Underscoring the convergence of networking and audio/video, the newly announced S3 Series of network switches from Pakedge, a Control4 brand, provides integrators with a choice of AV-friendly layer 2 and layer 3 solutions.
Pakedge's S3L-24P and updated S3-24P network switches were developed for professional AV installations through their support of technologies and protocols that include Dante network audio, Avnu-certification and QSC Audio's Q-LAN technology.
“As networks move torward greater complexity, deterministic switches will become much more of an inevitability—especially for larger networks,” emphasizes Brad Hintze, senior director of product marketing, Control4. “As pro AV and IP continue to converge, the predictability that comes with routing network traffic in more intelligent ways and the ability to stream with full 10G speeds wil keep even complex networks running at their peak. The increased power and abilities of the Pakedge S3 Series switches ensures future-ready networks for pro AV and commercial AV projects.”
Incorporating features that include 24 Gigabit PoE+ ports, as well as four 10Gb SFP+ ports for increased throughput, and support for Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching, the S3 Series switches provide reliable network traffic management capabilities. The switchers also offer static routing, IGMP v1/2/3, Audio over IP and Quality of Service (QoS).
The switches also support streaming video functionality, including IGMP Snooping for reliable video over IP streaming across complex networks.
The S3L-24P supports quick setup configuration for applications, including audio/video bridge (AVB), Dante and Q-LAN to facilitate a straight-forward setup for digital AV networks.
Control4 says the S3L-24P provides lite Layer 3 functionality to enable its usage in environments such as recording studios and conference rooms. The updated S3-24P complements larger digital AV installations such as corporate campuses, retail centers and concert venues. Through its Layer 3 compatibility, the S3-24P delivers dynamic routing for improved isolation, greater IP routing entries, multicast entries, IPv4 multicast groups and AVB streams.
“We're really excited to add the new Pakedge switches to the Avnu-certified ecosystem. Avnu works with member companies to test the interoperability of switches and end devices for highly reliable delivery of low latency, synchronized audio across a network, and to simplify professional AV system design, installation and service,” notes Patrick Prothe, pro AV chairperson, AvnU Alliance. “More certified switches offer professional system designers and installers more options in building AVB/TSN systems.”
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