AV Support Added To Extreme Ethernet Switches

Audio video bridging support is being applied to Extreme Networks' enterprise-class Ethernet switches, cementing it as one of the first major switch vendors to take on audio and video system automation through the use of Ethernet.

The IP/Ethernet convergence is advantageous to AVB 802.1Q technology, similarly to VoIP and networked storage, according to Extreme. The company made the announcement during the week's Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) conference in Amsterdam.

Through the utilization of the IEEE standard, interoperability can be made easier and can strengthen Extreme switches with the use of various audio and video technologies. The director of product management at Extreme, Todd Acree, said that there is also the added bonus of simpler cabling, improved A/V delivery through synchronization, as well as other advantages like integrated quality of service.

Acree stated: "Anywhere you have audio and video needs is [a place] where this will help. Extreme intends to be a leader here."

For channel partners, the merging of AVB and Ethernet is a multibillion-dollar market opportunity. Extreme's approach has many benefits, including the fact that A/V traffic can work en par with non-A/V traffic through the use of the same Ethernet infrastructure. This makes the solution perfect for recording studios, stadiums, performance halls, theme parks and broadcast studios who have heavy needs for A/V.

Extreme's switches Summit X440, Summit X460 and Summit X670 will have AVB support and will shortly also be added to Extreme Ethernet products such as BlackDiamond X8. Furthermore, Extreme will be able to use interfaces from 100Mbps to 100Gbps, and, according to Acree, will also be sold as a software license.

By partnering with various professional A/V companies (Axon, Biamp Systems, Meyer Sound and Harman) during its release, Extreme supposes it will work with existing Extreme partners and also draw other A/V-focused integrators. (CY) Link