Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1255991
The commercial AV industry is in the midst of a challeng- ing transition with an emphasis on technologies that move AV operations to the network. Enterprise busi- nesses, schools and universities, and entertainment venues that have long relied on purpose-built matrixed systems to route and distribute AV signals are now look- ing to converge these same essential functions within new or existing IT infrastructure. However, the migration of AV systems to the IP net- work requires a great deal of planning. Detailed knowl- edge of network topologies, deployment issues, best prac- tices, and quality-related considerations ensure a smooth transition to AVoIP and a reliable and consistent AV sys- tem moving forward. To achieve this, it is important to understand what is required to establish an AVoIP net- work from infrastructure through network architecture and protocols. INFRASTRUCTURE 1 GbE Versus 10 GbE—The Debate There is an ongoing debate in the industry about whether a 1 Gb/s or 10 Gb/s architecture provides the ideal net- work topology for AV systems. The discussion often gets mixed between infrastructure and AVoIP applications. For the cabling infrastructure, cables that can carry 10 Gb/s signals are advised, especially for new structures and buildings to future proof the networks either inside the data center or from remote customer premises equipment (CPE). When the structure is wired with 10 Gb/s Cat 6A- capable cabling, an AVoIP application can be addressed. What type of AVoIP solutions should be used to move video and audio on the network? To answer this ques- tion, it is vital to understand the benefits of using 1 GbE versus 10 GbE AVoIP solutions. 1 GbE—The Incumbent Installing and operating AVoIP encoders and decoders that are 1 GbE capable means that network devices (e.g., L2/L3 switchers) do not need to support 10 GbE; they can be limited to 1 GbE. At this point, the network becomes 1 GbE, and this solution delivers many features and bene- fits that will keep it viable for years to come. One benefit COVER ARTICLE By David Shamir July/August/September 2020 I 7