Avnu Alliance has developed a new certification program adding to the testing and certification process for network switches used across market segments. The new program supports certification for devices according to the IEEE’s SA’s 802.1.BA profile for Audio Video Bridging (AVB) as part of the IEEE Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), which is a group of IEEE 802.1 standards. With this certification, Avnu Alliance says network product manufacturers in various industries can ensure that their devices comply with the core AVB/TSN standards that provide improved synchronization, low latency and reliability for switched Ethernet networks.

In 2012, IEEE’s AVB Task Group was renamed the TSN Task Group. Building on the AVB specifications, TSN introduces additional features such as frame pre-emption, per-stream filtering and time aware scheduling, enabling support for a wide range of applications beyond audio and video.

The alliance says AVB and TSN technologies represent a “significant advancement” in standard Ethernet and wireless LAN, delivering enhanced reliability, low latency and improved synchronization for time-critical applications. AVB and TSN standards enable precise timing within devices, allowing for the support of low-jitter media clocks and accurate synchronization of multiple steams so that different types of traffic seamlessly coexist on a single network.

However, interoperability and adherence to the IEEE’s SA’s AVB/TSN 802.1.BA profile are imperative for the successful deployment and management of these devices.

Avnu Alliance says the tests have been rewritten to adopt a functional approach and primarily assess the switch’s performance within a functional system in addition to evaluating conformance with the IEEE specifications.

Therefore, the Avnu 802.1BA Switch Certification program will initially launch with an extensive Pilot Phase, during which conditional certifications will be granted. Newly certified devices under the Pilot phase will undergo a final certification once the full set of tests is established, “ensuring the highest standards of performance and reliability.”

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 Avnu Alliance’s Switch Certification Program.

Details on the program, including guidance on how to get a switch certified, can be found on the organization’s website.