GatesAir to showcase intelligent networking, interoperability for IP signal transport
GatesAir will highlight intelligent networking and signal transport reliability as a key part of its over-the-air efficiency and innovation message at IBC2014. GatesAir will help broadcasters better comprehend and improve network performance with the launch of Intraplex LiveLook, a dynamic software solution that improves analysis and troubleshooting for IP transport. GatesAir will also demonstrate new interoperability features that enhance audio contribution and distribution opportunities for over-the-air broadcasters.
LiveLook is a real-time interactive monitoring solution that works in conjunction with Intraplex IP Link codecs, optimising performance for mission-critical audio contribution and distribution networks. LiveLook provides time-based graphical analysis of network statistics, including burst packets and other performance-related measurements that adversely affect IP signal transport. Built-in data mining algorithms automate packet analysis and subsequent report generation, recommending optimal techniques for error mitigation. This streamlines the setup, configuration and optimisation of IP networks to reduce complexity and improve overall network performance.
Broadcasters further benefit from analysis of both live and logged data. The graphical nature of LiveLook, in conjunction with log clock association, gives users better insight into performance trends over periods of time. Additionally, the continuous logging of IP packets ensures that broadcasters can easily pinpoint and analyse statistics from a specific time window to review and troubleshoot known performance issues.
Ultimately, Intraplex LiveLook is a value-added complement to reliability techniques already built into IP Link codecs, including dynamic stream splicing, an application that provides hitless recovery of dropped packets via seamless convergence of main and backup streams. These and other integrated redundancy measures ensure IP Link codecs match the performance reliability of traditional T1/E1 circuits, while significant lowering total cost of ownership.
“Many broadcasters have already transitioned to IP signal transport as its reliability is well established, but to date have lacked tools that provide true visibility into network performance,” said Rich Redmond, chief product officer, GatesAir. “It’s just as critical to understand how well live streams and recovery techniques are performing, especially in large contribution and distribution networks. LiveLook introduces another layer to the IP transport reliability story by adding true performance visibility, allowing broadcasters to understand how and why performance issues from random to heavy burst packet losses are happening — and how to improve their network architectures to prevent future occurrences.”
GatesAir will additionally showcase initiatives surrounding standards-based interoperability initiatives, including support for the EBU 3362 specification. The EBU 3362 specification in part covers the use of standard SIP and RTP protocols to establish audio streams. This compatibility allows IP Link codecs to seamlessly mix with other hardware codec vendors across large broadcast networks, as well as software codecs used on various smartphones and tablets — a clear indicator of the company’s forward-looking interoperability strategy.
Support for SIP, or the Session Internet Protocol, is especially attractive for remote broadcasts and similar contribution applications. Instead of requiring a remote encoder, a broadcaster can call into an IP Link receiver at a radio station using an iOS or Android phone, for example, to contribute an on-air feed. Additionally, a listener or guest with a SIP phone or application can similarly contribute to a live or recorded broadcast call using a common mobile device.