Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1255991
16 I ICT TODAY Security protocols, such as IEEE 802.1x, are ideal for implementation on network devices. Utilizing the IEEE 802.1x protocol on AVoIP networks enables the provision (e.g., assigning IP address, sending configuration) to take place only to authenticated devices and prevents rogue elements from disguising themselves as an encoder or decoder to gain access. Management protocols from control and network monitoring devices must also be secured for the same reasons. All devices on the AVoIP network must also be immune to outside attacks and be able to fend off rogue attempts to access the network through device usernames and passwords. These attacks typically happen swiftly, and proper security protocols provide the appropriate level of access control and network protection. Audiovisual over IP devices are tasked to stream and receive video and audio media over IP networks. Unlike other distribution technologies (e.g., circuit-based distri- bution), IP packets are susceptible to being hacked. Add- ing a layer of encryption to the content protects the ser- vice from being hacked and ensures that only devices able to decipher the content can decode and display the con- tent. One leading technology that is used for this is the advanced encryption standard (AES), and it is advised to use AVoIP devices that support at least 128-bit AES. SUMMARY The migration to AVoIP in commercial AV is a path that several industries, including ICT, have already taken to great success. Internet protocol networks create enor- mous value given the highly flexible and scalable nature of the network architecture as conveyed in this article's summary in Table 3. No longer are systems integrators and end customers limited by the amount of inputs and outputs per box to manage signal distribution. Audiovi- sual over IP also helps to overcome the traditional signal distribution limits of matrixed systems, and in medium- to-large AV systems, it will reduce capital outlay for the end customer. AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY: David Shamir is a 20-year electronics and computer industry veteran focusing on streaming and video delivery in broadcast and audiovisual markets. He is responsible for many industry developments in encoder, decoder and transcoder technologies. Currently, he is director of product management at Atlona where he oversees the transition from point-to-point, circuit-based switching platforms to IP-based signal distribution for AV and control systems. David can be reached at david.shamir@atlona.com. TABLE 3: Summary and conclusions table. Recommendation Cable Infrastructure Category 6A cabling Network Infrastructure 1 GbE network, including AVoIP devices AVoIP network is separated using logical separation: VLAN, MPLS or air gap network (separate switch) Multicast, IGMP with QoS in case of congested networks AVoIP encoder–decoder latency needs to be below 10 ms Authentication and authorization using IEEE 802.1x protocol, content protection using AES-128 bit, and ability to change username and password of AVoIP devices Lower Capex, switch selection, Power over Ethernet (PoE) maturity and availability, non-blocking switch fabric Improve management, lower risk of congestion Reduce bit rate load, improve scalability Enable installation in conference rooms, auditoriums and room overflow applications Improve immunity against rogue elements, and prevent unlawful monitoring of traffic and theft of content Network Segregation Protocols Latency Security Immunity to noise, ability to move high resolution to longer distance Reasoning