Audio Network Protocols for Conference Rooms: AVB or Dante?

As organizations embrace modern AV design, many are moving away from outdated analog cabling in favor of digital audio networks that deliver far greater scalability and flexibility. In this article, we’ll be comparing Dante & AVB network solutions to help IT decision-makers and AV managers select the right system for conference rooms, boardrooms, and multi-room deployments. We’ll define each protocol, share real-world use cases, and highlight how audio networking standards shape today’s enterprise environments.

Why Shift to Networked Audio?

Traditional point‑to‑point wiring for AV installations imposes limits on room layout, cable length, and scalability. In contrast, an audio networking infrastructure leverages standard Ethernet switches and VLANs to transport hundreds of channels over a single cable. Beyond reducing rack space and cable clutter, this approach accelerates deployment and simplifies maintenance, especially in buildings with existing IP networks.

The Basics – Dante and AVB

Businesses have two leading options when it comes to IP-based audio: Audinate’s Dante and the IEEE’s AVB tool suite. Each protocol routes audio over Ethernet, but they differ in governance, certification requirements, and ecosystem adoption.

Dante in Brief

Dante is a proprietary protocol that routes streams of audio channels across Gigabit or higher Ethernet links. It supports up to 512 inputs and outputs, with resolutions from 24‑bit/48 kHz all the way to 32‑bit/192 kHz. Many large enterprises choose Dante when designing networks that must grow over time, thanks to its broad device compatibility and advanced management features.

Use case: A multinational corporation with dozens of conference rooms uses Dante to centralize audio control in a single rack room, then distributes clean, high‑resolution signals over redundant fiber runs.

AVB (Audio Video Bridging)

AVB represents an open standard defined by IEEE 802.1. It guarantees bandwidth and timing for streams over Ethernet AVB switches, simplifying quality‑of‑service without licensing fees. While each AVB stream carries a fixed number of channels, this can be ideal for schools, small businesses, or dedicated meeting rooms.

Use case: A regional training center installs AVB-certified switches to support fixed-audio configurations in multiple classrooms, avoiding per‑port licensing costs.

Dante Deep Dive

Dante’s expansive ecosystem is bolstered by three key components:

1. Dante Domain Manager: Adds enterprise‑grade security and network segmentation, enabling centralized authentication, role‑based access control, and inter‑subnet audio routing. IT teams can assign VLANs dynamically and audit events across campus deployments.
2. Dante Virtual Soundcard: Turns any standard PC or Mac into a multi‑channel interface, with no additional hardware required. Ideal for live recording, virtual collaboration, and recording studios connected via standard Ethernet.
3. Dante Via: A software layer that routes audio between applications and devices on the same computer. This removes the need for physical patch bays when working with conferencing software, DAWs, or streaming platforms.

Beyond these, Dante also supports AES67 interoperability, ensuring long‑term compatibility with other IP audio systems. Whether you’re scaling to hundreds of endpoints or integrating complex control systems, Dante remains a top choice for businesses focused on growth and flexibility.

AVB Under the Microscope

AVB’s appeal hinges on its open‑standard model and predictable performance:

• Certified Switches: AVB requires hardware that adheres to IEEE 802.1AS and 802.1Qav, guaranteeing end-to-end timing precision.
• Simplicity of Setup: Configuration typically involves enabling AVB modes on switches and endpoints, with little need for manual QoS tuning.
• Deterministic Audio: Streams reserve bandwidth in the network, making the technology reliable for fixed installations.

However, AVB lacks native AES67 support, which can complicate integration with non-AVB devices. For small-to-mid-size companies with dedicated meeting areas and modest expansion plans, AVB is a cost‑stable option that minimizes IT configuration.

Dante vs. AVB Comparison

Before choosing between these two audio-over-Ethernet systems, consider budget, manufacturer support, and future growth.

Key Decision Factors

• Budget & Licensing: Dante incurs per-port licensing fees, while AVB hardware tends to be less expensive in larger port counts.
• Device Ecosystem: Dante is supported by hundreds of manufacturers; AVB-compatible gear is more limited.
• IT Resources: AVB simplifies configuration for integrators with limited networking expertise; Dante Domain Manager offers granular control for seasoned IT teams.
• Sample Rate Support: Both systems support multiple sample rate options, but Dante often extends to higher bit depths and frequencies.
• Audio Distribution: Dante excels at dynamic, multi-room routing; AVB shines in stable, point‑to‑point topologies.

Conclusion

When comparing Dante & AVB network solutions, your ultimate choice should align with long-term strategy and operational constraints.

• Choose Dante if you need high channel counts, cross-subnet routing, and centralized management with Dante Domain Manager for large campuses or enterprise-grade deployments. Its digital audio network capabilities make it easy to expand and reconfigure as your organization evolves.
• Choose AVB when you have a controlled environment, limited IT support, and a focus on predictable, low-cost audio streams using standard IP networks. AVB offers plug‑and‑play simplicity for fixed installations without ongoing licensing fees.

Both protocols represent modern audio networking solutions that eliminate long cable runs and streamline audio distribution over Ethernet. By assessing manufacturer support, budget, and technical requirements, you can implement the right system for your conference room or boardroom. For expert guidance on selecting and deploying the ideal audio-over-IP interface, contact Texadia Systems today.