Axia unveils new xSwitch at NAB 2013

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Axia unveils new xSwitch at NAB 2013

Zero-configuration, zero-hassle Ethernet switch is custom-built for IP-Audio

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5 April 2013 Cleveland Ohio, USA
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In 2003, Axia introduced the world to LivewireTM IP-Audio networking — a revolutionary way of connecting broadcast studios using standard Ethernet. In 2009, Axia became the first AoIP console manufacturer to build the Ethernet switch into the console mixing engine. Now, Axia advances the state of the art again, with xSwitch: the world's first Ethernet switch custom-built for Livewire IP-Audio applications.

"For years, broadcasters have told us how easy it is to build and use studios using Axia," comments Marty Sacks, Vice President and Executive Director of Axia. "They also told us that programming the network switch should be simpler. So we developed xSwitch. It's custom-programmed, so you don't have to do any configuration at all; just plug in your Livewire peripherals and start broadcasting. What could be easier?"

"Other console manufacturers force you to design your network in a certain way," continues Sacks. "But we think that engineers should be allowed to choose for themselves. For instance, there are many studios using Axia-certified Cisco switches. Many more have chosen Axia PowerStation or QOR
console engines, with built-in Ethernet switches. xSwitch adds yet another option to the engineer's toolkit. We think broadcasters will agree that choice is much better than one-size-fits-all."

Because xSwitch is purpose-built for IP-Audio networks, there's zero configuration. There are no config files to upload or command lines to type in; simply assign an IP address with the One-Button Setup, plug xSwitch into your Axia system, and go to work. xSwitch is a part of Axia's high-performance xNode collection, the world's most advanced family of AoIP interfaces for analog and digital audio. xNodes allow standard analog and digital broadcast equipment to become part of Axia IP-Audio networks.

Like its xNode brethren, xSwitch is compact, allowing two to be racked side-by-side in 1RU of rack space, and fanless, using front-panel heat sinks that convection-cool using cool studio air instead of the hot air inside the equipment rack.

xSwitch is packed with a host of advanced features:

  • Designed and optimized for use with IP-Audio networks — zero configuration required.
  • Eight 10/100 Ethernet ports for attachment of Livewire audio devices such as xNodes, routing controllers, audio workstation PCs and equipment from more than 45 Axia Partner companies, such as telephone systems, audio processors, playout systems, intercom equipment and more.
  • PoE (Power over Ethernet) supplied on 4 of the 8 Livewire ports can power peripherals such as Axia xNodes, Telos VSet phone controllers, and other Ethernet devices compatible with the IEEE 802.3af standard.
  • Two Gigabit Ethernet ports with SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable) interface for redundant auto-switching copper or fiber trunking connections.
  • Fast one-button setup that via front-panel OLED display (or Axia iProbe network management software).
  • Web-based management interface via a built-in HTTP server for easy remote administration.
  • A convenient, high-resolution OLED front-panel display that provides port link status, PoE usage and SFP status, plus system temperature readout - the first such on-board display for a small switch in this class.
  • Supports 2,000 Multicast groups and 2,000 ARP table entries — 8 times more routing capacity than other small-form Ethernet switches; xSwitch won't "run out" of resources.

According to Axia R&D Engineer Maciej Szlapka, "xSwitch is perfectly sized for small standalone installations with a console and a few devices, or to power a small IP-Audio network at a transmitter site. In larger studio facilities, you could deploy an xSwitch as a studio edge switch, to reduce the
number of switch ports needed in your core switch. Or, group an xSwitch with up to eight Axia xNodes to create an audio I/O 'supernode' for use in studio clusters. xSwitch is the perfect way for Axia users to add network capacity nearly anywhere!"

Axia xSwitch will ship to clients in the third quarter of 2013, with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $1,295 USD.

Axia Audio is the world's most popular IP-Audio networking system for broadcast. Over 4,500 studios are on-air using Axia Livewire technology; more than 50,000 connected devices, such as codecs, audio processors, phone systems, and digital delivery systems, are in the field. Axia networks have a total system capacity of more than 10,000 audio streams, and can carry hundreds of digital stereo channels (plus machine logic and PAD) over a single CAT-6 cable, eliminating much of the cost normally associated with wiring labor and infrastructure.

Over 40 Axia partners, including companies such as Nautel, AudioScience, International Datacasting, 25-Seven Systems, and Studer, now make broadcast equipment that connects using Livewire. 

Axia also supports the high-performance RAVENNA IP-Audio standard, which is backed by companies like Genelec, Neumann, Sonifex, Merging Technologies and Lawo. For further information please visit ravenna.alcnetworx.com .

Visitors to NAB in Las Vegas, 8 - 11 April 2013, can see the new Axia xSwitch and the entire family of Axia IP-Audio networking equipment at the Telos Alliance display in the LVCC Central Hall, Booth C3007. For more in-depth information about Axia products, visit AxiaAudio.com, and for media information, contact Clark Novak at Axia via email at cnovak@AxiaAudio.com, or call +1 216-241-7225.

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