The IP-based Real-Time Audio Network Andreas Hildebrand, Senior Product Manager Annual Lawo Partner Training & User Meeting +++ September 27 - 29, 2010:

The IP-based Real-Time Audio Network

Andreas Hildebrand, Senior Product Manager

Annual Lawo Partner Training & User Meeting +++ September 27 - 29, 2010:


Company facts:

• Independent company (GmbH), based in Munich• Founded October 2007• Shareholder: Lawo Group AG, CH• CEO: Philipp Lawo• Current staff: 5 R&D engineers, 1 Product Manager

Who is ALC NetworX ?


Development of new audio distribution technologybased on standard Network technology

(similar to X-point switcher)

Another Company

Mission:

ALC NetworX

Networ X

Curious about the Name ?


Replacing cost-intensive, proprietary

audio & video routing infrastructure

(“switchers / matrix / routers”)

with off-the-shelf, standardized

network infrastructure.

Basic Idea:


Today:

ATM

MADI MADI


Vision:


Bridgeother format Node Audio I/O

Node Audio I/O

NodeAudio I/O Node Audio I/O

IP net(LAN)NodeAudio I/O

Vision:


Real-time

Audio

& Video

Next-Generation

Network

Architecture

Enhanced

Just another networked audio solution ?

RAVENNA?


• SuperMac / HyperMac – based on CAT5 or fiber Proprietary point-to-point connection, no network at all

• Layer 1 – based on physical layer of Ethernet (copper or optical) always proprietary technology,

examples: A-Net, Rocknet, SoundWeb, OptoCore, MediorNet et al.• Layer 2 - based on Ethernet data link layer

mostly proprietary technology with “black box” licensing model, examples: EtherSound, CobraNet et al.

• Layer 3 – based on IP utilizes common “internet” technology (addressing & routing schemes,

streaming formats etc.)examples: Livewire, Q-LAN, Dante et al.

other (non-relevant) technologies: VisiBlu / FlexIP / PYKO and all IP “codec” solutions (APT, Mayah, Qbit, Prodys et al)

Market Overview - Existing solutions:


Application

Presentation

Session

Transport

Network

Data Link

Physical Copper

Ethernet

Copper / Fiber

Ethernet

Copper / Fiber

OSI Layer A-Net EtherSound CobraNet

RTP

UDP

IP

Ethernet

Copper / Fiber

Dante &Livewire

Existing solutions compared to OSI layer model:


Pro & Cons of existing solutions - layer 1: Aviom’s A-Net

+ ruggedized audio transport system+ low latency (< 1 ms)+ Adopts to variable sample rate- needs dedicated network, no other traffic supported- not switchable / routable- not scalable- supports only one common sample rate / data format- proprietary hardware - no PC interface available


Pro & Cons of existing solutions - layer 2: Digigram’s EtherSound

+ proven audio transport system+ very low latency+ significant market penetration, supported by numerous OEMso Ethernet compliant (equipment only)o switchable (but not routable)- dedicated network required (no other traffic supported)- daisy-chain topology (flow limitations, prone to single-point of failure)- limited scalability- supports only one common data / sample rate- proprietary technology (under “black box” license by Digigram)


Pro & Cons of existing solutions - layer 3: Axia’s Livewire

+ fully switchable + runs with most standard network switches (but only a few recommended)+ no topology restrictions+ other network traffic supported+ product palette includes choice of mixing desks+ PCs can take part in a Livewire system+ significant market penetration (mainly U.S. broadcast market)o separate clock distribution / synchronization (but proprietary scheme)o supports two latency schemeso capacity scales with available bandwidth - only one native sample rate & data format supported- no support for network redundancy- proprietary technology


Pro & Cons of existing solutions - layer 3: Audinate’s Dante

+ accurate clock distribution / synchronization+ flexible latency assignment (w/ low achievable latency)+ capacity scales with available bandwidth and latency assignments+ supports different sample rates & data formats + other network traffic supported+ no topology restrictions+ fully switchable (& potentially routable)+ operates on standard network equipment+ integrated support for full network redundancy+ PCs can take part in a Dante system- proprietary technology (very strict “black box” license)- low market penetration, live segment only- no experience in / focus on PABM


Why IP Networking?

• Cost efficiency: network infrastructure cheaper to install and operate

• Scalability: performance scales with capabilities of network infrastructure

• Flexibility: allows easy and fast configuration changes

• Availability: IP-capable network equipment and infrastructure readily available and widely deployed

• Versatility: multiple services can share the same network

• WAN capability: content can be routed across WAN connections without technology change

• Convergence: PCs can participate on the network without sound cards

• Future-proof: IP-based services will grow into all areas of communication


Why RAVENNA?

• Based on well-known technology standards and standardized protocols

• Designed to work on existing networks

• Supports shared services on same network

• Allows WAN connections without technology change

• No proprietary licensing policy

• Open partnership model

• Current RAVENNA partners:


RAVENNA – Fields of Application:

• Primary focus on broadcasting applications

• In-house signal distribution in central facilities and regional studios

• Inter-facility links across corporate networks

• WAN connections

• OB vans

• Other applications

• Venue / event installation (sports stadium, hallmark events etc.)

• Install market (theater, opera, P.A. sound systems etc.)

• Live market (concert hall, open air etc.)

• Recording Studios & M.I.


Basic Components:

Node Audio I/O



SyncMasterExt. Reference

GPS


RAVENNA Node – Schematic Drawing:

Audio In

NICMedia Clock Generator LAN

Packetizer

Audio Out Sample Buffer2 De-Packetizer

Media Clock

1 size determined by # of samples per packet2 size determined by play-out delay

Sample Buffer1ADC / Sampler

DAC / Serializer


GPS

Ext. ReferenceSync

Master 2

Node Audio I/O



SyncMasterExt. Reference

GPS

Redundancy Scheme:

IP net(LAN)


RAVENNA Key Features:

• A layer 3 (IP) solution

• Can operate on most existing network infrastructures

• Allows phase-accurate distribution of media clocks

• Supports concurrent operation of multiple media clocks and formats

• Full bit transparency with all media formats

• Allows low latency for real-time critical applications

• Supports QoS for reliable data transfer

• Capacity scales with underlying network infrastructure

• Supports distribution and synchronization across network segments

• Full network redundancy support


Technology Prototypes:


Technology Prototypes – Piggyback Board:


Peek into our Lab:


On Display: The RAVENNA Wall


Q & A:

• Why another IP technology? Why not extending an existing solution?• Why not AVB?• Is UDP reliable enough? How can the connection quality be secured (we all

know about IP disconnects and losses throughout our daily life)?• What happens if bandwidth is exceeded by actual traffic situation?• How will different latency requirements / settings be handled practically ?• How will the connection management work?• What is the difference to the IP codec business – why can they use public

networks (internet)?• Is RAVENNA only covering audio, or will it be suitable for video as well?


Q & A:

• Will RAVENNA be compatible with other solutions?• Who is among the early adopters? Why not manufacturer xy?• What will be the first products?• When will the technology / products be available for the market?• How will „old world“ HD-Core and „new world“ IP converge? Will there be a

discontinuity?• What‘s the benefit for the customer (THAT you should know by now…)


Summary:

• RAVENNA is a new technology for audio real-time distribution over IP• Target market: professional broadcast and other pro audio applications• It works on existing network infrastructures in shared traffic environments• It offers increased flexibility and contributes to workflow convergence• It features low latency, bit transparency and accurate media clock distribution• It supports full network redundancy• It is an open, license-free technology and based on wide-spread standards• ALC NetworX is defining the technology, manufacturers are implementing

RAVENNA support• Renowned companies from the pro audio market have already joined


Andreas HildebrandSenior Product Manager

Contact information:

ALC NetworX GmbHAm Loferfeld 5881249 Munich

[email protected]

Thank you for your attention!

ravenna.alcnetworx.com

The IP-based Real-Time Audio Network Andreas Hildebrand, Senior Product Manager Annual Lawo Partner Training & User Meeting +++ September 27 - 29, 2010:

Documents

realtime audio network

realtime audio network

network traffic

ipcapable network equipment

network infrastructure

standard network equipment

routable dedicated network

standard network switches