CobraNet is an ethernet based solution developed by Peak Audio & Cirrus. CobraNet uses isochronous transport for audio data. This simply means that the data stream is packaged into blocks, sent over the network as a series of data blocks, and then resequenced into a synchronous data stream at the destination. The network can support up to 64 channels of audio, with various datatypes. Audio is normally handled at 48kHz. 96kHz is also supported.
Devices in CobraNet are connected via ethernet routers and Cat5 cables operating at 100Mbps. Although the equipment and low level protocols are compatible to standard ethernet, the network cannot be mixed with standard ethernet devices (such as pc's, printers, etc). This is because of higher level protocols which are used to manage the audio functionalities of the network. A CobraNet installation therefore requires dedicated wiring & routing devices, separate from your internet infrastructure. The cost of this additional infrastructure must be considered as part of the network cost.
An ethernet firmware stack is required in devices implementing CobraNet, and a chip for the interface is available from Cirrus.
Key advantages of this network are:
Key disadvantages of this network are:
For more information check out the Cirrus Cobranet Site and Crown IQ Network Site