As a pioneer in IP based broadcast control, BFE developed KSC SILKNET in 2011 – a software defined network controller developed particularly for the demands of the broadcast industry.
Based on these experiences and a constant evolution, KSC SILKNET is now one of the most advanced and versatile broadcast SDN solutions on the market.
Central components of KSC SILKNET are the modules bandwidth manager, topology manager, network service manager, pathfinder und discovery service.
Bandwidth Manager
Intelligently managing bandwidth
Bandwidth management, an intelligent algorithm managing prioritization and protection of data transfer, the quality of service necessary for video, audio and the associated metadata is 100% guaranteed. Therefore, quality of service is no longer a question of probability and best effort – as in IP based system environments that do not manage bandwidth.
In addition, KSC SILKNET is capable to easily and safely reserve bandwidth and routes for conventional IT services without jeopardizing the quality of video and audio services.
Topology Manager
Information at your fingertips
Presentation of the network topology is designed to be as clearly arranged as possible, while including valuable information such as status of sender and receiver, currently used / available bandwidth for every link between switches. Other device parameters such as SDP files or currently established network services along the entire route can be added when needed.
Pathfinder
Clever routing for best connections
The pathfinder calculates the route between sender and receiver that delivers the most bandwidth for the specific network service. When establishing point-to-multipoint connections the algorithm identifies the best branch connection to another receiver. While doing so, the system supports all network architectures, ranging from a central switch, spine-leaf up to interconnected network structures. When switching with hitless-mode protection, pathfinder is capable of calculating two routes in two different networks or two disjunctive routes in one network – given that the architectures allows the approach. By that the system offers the utmost protection against interruptions and loss of signal.
By implementing both variations of destination timed switching – make-before-break and break-before-make – support for clean switching is ensured. Users can decide if the desired method for a receiver is predefined or chosen dynamically.
The Best of Both Worlds
KSC SILKNET uses a hardware abstraction layer to support all relevant standard and proprietary protocols thus achieving the ability to integrate switches and edge devices of any brand into the system. Via a northbound interface, broadcast control systems of all manufacturers can control the IT infrastructure using the Ember+ protocol.
Through an extended northbound API KSC SILKNET offers deep integration of the broadcast control and monitoring solution KSC CORE. Then, settings such as network service types, protection mode, switching method and others can be chosen in KSC CORE without the need to statically configure them. Even managing devices and their parameters as well as transferring them to KSC SILKNET is made possible.
Configuration of KSC SILKNET as well as monitoring the IT infrastructure is done via a web based application.
Combining KSC SILKNET with KSC CORE is the ideal solution for transferring familiar workflows from the broadcast world into IT based infrastructures. By using a modern architecture and native integration of both systems the possibilies to either maintain classical workflows or establish new ones give users the freedom to adapt the system to their needs.
Even hybrid system environments can be successfully implemented by using a combination of KSC SILKNET and KSC CORE. This allows for flexibly and gradually transforming established environments in line with available budgets. Technical challenges as well as matters of changes in staff can thus be managed easily. This approach guarantees smoothest possible operations 24/7, as well as the facilitation of tackling the technological change.
Key Features
Support of SMPTE 2110, SMPTE 2022-6, AES67, Dante
Compatible with SMPTE 2022-7 specifications
Destination timed switching (alternatively make-before-break or break-before-make)
Automatic identification of devices via NMOS IS-04 version 1.3 registration and query service and connection establishment via NMOS IS-05 version 1.1 connection management
NMOS IS-07 version 1.0 compatible transmission of time-critical information (e.g. for camera tally information, audio levels as well as button press and status information from control panels)
Compatible with layer 3 networks
Independent from network infrastructure
Neutral approach in terms of manufacturers of switches and devices
Intuitive, web based GUI for configuration and monitoring
Easy northbound WebAPI interface for abstraction of the network similar to a matrix and integration of 3rd party broadcast control systems
Extended northbound API for deep integration of control and monitoring system KSC CORE
Maximum availability through hot/hot standby cluster
Combining KSC SILKNET and KSC CORE enables you to gradually migrate from SDI to IT based infrastructures (hybrid system environments) and gives users the ability to continue using their workflows and take advantage of the possibilities in the IP world at the same time.
Quick access to all network services and their visualization and management as well as tools such as session description protocol viewer or flow information viewer make KSC SILKNET a state-of-the-art solution for versatile SDI-/IP-Projects.
Get in touch and we can tell you how you can use KSC SILKNET and other KSC products to get the maximum out of your broadcast infrastructure.