Network Considerations

Network Considerations

Omnia Enterprise 9s is designed to be run on a server that provides network connectivity both for controlling the software using the provided remote interface - NfRemote - and for audio transport using Audio over IP (AoIP).

While each individual network has its unique characteristics, and it is beyond the scope of this manual to account for all variables and permutations, we can provide some sample configurations and recommended best practices as outlined below.

General Network Requirements

The following requirements must be observed:

• Switches that have a proven track record for use in AoIP applications and which include QoS and IGMP snooping

• NTP should be present on the control network

  • The Windows operating system should be locked to NTP to provide accurate time for system logging, time-based event scheduling, and timestamps for audience measurement watermarking

• A PTP or Livewire master clock must be present on the AoIP network(s)

  • A single facility master clock for all timing and clock signals is preferred

  • The AoIP network must be configured for the proper distribution of a PTP clock according to the requirements outlined in both the current IEEE 1588 standard (IEEE 1588-2022 at the time this was written) and the SMPTE 2059-2 standard

• Server hardware and network adapters for the AoIP network must be chosen and configured to handle the required number of AES67 / SMPTE ST 2110-30 and -31 Profile A audio streams

Depending upon the installation, two or three networks may be required.  

Two Network Setup

In a two-network setup:

• Network 1 is used for configuration, control, and monitoring using an NTP clock.  

  • The NTP clock should be derived from the same sources as the PTP clock, preferably a GPS-locked clock.

  • SNMP, NMOS, and Ember+ are also available on the control and/or AoIP networks

• Network 2 is used for AoIP transport of AES67 / SMPTE ST 2110-31 and -31 Profile A streams using a PTP master clock.

  • In all cases, the AoIP network must use an Intel 350, 550, or 700 series NIC; the type of NIC used on Network 1 for control is not critical.

• NfRemote can be accessed from either network.

Three Network Setup

In a three-network setup:

• Network 1 is used for configuration, control, and monitoring using an NTP clock.

• Network 2 and Network 3 are used for redundant AoIP transport of AES67 / SMPTE ST 2110-31 and -31 Profile A streams.

• A PTP clock is must be present on both AoIP networks when SMPTE 2022-7 redundancy is required.

Specific network adapter recommendations are provided in the section on Network Adapters.