Profiling the ST 2110 Network Traffic for Load Testing with Open-Source Tools

Ievgen Kostiukevych, Thomas Kernen, Willem Vermost, Pavlo Kondratenko

The transition to IP-based and software workflows in broadcasting has increased demands on networks for consistent performance, especially with the adoption of the SMPTE ST 2110 standard and its unique timing, synchronization, and bandwidth requirements. Unlike traditional internet-like traffic profiles, ST 2110 systems exhibit distinct traffic characteristics, highlighting the need for standardized acceptance and load testing methods. This paper discusses profiling operational ST 2110 systems under load, creating a statistical model for media stream distribution based on typical use cases. It also explores using open-source tools for load testing, enabling media companies and broadcasters to simulate high-traffic scenarios, identify system limitations, and improve network scalability. This study advances the understanding of how network designs and switching platforms respond to high volumes of ST 2110-like traffic, offering a cost-effective, efficient, and scalable approach to network management in the broadcast industry.

Print ISSN
Electronic ISSN
2160-2492
Published
2024-01
Content type
Original Research
Keywords
ip-based workflows, load testing, system limitations, predictable performance
DOI
10.5594/JMI.2024/LHXY3357