Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST)

The MOST network is the most popular network for production digital entertainment systems today. This network uses fiberoptics for the physical layer and operates at speeds up to 26Mbps. The unique characteristic of MOST is that the network runs at a synchronous frame rate, based upon the primary audio source rates used in the system (usually 44.1kHz or 48kHz).

A new version of the network is nearing production. MOST50 with bandwith of 50Mbps, and an electrical physical layer will significantly reduce implementation cost.

Key advantages of this network are:

• Synchronous data makes processing & mixing of signals efficient
• Due to synchronous nature of the network there are no collisions and network bandwidth can be fully utilized
• Fiberoptic physical layers are in volume production (MOST, SMI)
• Function based protocol is effective for complex systems with highly intelligent controllers
• Network interface controllers available for MOST & MOST50

Key disadvantages of this network are:

• Synchronization requirements currently limit bandwidth
• Addition of new devices with new functions generally requires modification of the system controller for compliant operation
• Many existing systems use proprietary functionality, defined by carmakers. This makes it difficult to add new devices and impossible to make a device which is compatible to all existing systems.

For more information check out the SMSC MOST Site and MOST Cooperative Site

Simple media networks has extensive experience implementing MOST solutions and can help you with your product architecture and development.