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The move of the old analog paging system to a more modern IP based PA system is a great improvement in terms of functional capability where it is possible to synchronize multiple sites, schedule digitally and the audio is crystal clear. The problem is however that since these systems are located in the data network, they are at the mercy of the underlying infrastructure, as far as performance is concerned. An IP system shares the highway with computers, printers, and servers unlike analog systems which have to be dedicated to copper pairs. In order to make sure that the emergency announcements and day-to-day notifications are made available within a short period of time and without any form of distortion, a number of compulsory network elements and settings should be present.
Managed network switches have to be used as a primary requirement in any IP based PA system. The visibility and control needed in real-time audio traffic are not available with unmanaged plug-and-play switches. Managed switches enable the administrator to form Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs), which are necessary in isolating the PA traffic and the general data traffic. Installing IP speakers, microphones, and controllers on their own VLAN will ensure that "broadcast storms" and network congestion do not affect the process of delivery audio. Security is also improved by this logical separation because the unauthorized users of the general network cannot interfere with the management interface of the PA system.
The simplicity of wiring of a modern IP based PA System is its beauty. The majority of IP speakers and intercoms are configured to be powered and fed on a single category 6 cable by Power over Ethernet (PoE). Ensuring that your network switches are capable of supporting the appropriate PoE standards, 802.3af (PoE) or 802.3at (PoE +) depending on the wattage needs of the speakers is mandatory. Outdoor high-output horns might even have to use 802.3bt (Hi-PoE). It is very important to estimate the sum of the power budget of a switch; when the sum of the power draw of all speakers attached to it goes above the capability of that switch, then things will likely restart randomly or crash under heavy load, e.g. during a loud emergency message.
Within a shared network, the data packets of a big file download may conflict with the data packets of a live voice announcement. The voice packets may be lost or delayed without proper prioritization leading to a delay or latency causing the announcement to be incoherent. To avoid this, it is required to implement Quality of Service (QoS). The voice traffic is marked as high-priority "expedited forwarding" traffic by QoS, so the network equipment will process PA packets first before regular web traffic or background downloads. This guarantees that the audio is fluid and real-time even during the periods when the network is overloaded.
Where legacy systems employed different gauges of twisted pair wire, an IP based PA system is a requirement of high quality copper cable, preferably Cat6 or larger. Cat6 gives superior level of insulation against crosstalk and higher data rates, which is advantageous in the event that the PA system also incorporates video intercoms or high-resolution digital signage. The distance of Ethernet cabling (100 meters or 328 feet) is another important aspect that should be respected. When the speakers are more distant, the infrastructure would have to contain fiber optic connections or middle term "IDF" closets containing the local switches to preserve the integrity of the signals. One of the most prevalent reasons for packet loss and non-connectivity of devices intermittently in IP installations is the use of poor or damaged cabling.
Due to the fact that an IP based PA system is a networked device, it technically is an endpoint and it may be susceptible to unauthorized access. Mandatory infrastructure security involves the application of Access Control Lists (ACLs) on the switches to access only authorized administrative consoles to the PA controllers. What is more, the audio streams themselves are commonly encrypted by a significant number of modern systems. Making sure that your network is capable of supporting encrypted traffic without latency is important. It is also advisable to disable unused physical ports on switches in places of public use so as to eliminate the possibility of unauthorized devices being plugged to the PA VLAN.
A PA system is usually a life-safety procedure of a facility that is extremely important. As such, the network infrastructure should be resilient. All core switches and PA controllers are required to be linked to an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). The UPS provides sufficient time to broadcast emergency instructions in case there is a power failure so that the system is not shut down. In case of a mission critical environment, redundancy of network routes or dual-homing connections may be implemented such that in case either fiber link or switching equipment is failed, the IP based PA system will automatically route the traffic down alternative paths to maintain the availability.
We have the skills to design and establish a high-quality network base to support your communication requirements at Akom Technologies. We specialize in high-performance hardware and easy integration to make an IP based PA system to work at its optimum level of reliability. We have a team that is committed to assisting us in delivering future proof solutions to each client in a personalized manner.
1. Will I be able to run an IP based PA system on my current office Wi-Fi?
Although this can be done, it is not advisable as mission-critical paging may cause interference and signal loss; hardwired Ethernet connection is the only standard that is reliable.
2. Am I required to have a different server to operate the IP PA software?
Most of the current systems are operated by a specific hardware controller or a virtualized environment on a server, though the number of endpoints and complexity of the timetable determine what is needed.
3. What about the speakers in the event that the internet falls down?
An IP based PA system uses your Local Area Network (LAN), thus even when your external internet connection is lost, internal announcements will continue to be made.
4. What is the number of speakers that I can place on one network switch?
This depends on the number of ports and the overall power budget of the switch; most PoE+ 24 port switches are comfortable with a full 24 standard IP speaker count.
5. Can it be challenging to add additional speakers later?
Not at all. With a ready network port that is PoE you just need to add a new speaker and set it up in the central software interface.
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