DVB-ASI Video Optical Transport Network

The rapid expansion of digital television in the areas of content contribution and later distribution is resulting in the modification of data networks to carry these services. Thus far, only SDH and ATM technologies have been found to be effective in the transport of DVB-ASI (Digital Video Broadcasting) channels. This encoding format is based on MPEG-2 and forms the basis of all Digital TV networks.

Thanks to TELNET’s solutions, DVB-ASI services can now be integrated into an optical network as another data channel. Indeed, TELNET has an optical adapter AO DVB/ASI to carry this signal over an xWDM network. This module is compatible with the SAE architecture, and can be inserted into the MiniSAE, MetroSAE, TriSAE, and MicroSAE chassis.

The following example shows an application of the TELNET solution on a distribution scenario. It shows that after the production of content or after it is received by satellite, it is encapsulated in DVB-ASI. That information payload is then introduced into the optical network through the AO DVB/ASI module, installed in the MetroSAE chassis. Once on the optical network, the DVB payload can be carried up to 180 km over any type of fiber-optic topology. Also, the very nature of the xWDM network makes it possible to simultaneously transport other data channels such as Voice and GbE or 10GbE data.

In metropolitan and regional environments, special attention must be given to topologies based on xWDM optical rings because of their flexibility and availability in comparison with point-to-point solutions.

The following example illustrates the complementary application to the one described earlier. We are referring to the TV contribution network. In this case, the goal is to extend an optical network to the territorial TV centers and other locations that, because of their importance or unique characteristics, are places where events that may be of interest for broadcast take place.

Following the concepts already described, in each important territorial TV center, auditorium, or sports installation, a DVB-ASI node based on a TriSAE chassis will be installed, along with one of TELNET’s AO DVB/ASI adapters. These nodes will modify the DVB-ASI signal to be carried over the optical network to the main production and broadcast center. There, all of the signals will terminate in a MetroSAE chassis equipped with AO DVB/ASI modules.

Lastly, it’s important to note that the solution developed by TELNET is two-way; in other words, the same equipment that makes up the optical network can also work in contribution and distribution mode.