Media Links achieves world’s first successful demonstration of STL using IP/PTP on a microwave utility line
Media Links has succeeded in a world’s first demonstration of Precision Time Protocol (PTP) and Studio to Transmitter Link (STL) using IP over microwave dedicated lines. Microwave dedicated lines are widely used for STLs at many broadcasting stations both in Japan and overseas. Based on the success of this demonstration, Media Links will now offer STL transmission using the IP/PTP transmission method to broadcast stations both in Japan and across the globe.
Today, broadcasting systems are rapidly changing from networks that utilise traditional coaxial cables to systems based on new IP-based technologies. For STLs however, which are the backbone of many broadcast networks, the locations of transmitting stations (mountaintops, etc) are often unsuitable for networks that rely on wired lines, and where microwave transmission remains essential. It has therefore become important to develop IP transmission technology using PTP over microwave.
Media Links was the first in the world to develop and deploy STL using PTP over a wired IP network (STL over IP/PTP). Building on this work, the company has now developed a new technology solution (STL over IP/PTP Microwave) that again realises STL over IP/PTP but now over dedicated lines using microwaves.
Together with partner Oscilloquartz, Media Links conducted a demonstration of the technology on an existing microwave install. The demonstration was carried out at a broadcasting station in the Philippines from 13-17 May. It used Media Links’ STL over IP/PTP device the MDP3020 SFN to transmit both broadcast content and PTP timing, and leveraged the existing equipment installed by the broadcast station for normal microwave transmit and receive operations. As a result, the team confirmed the normal operation of the transmission of signals and the accurate transmission of timing by PTP. It therefore succeeded in realising the world’s first STL using IP and PTP using microwave lines.
Tsukasa Sugawara, CEO of Media Links, commented: “The success of this demonstration has made it possible to realise STL transmission by IP/PTP over microwave lines, where previously this was a difficult step in the IP migration of broadcaster systems. Going forward, we will not only propose IP migration within broadcast stations, but also the IP migration of STL transmission, thereby delivering a complete IP migration of broadcast systems.
Anil K Reddy, associate vice president of Oscilloquartz, Adtran Networks commented: “It is exciting to see the success of the trial of PTP over IP Microwave networks with OSA synchronisation technology. Adtran’s Oscilloquartz innovative and versatile solutions bring the highest timing accuracy required in packet broadcast networks both on wired and wireless networks for a better quality of experience.”