Overview
Explore the world of Audio over IP with this hands-on, comprehensive course designed for engineers with a solid knowledge of TCP/IP. Explore a wide range of architectures, standards, and delivery methods rather than focusing on one standard. The course covers all critical areas of AoIP, including RTP, multicasting, Dante, AES67, and low-latency streaming.
Hands-on sessions provide practical experience with these technologies, allowing delegates to apply their knowledge directly. Through interactive activities and in-depth analysis, you will gain the expertise needed to navigate and implement AoIP systems effectively.
Prerequisites
There are no formal prerequisite courses, just a good knowledge of how IP works.
A good suggested course would be TCP/IP foundation for engineers
Delegates will learn how to
By the end of the course delegates will be able to:
- Recognise the use of various protocols and techniques used in AoIP.
- Use Wireshark to analyse and troubleshoot audio streams.
- Troubleshoot and test multicast networks.
- Evaluate AoIP technologies.
- Compare and contrast Dante, AES67, Ravennaand other AoIP protocols.
Outline
What is AoIP?
What is IP? What is Audio? AoIP use cases. Codecs: PCM, compression, MP3, AAC, uncompressed PCM, sample rates, bit depth. The major AoIP protocols: Dante, AES67, Ravenna, Livewire+, Wheatnet.
Hands on: Base IP connectivity, Sending an audio stream using audacity and Ravenna VSC.
AoIP protocol stacks
Ethernet, Layer 2 audio protocols: Livewire, Wheatnet. IP, TCP, UDP, RTP. IPv6. Why UDP is used. Dante, AES67 and Ravenna. Using SMPTE 2110 for audio.
Hands on: AoIP packet analysis with Wireshark.
IP issues
Is bandwidth an issue with Audio? Factors affecting bandwidth: Quality and sample rate, number of channels. Delay, latency, jitter, signalling. Routers. QoS, IP DSCP field, 802.1Q.
Hands on: Analysing jitter, packet loss and other performance issues. Iperf3.
RTP
RTP, ports, payload types, dynamic payloads, RTCP.
Hands on: RTP analysis with Wireshark.
Security
VLANs, Firewalls, VPNs. SRTP. Dante and AES encryption.
Hands on: Securing an AoIP channel.
Timing
Synchronisation in one stream versus many streams. What is time? Computers and time. NTP, PTP, how PTP works, transparent and boundary clocks. PTP timestamps. Synchronising RTP timestamps.
Hands on: Analysing PTP with Wireshark.
Multicasting
Multicasting compared to unicasting and broadcasting, when to use and when not to use multicasting. Multicast addressing.
Hands on: Multicast troubleshooting tools.
Multicast architecture
The big picture, IGMPv1/v2/v3, PIM-SM, SSM. MLD. SAP/SDP.
Hands on: IGMP snooping, Building and analysing a routed multicast network.
Multi zone audio distribution
Multiple zones with different audio streams. Failover and redundancy. STP, RSTP.
Hands on: Audio routing and automatic failover.
AoIP protocols and architectures
Comparison of Dante, AES67, SMPTE 2110 30 and 31, Ravenna, Livewire+ and Wheatstone. Interoperability. When and where each is used. AoIP hardware and software overview. IP audio edge, Interfaces, consoles, DSPs. Virtual soundcards and software mixers.
Hands on: Dante controller flow monitoring of AES67 streams.
Frequently asked questions
How can I create an account on myQA.com?
There are a number of ways to create an account. If you are a self-funder, simply select the "Create account" option on the login page.
If you have been booked onto a course by your company, you will receive a confirmation email. From this email, select "Sign into myQA" and you will be taken to the "Create account" page. Complete all of the details and select "Create account".
If you have the booking number you can also go here and select the "I have a booking number" option. Enter the booking reference and your surname. If the details match, you will be taken to the "Create account" page from where you can enter your details and confirm your account.
Find more answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs: Bookings & Cancellations page.
How do QA’s virtual classroom courses work?
Our virtual classroom courses allow you to access award-winning classroom training, without leaving your home or office. Our learning professionals are specially trained on how to interact with remote attendees and our remote labs ensure all participants can take part in hands-on exercises wherever they are.
We use the WebEx video conferencing platform by Cisco. Before you book, check that you meet the WebEx system requirements and run a test meeting to ensure the software is compatible with your firewall settings. If it doesn’t work, try adjusting your settings or contact your IT department about permitting the website.
How do QA’s online courses work?
QA online courses, also commonly known as distance learning courses or elearning courses, take the form of interactive software designed for individual learning, but you will also have access to full support from our subject-matter experts for the duration of your course.
Once you have purchased the Online course and have completed your registration, you will receive the necessary details to enable you to immediately access it through our e-learning platform and you can start to learn straight away, from any compatible device. Access to the online learning platform is valid for one year from the booking date.
All courses are built around case studies and presented in an engaging format, which includes storytelling elements, video, audio and humour. Every case study is supported by sample documents and a collection of Knowledge Nuggets that provide more in-depth detail on the wider processes.
When will I receive my joining instructions?
Joining instructions for QA courses are sent two weeks prior to the course start date, or immediately if the booking is confirmed within this timeframe. For course bookings made via QA but delivered by a third-party supplier, joining instructions are sent to attendees prior to the training course, but timescales vary depending on each supplier’s terms. Read more FAQs.
When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates of Achievement are issued at the end the course, either as a hard copy or via email. Read more here.