Suggested Network Switches and Internet Connectivity

Owned by Justin Emge
Last updated: Jul 17, 2020 by ernie addow
4 min read

Please Note

Clear-Com does not aim to verify Ethernet switch manufacturers or a customer's network topology.  Though Clear-Com Engineering has tested specific switches for certain workflows, this information is for guidance only.

Eclipse Dante

Clear-Com generally follows the same recommendations as stated in the Dante/AES67 standards or by the main manufacturer.  In general, any switches that are listed on the Audinate site should be good for use with the Eclipse/Dante network.




Features Required:

  • 1Gb (or more) bandwidth for every port
  • Layer III - Can perform at or near wire speed, but also acts as a router because it has IP routing intelligence built in.
  • Switching capacity equal to 2x number of ports (Tx/Rx).  To exemplify this, if you purchase a 10-port switch, it should have a switching capacity of 20 Gb/s.
  • EEE (Energy Efficient Ethernet) or Green Ethernet needs to be disabled.
  • QoS - Quality of Service prioritization of audio traffic.
  • Fiber to Copper conversion preferable using the SFP/mini-GBIC form factor.

Please Note

Pay close attention to the maximum power budget for PoE ports AND how the switch handles overpower situations.

Eclipse AES67 via IPA Card (to FSII IP Transceivers and VSeries Iris Panels)

The standard AES67 network is a bridging compliance which allows any AES67 compliant device to participate with other compliant devices on a network in order to transport high quality audio over IP (AoIP.)  Unlike Dante, this requires a more thorough understanding of the network topology since the mechanics are less automated.

Clear-Com has provided a thorough User Guide that explains what is necessary for a AES67 network, what is required and what has been tested.

AES67 Guide

IPA and IPT Networking Guide

Features Required:

  • 1Gb (or more) bandwidth for every port
  • Layer III - Can perform at or near wire speed, but also acts as a router because it has IP routing intelligence built in.
  • Switching capacity equal to 2x number of ports (Tx/Rx).  To exemplify this, if you purchase a 10-port switch, it should have a switching capacity of 20 Gb/s.
  • EEE (Energy Efficient Ethernet) or Green Ethernet needs to be disabled.
  • QoS - Quality of Service prioritization of audio traffic.
  • Fiber to Copper conversion preferable using the SFP/mini-GBIC form factor.
  • IGMP snooping must be properly configured.

Recommended Features:

  • PTP Aware Switches (that support Boundary Clock or Transparent Clock Mode.)
  • Dedicated PTP GrandMaster Clock (separate from the IPA card.) 

Please Note

Pay close attention to the maximum power budget for PoE ports AND how the switch handles overpower situations.

HelixNet

Clear-Com has provided a thorough Network Planning Guide for your HelixNet network.

There are however certain requirements to consider with a HelixNet system, specifically when considering the length and size of the cable being used.  Follow this link for the Clear-Com HelixNet Cable Calculator.

Features Required:

Please follow the Network Planning Guide or the AES67 Guide.

Please Note

Pay close attention to the maximum power budget for PoE ports AND how the switch handles overpower situations.

Eclipse IVC Connection to VSeries Panels (non AES67), LQ and AgentIC

The bandwidth requirements for a standard IVC IP connection is much less than the AES67 connections listed above.  Due to this reduction, the requirements for your network will be less stringent than that of Dante or AES67.  Clear-Com has provided a thorough Network Planning Guide that explains what is necessary for a IVC IP connection.

 


Features Required:

Please follow the Network Planning Guide.

Please Note

Pay close attention to the maximum power budget for PoE ports AND how the switch handles overpower situations.

Additional Information About Connecting Over the Internet

When connecting AgentIC, LQ or any other device over the internet, there are several ways to manage this process through your network's firewall.  The following document provides various scenarios you may encounter.

Additional Solutions for Connecting via Public IP or through a Firewall

Connecting Agent-IC to LQ via an External Public IP address

Agent IC external connection to a LQ unit through a firewall

Firewall Port Requirements

For a full list of the ports required to be open for the Clear-Com product to connect, please visit the solution "Minimal Clear-Com Port Requirements."


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