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2
Guidelines for Configuration of an AES67 System
2.1
System planning
Before wiring up a system, careful planning is advised. Configuration, system monitoring and
debugging will be much more efficient if the general system layout and other vital aspects have been
given ample thought.
2.1.1
Network infrastructure
2.1.1.1
Managed switches
In most cases, an AES67 system requires an administrable network (due to QoS and multicast
requirements), which mandates the deployment of managed switches. Managed switches provide
means for accessing the switch configuration which, in most cases, is achieved by an internal web
browser providing user-friendly access through any web browser. Other switches (mostly enterprise-
grade switches) may offer a command line interface ("CLI") for more complex configuration tasks.
While most switches have a useful out-of-the box default configuration, it is always advisable to check
and verify the required settings.
2.1.1.2
Topology
While AES67 is strictly based on IP and can thus run on any "standard" network topology, it is always
a good rule to minimize the number of switches ("hops") any particular stream will have to navigate
in the final network. A small network may consist of only one switch, which of course makes
configuration relatively easy. As the network becomes larger, star or tree topologies
In larger corporate networks spanning multiple subnets, it can be essential to have a deterministic
route for any given connection – in this case a leaf-spine architecture
topology.
2.1.1.3
Bandwidth
In any case, it needs to be assured that ample bandwidth on any given path is available. While
individual devices may have more than enough bandwidth available on a 100 Mbit/s Fast Ethernet
(FE) port, the total required bandwidth to accommodate all streams on a backbone link may easily
require Gigabit speed (GbE). It is a good idea to use GbE switches exclusively for your infrastructure.
If you need to accommodate several hundred channels of audio, particularly if you plan to share your
network with other IT services, you may even consider upgrading your backbone infrastructure to
higher speeds (i.e. 10 GbE or above).
Despite the nominal link rate of the switch ports it may also be advisable to check for the maximum
switching capacity. Some switches (especially at the lower cost end) may offer a large number of
ports, but won't be able to cope with the total traffic when all ports are heavily loaded. Check for
11
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_topology
12
A Beginner's Guide to Understanding the Leaf-Spine Network Topology
(http://blog.westmonroepartners.com/a-beginners-guide-to-understanding-the-leaf-spine-network-
topology/)
12
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AES67 Practical Guide
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come in to play.
would be the most preferred
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