International. Avnu Alliance has developed a new certification program that will improve the testing and certification process for network switches used in all market segments.
The new program supports device certification to the IEEE SA 802.1.BA profile for Audio Video Bridging (AVB) as part of IEEE Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), which is a group of IEEE 802.1 standards. With this certification, network product manufacturers from various industries can ensure that their devices meet AVB/TSN core standards that provide better synchronization, low latency, and reliability for switched Ethernet networks.
"We are excited to announce the updated Switch Certification Program," said Dave Cavalcanti, President of the Avnu Alliance. "The modifications implemented in the testing process will improve and accelerate device certification, ensuring compliance with AVB/TSN standards and improving interoperability between platforms to deliver superior and cost-effective market solutions."
In 2012, the IEEE AVB working group was renamed the TSN working group. Based on the AVB specifications, TSN introduces additional features such as frame suppression, stream filtering, and time-based scheduling, enabling support for a wide range of applications beyond audio and video.
AVB and TSN technologies represent a significant advancement in the Ethernet and wireless LAN standard, offering greater reliability, low latency, and better synchronization for time-critical applications. AVB and TSN standards enable precise synchronization within devices, enabling support for low-jitter media clocks and accurate synchronization of multiple streams so that different types of traffic coexist seamlessly on a single network.
However, interoperability and adherence to the IEEE SA AVB/TSN 802.1.BA profile are critical to the successful deployment and management of these devices.
The tests have been rewritten to take a functional approach and primarily evaluate the performance of the switch within a functional system, as well as assess compliance with IEEE specifications.
Therefore, the Avnu 802.1BA switch certification program will initially be launched with an extensive pilot phase, during which conditional certifications will be awarded. Newly certified devices in the pilot phase will undergo final certification once the full set of tests is established, ensuring the highest standards of performance and reliability.
Major audio networking companies, including d&b audiotechnik, L-Acoustics, Luminex, and Meyer Sound, SoC manufacturers such as NXP Semiconductors, Analog Devices, and Intel, and design, emulation, and test solutions provider Keysight Technologies are actively supporting the Avnu Alliance switch certification program.
"We have received fantastic support from leading vendors in developing new and modified test plans, followed by the implementation of the resulting new test implementations to ensure the quality of the certified devices," said Avnu Switch Working Group Chair Richie Pearn. "Their participation has been instrumental in validating numerous devices certified with the new testing process."
