshore drilling operations, where control rooms on remote rigs must maintain constant communication with corporate refinery facilities onshore. The partnership’s solution creates a secure bridge between these environments, enabling seamless information flows despite challenging maritime conditions and the physical distance involved.
Mobile command centres
Mobile Command Centers represent another compelling use case. Trucks equipped with a complete control room solution (multiple operator positions and sometimes even a video wall) and a satellite link via an Extreme SD-WAN connection, effectively coordinate events or situations, while remaining in full contact with the main control room. Personnel can share video feeds, access logs, and threat assessments in real-time, regardless of where they are.
Remote branch offices
Utility companies managing power grids, water systems, or telecommunications networks across multiple states benefit similarly. The integration empowers experts to work seamlessly from anywhere – including branch offices, home, or remote sites – through SD-WAN hardware, giving them full access to control room environments without requiring physical presence.
Subject Matter Experts
Similarly, subject matter experts who are located remotely, can now be rapidly consulted through a secure link to the main control room, giving them the same experience as if they were on-site. This both improves the speed and quality of decision-making.
See the Connected Control Room live at ISE 2026
Experience the Barco CTRL and Extreme Networks integration firsthand at the RPG booth (#5N390) at ISE 2026, taking place 3-6 February at Fira de Barcelona. We’re offering dedicated demonstration slots where our experts from both companies will showcase how this solution enables secure, distributed control room operations. Click the button underneath to secure your spot for a personalized demo.
Register here
Experience the future at ISE 2026
The Connected Control Room represents a fundamental shift in how organizations run distributed operations. By removing the limits of geography, companies can deploy their best people and resources wherever they’re needed, while maintaining the highest levels of security and reliability that critical operations demand.
At ISE 2026 in Barcelona (3-6 February), visitors can experience Barco CTRL demonstrations across multiple booths. Beyond the RPG booth (#5N390) where the Extreme Networks integration will be showcased alongside an exclusive video wall product launch, Barco CTRL will be visible at LundHalsey (#5B300) alongside a Barco UniSee II display, and at distributor Wesco (#2V280) with KVD-5521D displays. Each setup demonstrates how CTRL simplifies complex workflows while maintaining the security standards critical infrastructure demands.
As industries move toward more distributed and resilient operational models, Barco and Extreme provide the foundation for the next generation of control rooms: secure, reliable, and intuitive connectivity for mission-critical operations across any distance.
Where to find Barco at ISE 2026
Is this all a bit much to remember? Then download the floorplan with all partner and product information.
To read the full piece about Barco at ISE 2026, click here
For more control room news, click here
