IP Playout Backup

Automatic switching transport IP-streams from the main and backup servers works for IP broadcasting in Unicast and Multicast modes. This function is used in the N+N backup scheme (complete duplication of servers and playback channels).

Working Principle

The scheme using transport IP-streams also allows using an external IP-switcher for transition to backup. However, SL NEO platform server software contains a mechanism that allows automatic sending the stream to the corresponding multicast-address from the backup server, in case of disappearance of the main server output stream.

Backup of output streams works in the following way: parameters of IP-addresses and ports for output transport streams of the main and backup servers are configured identically. The main server forms a stream in the regular mode, the backup server synchronously plays the backup playlist and forms its own stream, not sending it to the network. The backup server playback service constantly analyses the status of the similar IP Playout service of the main server. In case of a failure in service work, the backup server turns on network broadcasting onto the same addresses and ports. After restoring the IP Playout service work on the main server, the backup server stops network broadcasting and switches to the standby mode.

Main Work Mode

Backup Work Mode

In absence of connection with the main server, the backup one automatically starts.

Configuring

Options for configuring IP Playout backup: Administrator Control Panel→Manage→Video IO Boards→LAN Interfaces/Ethernet Adaptor→Playout_N→Edit→IP Parameters. The settings are implemented at the backup server. The main server does not require any additional settings.

Parameter	Value	Description
Master Unit IP	line	main server IP address (localhost by default)
Name	Playout_N

Status control at the backup server: Administrator Control Panel→Status→Playout_N.

Parameter	Value	Description
IP Output	ON or OFF	Displaying the IP output working condition: ON - IP broadcasting is on. OFF - IP broadcasting is off for the given Playout. Starting from version 2.4.73, this parameter value can be received by the SNMP protocol.
Master Unit	ON or OFF	Displaying the Master Playout working condition: ON - the main IP Playout is functioning (IP Output=OFF for the backup IP Playout), OFF - the main IP Playout is off (IP Output=ON for the backup IP Playout). Starting from version 2.4.73, this parameter value can be received by the SNMP protocol.

Managing the IP Playout status at the main server: Administrator Control Panel→Status→Playout_N.

Parameter	Value	Description
IP Output	ON or OFF	Turns on/off the IP stream output from the main server

At the end of setting, press Apply Changes at the top of the control console window. The IP Playout service will be reloaded, playback on the backup server will be suspended.

Test

Correctness of settings can be tested with VLC Player. To receive the UDP multicast stream, enter udp://@multicast_ip:port in VLC settings on the receiving side.

Additional Functions

For correct operation of the broadcast system, the following functions must be configured as well:

Configuring Synchronization of Main and Backup Servers Playlists

Configuring Synchronization of Main and Backup Servers Content