Using NDI Bridges with Broadband Bonding

As a provider of broadband bonding solutions, we are often asked about the benefits and capabilities of NDI (Network Device Interface) and if NDI can be used with our Streamer product line which is a multi-sim bonding router for live video broadcasting. In this article, we will explore what NDI is, how it can improve live video streaming workflows, and how NDI can be used over the public internet for live video streaming projects.

So, what is NDI?

NDI is a technology developed by NewTek that allows video systems to identify and communicate with one another over IP networks. This means that devices such as cameras, switchers, and graphics systems can all be connected and controlled remotely, allowing for more flexible and efficient video production workflows.

NDI operates on standard Ethernet networks and uses standard IP protocols, making it easy to integrate into existing infrastructure. It also allows for multiple video streams to be transmitted over a single network connection, making it more cost-effective and efficient than traditional video production methods that rely on dedicated cables and hardware.

How does NDI help with live video streaming workflows?

One of the primary benefits of NDI is its ability to improve live video streaming workflows. With NDI, video streams can be transmitted from any device on the network, allowing for greater flexibility and collaboration in the production process. This means that multiple cameras, switchers, and graphics systems can all be connected and controlled remotely, allowing for more efficient and cost-effective live video production.

Since NDI enables multiple streams to be transmitted over a single network connection, it can reduce the need for dedicated cables and hardware. This can be particularly useful for live events where it may be difficult to set up and manage multiple cables and hardware components.

In addition to these benefits, NDI also allows for real-time video processing and effects, making it easier to create high-quality live video streams. This can be particularly useful for events such as concerts or sports games where there is a need for real-time video editing and effects.

How can one make NDI work over the public internet for live video streaming projects?

While NDI is a powerful tool for live video production, it can be challenging to use over the public internet due to the inherent limitations and variability of internet connections. One way to overcome these challenges is by using a broadband bonding solution. But before we continue with broadband bonding, it is important to talk about NDI bridges.

What is an NDI bridge?

An NDI bridge is a software or hardware solution that allows devices on different networks to communicate and transmit NDI streams over the public internet. It works by creating a virtual network connection between the devices, allowing them to exchange data and video streams as if they were on the same local network.

NDI bridges can be implemented in a variety of ways, depending on the specific needs of the live video streaming project. For example, an NDI bridge can be used to connect two devices on different networks and allow them to transmit NDI streams over the public internet. This can be done using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or a VXLAN (Virtual Extensible LAN) tunnel, which creates a secure, encrypted connection between the devices. But these methods can be an additional overhead and source of network problems, so having a simple plug and play broadband bonding tunnel will kill two birds with one stone.

Another way in which NDI bridges can be used is by connecting devices on different networks and enabling them to communicate with each other in real-time. This can be done using technologies such as WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) or RTP (Real-Time Transport Protocol), which allow for low-latency, real-time communication between devices.

In addition to these benefits, NDI bridges can also help to overcome the inherent limitations and variability of internet connections, providing a more stable and reliable connection for live video streaming projects. This can be done by using broadband bonding solutions, which combine multiple internet connections into a single, high-bandwidth connection, or by enabling the use of protocols such as UDP (User Datagram Protocol), TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) or any other protocol to ensure reliable data transmission over the public internet.

Overall, NDI bridges are a powerful tool for enabling NDI workflows over the public internet for live video streaming projects. They allow for greater flexibility and collaboration in the production process and enable real-time video processing and effects, helping to create high-quality live video streams. By using the right combination of networking technologies and protocols, it is possible to create a stable, reliable connection for live video streaming projects that can be used over the public internet.

So how do you create high-performance IP connectivity over the public internet? 

The answer is: broadband bonding.

Broadband bonding combines multiple internet connections (4G, 5G, satellite or wired internet connections) into a single, high-bandwidth connection, providing a more stable and reliable internet connection for live video streaming projects. This can be particularly useful for events that require high-quality, low-latency video streams, such as concerts or sports games.

By using a broadband bonding solution, it is possible to transmit NDI streams over the public internet with minimal latency and high quality. This can be particularly useful for events that are being streamed to a global audience, as it allows for more efficient and cost-effective live video production.

In conclusion, NDI is a powerful tool for improving live video streaming workflows. It allows for greater flexibility and collaboration in the production process and enables real-time video processing and effects. While it can be challenging to use over the public internet, a broadband bonding solution can help to overcome these challenges and provide a stable, high-quality connection for live video streaming projects.

Jay Akin, Mushroom Networks, Inc. 

Mushroom Networks is the provider of Broadband Bonding appliances that put your networks on auto-pilot. Application flows are intelligently routed around network problems such as latency, jitter and packet loss. Network problems are solved even before you can notice.

https://www.mushroomnetworks.com