Comparing Major AV-over-IP Protocols: Dante, NDI, AVB, and Beyond

The rapid evolution of network infrastructure has fundamentally reshaped the professional audiovisual industry. Today, AV-over-IP protocols are replacing traditional point-to-point signal distribution, enabling scalable, software-defined, and highly flexible AV architectures. From corporate campuses and smart classrooms to broadcast studios and immersive venues, AV-over-IP has become the backbone of modern signal transport.

But not all AV-over-IP technologies are equal. Different protocols were engineered with different performance priorities—latency, determinism, compression efficiency, interoperability, or ease of deployment.

This article provides a structured comparison of the most influential AV-over-IP protocols: Dante, NDI, AVB, and emerging alternatives—analyzing their technical foundations, strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases.

What Are AV-over-IP Protocols?

AV-over-IP protocols are standardized (or proprietary) methods for transmitting audio, video, and control signals over Ethernet networks rather than dedicated AV cabling (HDMI, SDI, XLR, etc.).

Core characteristics include:

• Packet-based transmission over Layer 2 or Layer 3 networks
• Scalability via standard switches
• Software-driven routing and management
• Reduced infrastructure rigidity
• Remote configuration and monitoring

The shift toward AV-over-IP protocols mirrors broader IT convergence trends, where AV infrastructure integrates seamlessly with enterprise networks.

1. Dante

Developed by Audinate, Dante (Digital Audio Network Through Ethernet) is arguably the most widely adopted professional audio-over-IP solution.

Technical Profile

• Primarily audio transport
• Uncompressed, low-latency transmission
• Uses standard IP networks
• Centralized management via Dante Controller
• Clock synchronization through IEEE 1588 (PTP)

Strengths

• Extremely low latency (sub-millisecond possible)
• Highly reliable clocking and synchronization
• Massive ecosystem of compatible hardware
• Scalable across large enterprise networks

Limitations

• Historically audio-focused (video expansion exists but less dominant)
• Licensing costs tied to hardware integration
• Vendor dependency (proprietary ecosystem)

Best Use Cases

• Corporate audio systems
• Live sound reinforcement
• Installed sound in auditoriums
• Broadcast audio routing

Dante dominates environments where deterministic, high-quality audio transmission is mission-critical.

2. NDI

Originally developed by NewTek (now part of Vizrt), NDI (Network Device Interface) is a high-efficiency, low-latency video-over-IP protocol.

Technical Profile

• Compressed video transport
• Designed for gigabit networks
• Software-centric architecture
• Supports discovery via mDNS

Strengths

• Easy deployment
• Cost-effective implementation
• Strong adoption in live streaming
• Wide software ecosystem

Limitations

• Compression introduces latency (though low)
• Less deterministic than AVB
• Heavy network traffic in high-resolution workflows

Best Use Cases

• Live production
• Streaming studios
• Hybrid corporate events
• Education broadcasting

NDI excels in flexible, software-driven production environments where cost and ease of integration are priorities.

3. Audio Video Bridging (AVB)

AVB is not a single protocol but a suite of IEEE standards designed to enable time-sensitive networking (TSN) for audio and video.

Technical Profile

• Layer 2 deterministic transport
• Guaranteed bandwidth reservation
• Precise time synchronization
• Requires AVB-certified switches

Strengths

• Deterministic latency
• High reliability
• Open IEEE standards

Limitations

• Requires specialized hardware
• Limited adoption compared to Dante
• Less flexible over routed networks

Best Use Cases

• Automotive infotainment systems
• High-end installed AV
• Environments requiring guaranteed QoS

AVB appeals to integrators who prioritize predictable, guaranteed performance over network flexibility.

Beyond the Big Three: Other AV-over-IP Protocols

The AV-over-IP protocols landscape extends beyond Dante, NDI, and AVB.

SMPTE ST 2110

• Uncompressed professional media transport
• Designed for broadcast facilities
• Separates audio, video, and metadata streams

HDBaseT

• Hybrid approach (not pure IP)
• Point-to-point transmission over Cat cable
• Popular in conference rooms

SDVoE

• Uncompressed 4K/8K video
• 10GbE infrastructure
• Zero-frame latency

Each solution serves a distinct architectural philosophy—from broadcast-grade uncompressed workflows to cost-sensitive corporate installations.

Key Comparison Matrix of AV-over-IP Protocols

Protocol	Primary Focus	Latency	Compression	Hardware Requirement	Scalability
Dante	Audio	Very Low	Uncompressed	Standard Switches	High
NDI	Video	Low	Compressed	Standard Gigabit	High
AVB	Audio/Video	Deterministic	Uncompressed	AVB Switch Required	Moderate
ST 2110	Broadcast A/V	Ultra-Low	Uncompressed	Enterprise Network	Very High
SDVoE	4K/8K Video	Zero Frame	Uncompressed	10GbE	High

Choosing the Right AV-over-IP Protocol

Selecting the right AV-over-IP protocols depends on several technical factors:

1. Latency Sensitivity – Live performance requires deterministic timing.
2. Bandwidth Availability – Compressed vs uncompressed decisions impact infrastructure.
3. Network Architecture – Layer 2 vs Layer 3 compatibility.
4. Scalability Needs – Enterprise-wide vs room-level deployment.
5. Budget Constraints – Licensing and hardware costs vary significantly.

There is no universally superior protocol—only context-appropriate design decisions.

The Strategic Future of AV-over-IP Protocols

As IT and AV continue converging, the industry is moving toward:

• Greater interoperability
• Increased reliance on software-defined routing
• Migration to 10GbE and beyond
• Broader adoption of Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN)

Future AV-over-IP protocols will likely emphasize open standards, higher bandwidth efficiency, and deeper cloud integration.

For system integrators, consultants, and technology planners, mastering the nuances of these protocols is no longer optional—it is foundational to designing next-generation AV infrastructure.

Final Thoughts

The transition to AV-over-IP protocols represents more than a technological upgrade—it marks a structural shift in how audiovisual systems are designed, deployed, and scaled.

Whether prioritizing deterministic audio networking (Dante), flexible production workflows (NDI), time-sensitive precision (AVB), or broadcast-grade transport (ST 2110), understanding protocol architecture is essential for informed system design.

In a network-defined AV world, protocol selection is strategy.