We’ve written previously about the benefits of using an AV-over-IP (AVoIP) solution to transport audio, video, and control signals using the data network. We’ve been using these solutions in our designs for several years, and we know it’s important to secure IT staff buy-in and involve them in implementation once the AV systems design team and the organization’s AV support team determine a project is a good fit for AVoIP. Here’s why.
Network Infrastructure and Performance
- Capacity planning: High-resolution video is bandwidth-intensive, and IT must confirm the network can handle the additional load without causing congestion or degrading performance for other business-critical traffic.
- Switch configuration: AVoIP requires switches with specific capabilities to properly handle and route traffic, especially for multicast. Incorrect configurations can lead to network flooding and service disruptions.
- Quality of Service (QoS): IT is responsible for configuring QoS to prioritize time-sensitive AV traffic. This is critical for preventing latency and ensuring a smooth, reliable experience for applications like video conferencing.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE): Many AVoIP devices require power via Ethernet. IT ensures that network switches have sufficient PoE capacity for all connected devices.
- Cabling: While AVoIP uses standard Ethernet infrastructure, IT is responsible for confirming that the network cabling meets the standards and the required specifications to support planned AV applications.
Security and Privacy
- Cybersecurity: AVoIP components, like any network device, are a potential entry point for security breaches. IT staff are crucial for implementing security measures like encryption, access controls, firewalls, and network segmentation (VLANs) to protect against unauthorized access, malware, and data theft.
- Endpoint protection: Devices such as webcams, microphones, and touch panels can be vulnerable to hacking. The IT team must manage and monitor these endpoints as part of the overall security strategy.
- Firmware updates: The IT department is responsible for managing regular firmware and software updates to patch security vulnerabilities and ensure the system remains secure.
- Content protection: IT ensures that sensitive content being streamed or stored is protected through appropriate security and encryption protocols.
AVoIP Topologies
- A closed AV network typically puts the entire responsibility for that network on the AV Integrator and Owner’s AV support team and may not need any involvement from the IT staff. But an AV subnet and a converged network must have IT’s involvement for a successful project.
- A converged network will mix the AV streams with other data: email, file transfers, telephone, etc. Since AV signals need to arrive at their destinations with as little latency as possible, IT staff are needed to correctly configure the network electronics.
- An AV subnet creates a dedicated AV network, but touches the building/production network, especially for remote access to the AV systems. IT is needed to ensure the network supports the required services.
Management and Support
- Centralized management: AVoIP enables centralized management of all AV devices. IT can integrate these new systems into existing remote management tools and protocols to improve efficiency for monitoring, troubleshooting, and support.
- Troubleshooting: In case of a network issue affecting the AV system, a collaborative troubleshooting effort between IT and AV teams is needed to quickly identify and resolve problems.
- Lifecycle management: IT handles the maintenance, updates, and eventual replacement of the network components (switches, routers, etc.) as part of the organization’s overall hardware and software lifecycle plan.
Cost-Effectiveness and Futureproofing
- Optimized design: By working with IT from the start, the AV solution can be designed to leverage existing network infrastructure and conform to IT standards, reducing unnecessary hardware and installation costs.
- Scalability: IT collaboration ensures the new AVoIP system can scale easily when adding new endpoints to the network.
- System alignment: Aligning AV with IT infrastructure from the beginning can prevent costly rework and help ensure the technology serves the long-term strategic goals of the organization.
Planning for the Future
AV signal transport is no longer a separate, proprietary system, but a networked service that must be planned and integrated with the broader IT environment. IT staff must be involved in implementing an AVoIP solution because AVoIP relies on the organization’s network infrastructure for function, security, and performance. As consultants, we enjoy bridging the gap between different groups within an organization to ensure infrastructure and systems are planned and designed for current requirements and future scalability.
This post was authored by Associate Principal Michael Pincus, who has more than 35 years of experience planning and designing AV, IT, security, and low-voltage systems. He works closely with his clients so they understand the full operational, financial, procurement, and implementation requirements that are part of any technology roadmap.
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