Network Audio
OSI Model
The OSI Model groups different services, functions and applications of telecommunication systems into seven hierarchically arranged layers:
Layer |
Name |
Description |
|---|---|---|
7 |
Application Layer |
End user layer, HCI layer |
6 |
Presentation Layer |
data conversion, syntax |
5 |
Session Layer |
connection management, sockets |
4 |
Transport Layer |
end-to-end connections (TCP, UDP) |
3 |
Network Layer |
packet routing |
2 |
Data Link Layer |
data formats (bits to frames, MAC addresses) |
1 |
Physical layer |
bit stream transmission over medium/hardware (Ethernet, WiFi, ...) |
Network based audio systems can be based on different layers. This affects their capabilities and application areas. A comprehensive list can be found here: comparison on Wikipedia
Layer 1 Solutions
Layer 1 solutions only rely on the hardware used in telecommunication systems and use their own routing mechanisms. As a consequence, they usually need specific routers and are often used for direct peer-to-peer connections. The most widespread solution is the open AES50 format, which is found in devices by Behringer and Midas.
Layer 2 Solutions
Layer 2 solutions use the standard Ethernet protocol for transmitting data. Standard routers and hardware can thus be used for routing. Among the well known formats are AVB and AES51, as well as several proprietary solutions.
Layer 3 Solutions
Layer 3 solutions feature an IP header in their packages. Example solutions are DANTE, AES67, RAVENNA and AVB.
Layer 4 Solutions
Some solutions are based on Layer 4 protocols like TCP or UDP [1]. Since UDP is faster due to the missing handshake and error-correction. Although this makes it prone to package loss, it is the preferred method for achieving acceptable latency at the cost of dropouts, depending on the quality of the connection.
Examples for Layer 4 solutions can be found in the free and open software community, including NetJack2 [2], Zita-njbridge [3] and JackTrip.