Audio Video Bridging

Audio Video Bridging (AVB) is a common name for the set of technical standards that provide improved synchronization, low-latency, and reliability for switched Ethernet networks. AVB embodies the following technologies and standards:

• IEEE 802.1AS-2011: Timing and Synchronization for Time-Sensitive Applications (gPTP);
• IEEE 802.1Qav-2009: Forwarding and Queuing for Time-Sensitive Streams (FQTSS);
• IEEE 802.1Qat-2010: Stream Reservation Protocol (SRP);
• IEEE 802.1BA-2011: Audio Video Bridging (AVB) Systems;
• IEEE 1722-2011 Layer 2 Transport Protocol for Time-Sensitive Applications (AV Transport Protocol, AVTP); and
• IEEE 1722.1-2013 Device Discovery, Enumeration, Connection Management, and Control Protocol (AVDECC).
• IEEE 802.1Qat and 802.1Qav amendments have been incorporated into the base IEEE 802.1Q-2011 document, which specifies the operation of Media Access Control (MAC) Bridges and Virtual Bridged Local Area Networks.

AVB was initially developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Audio Video Bridging task group of the IEEE 802.1 standards committee. In November 2012, the Audio Video Bridging task group was renamed to Time-Sensitive Networking task group to reflect the expanded scope of its work, which is to "provide the specifications that will allow time-synchronized low latency streaming services through IEEE 802 networks". Further standardization efforts are ongoing in the IEEE 802.1 TSN task group.

To help ensure interoperability between devices that implement the AVB and TSN standards, the AVnu Alliance develops device certification for the automotive, consumer, and professional audio and video markets.