AV Network Infrastructure Services Los Angeles

Dedicated AV Network Topology

• Separate VLAN Configuration: Isolating AV traffic onto its own Virtual LAN (VLAN) is fundamental. This prevents general data traffic from interfering with real-time AV streams and simplifies QoS management.
• Core Switch Requirements: High-capacity core switches with non-blocking backplanes, sufficient port density, and robust processing power are essential for aggregating traffic from multiple AV rooms.
• Access Switch Deployment: Strategically deployed access switches in or near conference rooms provide connectivity to AV devices. PoE+ (Power over Ethernet Plus) capabilities are vital for powering cameras, codecs, and control panels.
• Wireless Infrastructure: For BYOD scenarios or wireless presentation, we design robust Wi-Fi with dedicated SSIDs for AV devices, proper channel planning, and wireless QoS.
• Network Segmentation & Security Boundaries: Implementing clear security boundaries between the AV network and other corporate network segments is crucial for protecting sensitive data.

Bandwidth Planning & Allocation

Accurate bandwidth planning is key to video conferencing network design. We consider:

• 4K Video Streams: Typically require 15-25 Mbps per endpoint.
• HD Video (1080p/720p): Ranges from 2-8 Mbps per endpoint.
• Audio: Relatively low, around 64-128 kbps per participant, but critical for quality.
• Content Sharing: Can consume 2-10 Mbps or more depending on resolution and frame rate.
• Protocol Overhead: We account for an additional 20-30% bandwidth for network protocols and signaling.

Our Los Angeles team calculates peak usage scenarios to ensure ample capacity.

Quality of Service (QoS) Implementation

QoS ensures that time-sensitive AV traffic gets priority over less critical data. Our QoS strategies include:

• Traffic Classification & Marking: Identifying AV traffic (e.g., RTP for audio/video) and marking it with Differentiated Services Code Point (DSCP) values (e.g., EF for voice, AF41 for video).
• Bandwidth Reservation & Prioritization: Configuring network devices to give preferential treatment to marked AV traffic, ensuring it gets the necessary bandwidth even during network congestion.
• Queue Management & Congestion Avoidance: Implementing queuing mechanisms (e.g., Low Latency Queuing – LLQ) on switches and routers to prevent AV packets from being delayed or dropped.
• Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) Optimization: Fine-tuning network settings to support RTP efficiently.
• Network Monitoring & Performance Management: Deploying tools to continuously monitor AV traffic quality and network performance, allowing for proactive adjustments. This is a core part of network optimization for video.

Core Network Infrastructure

We work with leading network hardware vendors to build resilient core networks:

• Enterprise Switches:
  • Cisco Catalyst 9000 Series: Industry-standard for large Los Angeles enterprises, offering advanced features and scalability.
  • Juniper EX Series: Known for high-performance and reliability in demanding network environments.
  • Aruba CX Switches: Provide robust performance with simplified, cloud-native management options.
• Fiber Optic Backbone: Utilizing 10Gbps, 40Gbps, or even 100Gbps fiber optic uplinks and backbones for high-speed connectivity between core and access layers.
• Power over Ethernet (PoE+/PoE++): Ensuring access switches provide adequate PoE budget (IEEE 802.3at/bt) to power AV endpoints like PTZ cameras, VoIP phones, and touch panels directly over network cables.

Wireless Network Design for AV

For scenarios requiring wireless connectivity in Los Angeles conference rooms:

• Wi-Fi 6/6E Access Points: Deploying the latest Wi-Fi standards (802.11ax) for increased capacity, efficiency, and reduced interference in dense environments.
• Dedicated SSID for AV Devices: Creating a separate wireless network name (SSID) specifically for conference room devices to isolate traffic and apply specific QoS policies.
• Channel Planning & Interference Mitigation: Conducting wireless site surveys to optimize AP placement, channel assignments, and minimize RF interference.
• Wireless QoS & Traffic Shaping: Implementing WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) and other wireless QoS mechanisms to prioritize AV traffic over the air.
• Guest Network Isolation: Ensuring any guest Wi-Fi access is securely isolated from the corporate and AV networks.

Network Security Implementation

Securing the AV network is paramount for your Los Angeles business:

• 802.1X Authentication: Implementing port-based network access control to authenticate devices before granting network access.
• Network Access Control (NAC) Systems: Deploying NAC solutions for more granular policy enforcement and device profiling.
• Firewall Rules & Access Control Lists (ACLs): Configuring firewalls and ACLs on routers and switches to control traffic flow between the AV VLAN and other network segments.
• VPN Connectivity: Securely connecting remote sites or supporting remote management via VPN tunnels.
• Security Monitoring & Threat Detection: Integrating AV network logs with SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) systems for ongoing monitoring.

Latency Reduction Techniques

• Network Path Optimization: Analyzing and optimizing routing paths to ensure AV traffic takes the most direct and efficient route.
• Local Internet Breakout: For cloud-based video conferencing services, configuring local internet egress points at your Los Angeles offices to reduce latency to cloud data centers.
• Content Delivery Network (CDN) Integration: Leveraging CDNs where applicable for distributing pre-recorded video content or software updates efficiently.
• Protocol Optimization & Acceleration: Fine-tuning TCP/IP stack parameters and potentially using WAN optimization techniques for inter-site traffic.
• Strategic Equipment Placement: Placing network switches and other critical components close to AV endpoints to minimize physical cable distances.

Redundancy & High Availability

Minimizing downtime is critical for business communication systems in Los Angeles. We implement:

• Dual-Homed Network Connections: Providing redundant connections from critical devices (like codecs or core switches) to multiple upstream switches.
• Link Aggregation (LAG/Port-Channeling): Bundling multiple physical links into a single logical link for increased bandwidth and redundancy.
• Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP): Ensuring fast network convergence in switched Ethernet environments to prevent loops and minimize downtime during topology changes.
• Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) / HSRP: Providing default gateway redundancy for end devices.
• Automatic Failover & Recovery Systems: Designing network redundancy and failover systems that automatically switch to backup paths in case of a link or device failure, ensuring network resilience.

Corporate Network Integration

• Existing Infrastructure Assessment: Thoroughly evaluating your current Los Angeles network setup to plan for seamless integration.
• Legacy System Compatibility: Addressing any compatibility challenges with older network equipment or systems.
• Phased Migration Planning: Developing a staged approach for deploying new AV network segments or upgrading existing ones to minimize disruption.
• Minimal Disruption Deployment: Scheduling work during off-peak hours or maintenance windows to reduce impact on your Los Angeles business operations.
• Training & Knowledge Transfer: Providing comprehensive documentation and training to your IT staff on the new AV network infrastructure.

Cloud Platform Optimization for Los Angeles Businesses

Ensuring optimal connectivity to cloud-based video conferencing services is key:

• Microsoft Teams Network Optimization: Adhering to Microsoft’s network requirements for Teams, including connectivity to Microsoft 365 endpoints and ExpressRoute considerations.
• Zoom QoS and Network Requirements: Implementing Zoom’s recommended QoS markings and ensuring sufficient bandwidth for Zoom Meetings and Rooms.
• Cisco Webex Network Connectivity: Optimizing paths to the Webex cloud and ensuring firewall configurations allow necessary Webex traffic.
• AWS/Azure Direct Connectivity: For Los Angeles enterprises heavily invested in public cloud, utilizing AWS Direct Connect or Azure ExpressRoute can provide dedicated, low-latency paths to cloud services.
• SD-WAN Integration: Leveraging Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN) solutions for intelligent traffic steering, application-aware routing, and optimized connectivity across multiple Los Angeles sites and to the cloud.