Audio over network can be an effective solution for a wide range of applications, from worship to nursing rooms. It requires only one network cable to connect all the audio equipment. Network audio can be extended to incorporate a video booth and personal monitor system. While this may sound complicated, manufacturers are working to make audio network connections as simple as possible.
Limitations of traditional analogue audio over network
Traditional analogue audio over network systems are difficult to install and have their own limitations. They require a single wire from source to output and are expensive and time-consuming to install. Moreover, they don’t deliver high-fidelity audio. While digital audio is better, it’s still not perfect. The quality of audio will depend on a number of factors, including the quality of the cable.
Modern digital audio devices can support remote control over LAN networks. This makes the audio network a more flexible solution for audio distribution and routing. It also enables flexible preamp control. In contrast, a traditional analogue system requires remote analog I/O within a short distance.
Requirements for a high-performance local area network
The high-speed ISO 11898 Standard specifies the minimum signaling rate for a system capable of carrying audio over network. This standard also specifies the maximum bus length and number of nodes. It also requires that the cable must have 120-ohm characteristic impedance. It also recommends that the unterminated stub length be 0.3 m.
Getting network latency down
Latency is one of the biggest bottlenecks of traditional music performances. It can be as long as twenty milliseconds. While that may seem like a long time, it’s actually a fraction of the time that is required when audio is sent over a network. The reason for the latency is the speed at which data travels through a network, and it also depends on several factors, including the speed of light and the number of hops along the way.
Getting network latency down for audio over networks isn’t as difficult as you might think. The key is to get the amount of jitter that is introduced into the signal down to a reasonable amount. Even small amounts of jitter can be mitigated by setting up a jitter buffer, which is a queue of media packets waiting to play. However, the length of the jitter buffer has to be carefully considered because too much jitter may result in loss of packets.
Benefits of network audio
If you’re looking for a better way to deliver your audio system, network audio may be the right solution for your organization. It offers several benefits, including easy system integration with other systems. Additionally, network audio can be scalable and flexible, making it a viable solution for a wide variety of uses.
As the technology for network audio improves, more sophisticated arrangements are becoming possible. Companies such as Axis Communications have created solutions that enable centralized management and audio content scheduling. With these systems, administrators can add functionality that allows them to deliver background music and announcements based on events.