Modern AV systems increasingly rely on networked technologies such as Dante, NDI, and AV-over-IP to transmit audio and video signals over standard IP networks. While these technologies offer flexibility, scalability, and centralized control, they also introduce complexity into system design. Representing networked AV connections clearly in an AV schematic diagram is crucial for system integrators, installers, and operators to understand signal flow, troubleshoot issues, and maintain the system. In this blog, we will explore best practices for depicting networked AV systems, including Dante audio networks, NDI video streams, and AV-over-IP routing, using tools like XTEN‑AV.
Step 1: Understand the networked AV architecture
Before you begin drawing a schematic, it is essential to understand how networked AV works:
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Dante: Digital audio networking protocol over standard IP networks. Dante devices can transmit and receive multiple audio channels over Ethernet.
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NDI: Video over IP protocol primarily used for live video production, allowing high-quality low-latency video streams on standard networks.
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AV-over-IP: Transmits audio and video signals over IP networks, often using compressed or uncompressed video, with centralized switching.
Key concepts to consider: endpoints (devices), switches, routing, IP addressing, and VLANs for separating audio, video, and control traffic.
Step 2: Choose the right design tool
Creating a clear AV schematic diagram for networked AV requires software that supports:
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Device libraries with network endpoints, switches, and controllers.
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Logical connections that show signal flow over IP.
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Layering to separate physical and logical networks.
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Exportable diagrams for installation and documentation.
XTEN‑AV provides these features, making it easier to diagram Dante audio networks, NDI video streams, and AV-over-IP deployments. The software allows auto-routing, proper labeling, and visual clarity for complex networked AV systems.
Step 3: Use consistent symbols and notation
Networked AV diagrams can become confusing if symbols and lines are inconsistent. Some best practices:
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Device icons: Use clear symbols for endpoints, such as microphones, speakers, cameras, encoders, decoders, and video displays.
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Network devices: Represent switches, routers, and VLANs distinctly from endpoints.
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Color-coded connections: Differentiate Dante audio, NDI video, AV-over-IP streams, and control signals using consistent colors or line styles.
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Logical grouping: Group devices by location or function (for example, front-of-house, conference room, broadcast room) to reduce clutter.
Using these conventions in your AV schematic diagram ensures that anyone reading it can quickly identify signal types and paths.
Step 4: Represent logical signal flow separately from physical connections
Networked AV involves both logical routing and physical cabling. To reduce confusion:
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Logical flow: Show which device is sending signals to which other device using arrows or labeled lines. This is particularly important for Dante channel routing or NDI video streams. jordansheel
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Physical connections: Use another layer or annotation to indicate Ethernet ports, cables, switch uplinks, and VLANs.
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Tools like XTEN‑AV allow layering or toggling between logical and physical views to make the schematic easier to understand.
Step 5: Include network infrastructure clearly
Networked AV relies on switches, routers, and sometimes media gateways. Your schematic diagram should clearly show:
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Switch placement: Core, edge, and access switches.
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Network segmentation: Use VLANs or subnets to separate audio, video, and control traffic.
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Redundancy: Indicate dual network paths for Dante or AV-over-IP devices if redundancy is implemented.
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IP addressing: Optionally include static IPs or DHCP pools to document network configuration.
A clear representation of network infrastructure prevents confusion during installation and maintenance.
Step 6: Show signal routing for Dante, NDI, and AV-over-IP
Each networked AV protocol has specific characteristics that should be represented in the schematic:
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Dante audio: Show each device and its transmit/receive channels. Group channels logically, and indicate which devices are primary and secondary in redundant setups.
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NDI video: Represent sources and destinations. Use labeled lines to indicate video streams, and consider adding resolution or frame rate annotations if relevant.
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AV-over-IP: Indicate encoders, decoders, and matrix routing. Show which streams are multicast or unicast, and label switch ports or VLAN assignments where necessary.
XTEN‑AV can automate some of these connections, generating clean diagrams that show both devices and signal paths without overwhelming the viewer.
Step 7: Use modular blocks for complex systems
Large installations with multiple rooms or zones benefit from modular diagramming:
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Represent each zone or room as a separate block with all its endpoints.
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Show network uplinks to the core switches centrally.
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Use zoomed-in or layered views for detailed room diagrams while maintaining an overview schematic for the entire facility.
This modular approach keeps the AV schematic diagram readable and avoids clutter in large systems.
Step 8: Label everything clearly
Clear labeling is essential in networked AV diagrams:
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Device names and roles: Include manufacturer, model, and purpose.
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Network connections: Label VLANs, ports, and IP addresses where relevant.
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Signal flow: Indicate transmit and receive directions, channel numbers for Dante, or stream names for NDI.
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Control paths: Show control systems, Crestron, or AMX links if applicable.
Good labeling makes installation, troubleshooting, and future upgrades much easier.
Step 9: Review and validate the schematic
Before finalizing your AV schematic diagram:
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Ensure all devices are connected correctly to the intended network.
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Verify that Dante routing, NDI streams, and AV-over-IP paths are accurate.
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Check redundancy, VLAN configuration, and switch capacity.
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Collaborate with network engineers or IT staff to confirm compliance with network standards and avoid bandwidth issues.
Conclusion
Representing networked AV systems such as Dante, NDI, and AV-over-IP clearly in an AV schematic diagram requires careful planning, consistent notation, and the right tools. Using XTEN‑AV, you can create diagrams that combine device placement, logical signal flow, network infrastructure, and auto-routing for clarity and efficiency. Key practices include separating logical and physical connections, color-coded signal lines, modular blocks for complex installations, and detailed labeling. By following these steps, AV integrators can design scalable, maintainable, and understandable networked AV systems that meet the demands of modern facilities and ensure smooth installation and operation.
Read more: https://enhanceyourwebsites.com/how-do-i-design-av-schematics-for-large-conference-rooms/
