Networked AV Wizard Optimization

Zyxel_Claudia

The new firmware version 4.90 from Zyxel introduces a major update to the Networked AV Wizard to optimize multicast handling for audio-video (AV) protocols commonly used in professional AV systems, such as Dante. This enhancement streamlines multicast and DSCP prioritization for AV traffic, improving performance in environments like hotels and conference rooms where high-quality AV streaming is essential.

Background on Networked AV and Dante Protocol Requirements

Dante and other professional AV systems rely on multicast traffic and precise timing to deliver audio and video with low latency and high reliability. They typically use the Differentiated Services Code Point (DSCP) values embedded within IP headers to set traffic priority, with specific values assigned to different traffic types:

• DSCP 56: Assigned for Precision Time Protocol (PTP) events, critical for AV synchronization.
• DSCP 46: Used for audio streaming.
• DSCP 8 and 0: Used for other AV control signals with lower priority.

Dante systems also use specific multicast groups to manage AV traffic, but these groups may not always align with standard multicast settings on network switches. This mismatch can result in traffic not being forwarded correctly across devices, impacting the performance of AV streaming.

Key Features of the Networked AV Wizard Optimization

1. Automated DSCP Priority Settings:
   • Upon finishing the Networked AV Wizard setup, Diffserv will be enabled.
2. Automatic MAC and IP Address Configuration:
   • Upon finishing the Networked AV Wizard setup, the switch automatically configures MAC and IP address filters for multicast groups related to PTP, SAP, and DSCP traffic.
   • This configuration improves the switch’s efficiency by forwarding traffic only to relevant devices, enhancing performance for multicast-heavy AV networks.

Summary

The Networked AV Wizard optimization in firmware 4.90 enhances the ability of Zyxel switches to support high-quality AV networks, particularly those using Dante and similar protocols. By automating DSCP prioritization, enabling the necessary multicast groups, and configuring MAC and IP address filters, Zyxel’s new wizard makes it easier for AV network administrators to set up and maintain reliable, synchronized audio and video streaming environments.