PA over IP / Tannoy over IP / Paging over IP

Traditional Paging and Public Address systems rely on centralised amplification equipment connected to a cable topology that is dedicated and 'fixed' for the function of transportation of the sound, music or voice to local areas and individual speakers. This topology is typical of the vast majority of existing installed PA/Tannoy & Paging systems that we see today. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this configuration, which has successfully stood the test of time for decades. However, with technology advances, particularly within data networking and the quality of service (QoS) of networks, there are now viable and very compelling reasons to consider alternative technologies and products.

Internet Protocol (IP). Most of us will have an awareness, or perhaps a further understanding, that a large majority of data 'networks' and indeed the Internet, are 'IP' based. TCP/IP is widely recognised as the principal partnership of information transfer on networks (ie between computers, servers and the internet).

'IP is KING!' The IP element of data networking has emerged as a clear leader of the 'Network Layer' (OSI) model. TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is not generally used for the transport of real time media (sound, voice and video). This is because there is little point in controlling/re-sending/discarding such information - once it's said, it's said.... again, little point in re-sending..... the conversation would be a bit strange if we did. Instead, we use simple, lighter weight transport protocols such as UDP (User Datagram Protocol) over IP or UDP/IP.

The following diagram shows the Open System Interconnection (OSI) framework definition for typical 'data' (TCP/IP) and a typical voice, music and sound application (UDP/IP):

What does PA over IP promise?

Public Address (PA) Anywhere

With traditional public address, we see that the voice, music & sounds are transported via dedicated cables. This means that the wiring 'fixes' the individual components of the system (eg. speakers, microphones). If you wanted to move a speaker, you would need to rewire the cabling to the new location. With PA over IP, with good design and careful consideration to the network readiness, you really can have PA anywhere. Speakers can be deployed anywhere the network extends. They can be added to, removed or moved, very simply without rewiring. That means to any network point, including wireless - even multi-site (eg. you could have a speakers at remote building/s or site/s that broadcast information is sent). IP system components are generally higher cost (although prices are falling with demand), but this cost is offset against a much lower labour cost for installation, especially for the bigger and/or more complex designs.

IP Public Address (PA) System Management & Administration

Connected to a network, with an IP address, the various IP PA system components are mostly configured by software. This can be done locally or (with security enabled login) remotely from elsewhere on the network - this could be in the same building, site, or indeed anywhere access to the network can be gained. Some of the more important system components are also capable of providing various logging events, and system management status. Device and zonal mapping, including software driven audio files and levels are examples of the sort of capabilities that an IP PA system can provide.

Public Address (PA) as an 'Application'

Transport of voice/music & sounds via IP and a network can provide increased topology and infrastructure flexibilities and benefits as discussed above. Providing centralised control of the PA/Paging/Tannoy system further extends benefit and indeed allows additional capabilities to truly see PA as an application eg. browser based configuration and management, software announcements music and sounds & scheduled eventing.





Questions or queries regarding Abletek IP Public Address (PA), please Contact Abletek.