WorldNet Oslo Audio Multiplexer

The Professional Approach to Audio and Data Networking for Broadcast

The WorldNet Oslo is the industry’s most robust, professional

platform for high quality FM, HD Radio/DAB and Surround
Sound audio contribution & distribution.
Multiple channels of both linear and compressed audio can be
combined with data and voice channels onto a single digital
link for cost-effective networking.
With a modular, single-platform approach, a wide variety of plug-in modules, multiple layers of redundancy and a highly acclaimed
Control Interface, it is the perfect solution for STL, TSL, RPU, backhaul and studio linking applications.

Outstanding Audio Quality Round the Clock Reliability

With choices including pure linear audio or high quality Enhanced
apt-X coding, the WorldNet Oslo will make your station sound simply
outstanding!
• Available audio bandwidths from 10Hz through to 22.5kHz, for
FM and HD Radio/DAB applications
• Analog and AES/EBU I/O (AES3) Audio
• Low Delay, Cascade-resilient Enhanced apt-X coding as standard
• Optional pure, uncompressed Linear audio for uncompromised
audio quality
• Optional coding & companding options including MPEG I/II Layer
2, J.57 and J.41
Professional Platform, Advanced
Technology
The WorldNet Oslo has no single point of failure and can be configured
to provide multiple layers of redundancy ensuring your station stays on
air even under the most stressful network conditions (see page 18 for
more details).
• DSP-based architecture for 24/7/365 operation
• Redundant Power Supplies with power condition detector &
backup switch
• Passive Backplane with no active components
• Automatic switching to secondary transport link and/or spare
audio card with automatic restore on user-defined conditions,
rules and presets
• Hot-swappable cards enable uninterrupted audio Independent
Master Controller Card safeguards system configuration
• User-configurable suite of audio, link, sync and PSU alarms

The WorldNet Oslo is a sophisticated, professional solution

offering a wealth of advanced features for many different broadcast
environments.
SureStream – Broadcast-Grade Audio over
• Highly acclaimed Codec Management Software enables
extensive monitoring ability and intuitive control over network,
Imperfect IP”
equipment and audio variables • SmartIP is an exclusive suite of technologies from APT including
• SIP/SDP/RTP protocols are supported according to the Tech 3326 SureStream
standard for IP compatibility defined by the N/ACIP workgroup • SmartIP ensures broadcast-grade audio quality, plug-and-play
within the EBU ability, optimum network performance along with analysis &
• Cross-connect functionality on T1 and E1 links enables advanced diagnostic tools
network features such as drop and insert, drop and copy, and • Part of SmartIP, SureStream technology delivers the audio quality
backup schemes utilizing powerful Time Slot Management and reliability you expect from a T1/E1 link at a fraction of the
techniques associated cost
• LAN extension allows use of surplus bandwidth to connect • SureStream utilizes inexpensive IP links such as wireless 3G and
unnetworked sites 4G IP networks, LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi and simple ADSL.
• In-band Management eliminates need for overlay control • SureStream protects your audio content from loss of connection &
network dropped packets
• Phase-lock audio option enables true Surround Sound image • SureStream employs advanced resequencing technology to offer
across multiple channels you seamless streaming of high quality audio.
Highly Flexible, Highly Customizable
There is no need for new capital investment when adding additional
programming, migrating from synchronous to IP or layering in new
back-up networks; simply add new modules to the existing WorldNet
Oslo framework.
• Over 15 different plug-in audio modules including analog, digital,
duplex, encoder, decoder and 5.1 phase-locked options
• Up to 4 channels per audio module and up to 6 audio modules
per frame enabling from 2 duplex channels to 24 simplex
channels in a single frame See our website for further details
• Selection of transport modules include T1 (1.5Mbit/s), E1 (2Mbit/
s) and Ethernet/IP
• Auxiliary Data Contribution modules www.aptcodecs.com
Architecture & Options

Based around a 19-inch 3U high standard rackmount chassis, the

WorldNet Oslo is modular in design and built to customer requirements.
Users can choose from a variety of “hot swappable” modules to fit their
particular audio, voice, data and transport needs.

The modular design together with inherent and optional failsafe

mechanisms ensure that the WorldNet Oslo provides the ability to
deliver audio under extreme circumstances.
Primary
Transport Redundant
AC/DC
As the unit is designed around a mid-plane architecture, each module Audio / Aux Data / Voice / Video Transport Modules Module
Power
Secondary MCU /
is supplied as a pair with a front panel indicator plug-in card and a Transport System
Supplies
corresponding interface module. Module Controller

Master Controller (MCU) Module

The MCU module is responsible for the configuration and monitoring of the complete WorldNet Oslo system.

• System Control - The MCU module controls the operation of all other modules in the system,
allocating them time slots on the backplane and sending configuration information.
• Status Monitoring - The processor constantly polls the status of individual transport modules and
makes failsafe decisions based on this status. The module also monitors the frame temperature and
the power supplies of the system.
• Hardware Alarms - The alarm port on the MCU module provides seven GPIO relay contact closures in
order to indicate critical status and alarm conditions.
• Hot-Swappable - Once a WorldNet Oslo is configured, it is able to continue to operate in the event of an MCU card failure as each card
will hold its local settings. The MCU can then be “hot swapped” and will recover the current system settings from the individual modules
• In-band Management - The IP interface on the MCU module is the communication interface for the CMS (Codec Management System)
software. It also provides the ability to control multiple remote WorldNet Oslo frames throughout a network using in-band management.

T1/E1 Transport Module IP Transport Module

The T1/E1 module is one of the most
common choices for audio transport
due to the reliability and widespread
availability of T1 and E1 circuits. There
are two physical slots to accommodate
transport modules on the WorldNet Oslo:
one for the main circuit and a second for
backup, bridging or crossover of up to
four lines. The E1 module is available with both RJ45 and
BNC connectors.
• Line Redundancy - Each module comprises two T1/E1 framer
devices and two line interfaces enabling line redundancy.
• Drop & Insert - The T1/E1 module provides a failsafe circuit that,
in the event of total failure of the module, connects the upstream
T1/E1 circuit to the downstream T1/E1 circuit, thereby preserving
the integrity of the data path to any other devices on the network
ring
• Hot Standby Module Backup - The T1/E1 module also provides an
intercard high speed connection to indicate its health condition
to the second stand-by multiplexer (if fitted). In the event of bad
status, the backup module takes over the whole payload from the
active device, minimizing disruption.
• Contribution Data & Clocking - Any data received by the X.21 port
is then placed onto the T1/E1 transport link. In combination with
the external clock input, this module provides versatile system
timing options to connect to almost any network.
The IP interface module is the other main
alternative for audio and data transport.
Again, two cards can be fitted, one for the
main circuit and a second for backup or
a second link.
• Powerful Processing - offers a
powerful high performance Network
Processing Engine capable of supporting many complex IP routing
infrastructures.
• Multiple Streams to Multiple Destinations - Up to 24 real-time
audio streams to 24 individual destinations can be set up on the
IP module’s streaming table. The unit can be configured for point-
to-point, multiple unicast and multicast applications.
• Low, Stable Latency - An on-board VCXO on all audio modules
enables clock synchronization and stable data flow across IP
links. Alternatively, the IP module can be connected to an external
AES/EBU or GPS reference clock to ensure synchronized delivery
without introducing delay.
• Quality of Service - The module supports QoS settings to ensure
optimum audio performance over packetized networks.
• IP Backup - The system offers automatic backup using either
the second IP port of the IP interface module or a redundant IP
interface module.
• Bridging IP Networks and T1/E1 lines - The WorldNet Oslo
enable progressive migration from synchronous to asynchronous
networks including bridging content across both worlds.

www.aptcodecs.com
WorldNet Oslo Contribution Modules

Audio Modules
There are over 15 different varieties of pre-configured, plug-in audio modules for the WorldNet Oslo. All modules provide an
interface I/O board with standard XLR connectors. With up to 6 physical slots, a maximum of 24 simplex and 12 duplex connections
are possible on a single frame.

Flexible Analog or AES/EBU Card Variations: Fully Duplex Audio Modules

Configurations
Each module offers four audio
channels which can be either four
encode, four decode or two encode
and two decode. Offering a high
level of flexibility and channel
density, the simplex modules can
operate either as dual stereo or
quad mono cards.

Channel Routing Digital

Duplex
Analog
Duplex
On both synchronous and IP networks, individual channels can
be enabled and disabled or routed to different destinations. Simplex Audio Modules
For example, on a T1/E1 link, stereo A can go to the main
T1/E1 link and stereo B on the secondary / drop and insert
circuit. On an IP link with 4 simplex channels, channels A&B
could be sent to one transmitter location and channels C &D
to a local studio. On IP networks, the inputs of audio cards can
also be sent together to multiple destinations in multicast or
multiple unicast applications.

Broadcast Grade Audio

Exceptional audio quality can be delivered using either
Enhanced apt-X audio coding or the pure linear PCM/
Analog Analog Digital Digital
uncompressed option. The Enhanced apt-X audio format Encoder Decoder Encoder Decoder
provides an operational audio resolution depth of either
16 bits or 24 bits while the digital circuits of the audio module
run at a resolution of 24 bits (A/D – D/A converters, audio The diagram below shows how the Duplex Module with Analog
DSP etc). Using low delay, Enhanced apt-X at high quality Input Back-up ensures a seamless switchover should the main
16-Bit resolution, the WorldNet Oslo can combine up to 6 audio input fail.
fully duplex 15kHz stereo programs on a single T1 line or 7
on an E1 line.

Extended Interoperability
Other coding and companding options available include
G.711, MPEG 1/2 Layer 2, J.57 and J.41. These options provide
the ability to employ the WorldNet Oslo in networks equipped
with third-party codecs.

Phase-Matching for Surround Sound

6 duplex audio channels or 12 simplex audio channels,
provided by three audio cards of a kind, can be phase locked
in order to provide a true surround sound image for 5.1 Radio
Broadcasts.

Audio Back-Up
Additional variants of audio module are also available to
provide increased levels of redundancy and back-up. These
include a Digital Duplex card with Simultaneous Analog
Outputs and a Digital Duplex card with Automatic Input Back-
up with Analog Inputs.

www.aptcodecs.com
Aux Data Modules Voice Transport Modules

The Auxiliary Data module, available in several different
configurations, is designed to be plugged into any of the
contribution module slots in the WorldNet Oslo frame.
There are two builds of this card – one offering 10 serial data
ports and no GPIO connections and the second offering 5
serial data port and a set of 8 relay contact closures and opto-
isolated switch inputs. Both builds allow up to 9600 bauds per
data port.
In addition, the Auxiliary Data Card provides all logical devices
and processor capacity to support the entire data subsystem
including all optical switch inputs. The main board is designed
to handle both asynchronous and synchronous data in different
interface formats, such as RS232 and RS422.
Several Voice Transport modules are available enabling
broadcasters to combine voice channels with both audio and
data on a single digital link.
The Wideband Voice Communications module (pictured) offers
four discrete full duplex channels utilizing 16 bit Enhanced
apt-X coding at a sample rate of 16kHz (7.5kHz audio
bandwidth – 64kbps per channel).
To enable OPX (Off-Premises extension) applications, 2-wire
FXO, 2-wire FXS and 4-wire E&M modules are also available.
The 2-wire modules offer four discrete duplex channels on 4
x RJ11 with support for G.711 A-Law, µ -Law (3.4kHz audio
bandwidth), Ground start or Loop start and E1 CAS / T1 RBS.
The 4-wire module presents 4 x RJ45 and supports G.711 A-
Law, µ -Law, Type I, II & V signalling and E1 CAS / T1 RBS.

Applications
The flexibility of the WorldNet Oslo’s modular architecture means that it can be deployed throughout many different network
topologies and architectures. Whether you require AM, FM, HD RadioTM or Surround Sound broadcasts, packetized or synchronous
transport, point-to-point or drop and insert configurations or bidirectional or simplex connections, the WorldNet Oslo can be
tailored to your exact requirements.
Designed to provide extreme resilience for mission-critical applications and quick recovery from network disruptions and power
failures, the WorldNet Oslo is the ideal choice for linking studios and transmitter sites over T1, E1 and IP links. In addition to
bidirectional audio transport, the unit can combine serial and LAN data, RBDS and other traffic on digital links for increased
network efficiency. For HD Radio™ applications, WorldNet Oslo can also deliver HD Exporter streams and Program Associated
Data (PAD) across the digital link.
In this application, the
regional studio is using the
station’s private LAN to deliver
contribution audio to the main
station. This bi-directional
connection also enables the
distribution of the main station’s
content via satellite to the
Regional FM Transmitter.

The main station’s transmitter

network is operating over a
conventional T1/E1 ring network
in drop and insert mode. This
configuration provides a failsafe
circuit to safeguard against
network and system failures.

www.aptcodecs.com
 Redundancy on the WorldNet Oslo
Designed for mission-critical broadcast applications, the WorldNet Oslo offers a
Technical Specification
suite of back-up and redundancy options to protect against system failures and
Size 3U x 19” Rackmount
keep your station on air 24/7/365.
Dimensions 133mm x 482mm x 430mm
1) Hot Swappable Cards 5.25” x 19” x 17”

Physical
Based on a modular architecture, all WorldNet Oslo modules are “hot swappable” Weight 9Kg / 19.8lbs
and can be changed without causing a glitch on any of the audio channels or AC Power Supply 90 - 260 VAC, 47 - 60Hz
affecting them in any way. Once the system is configured, it is able to continue
to operate in the event of an MCU card failure as other cards in the frame will DC Power Supply 36 to 72 V DC
each hold their local settings. The MCU can then be “hot swapped” and will Power Consumption <200W
recover the current system settings from the other cards. This prevents system
Environmental +5°C to +45°C
down time and ensures that there is no single point of failure on the WorldNet
Oslo. E1 G.703, 2.048Mbit/s, 32 Duplex
DS0s
RJ45 Balanced, 120/100 Ohms

Telecom
Termination or BNC, 75 Ohms
2) Line Back Up
Both the T1/E1 and IP transport modules have dual ports on each module T1 T1.102, 1.544Mbit/s, 24 Duplex
DS0s
enabling an automatic switchover to a secondary line in the case of failure on RJ45 Balanced, 120/100 Ohms
the main link. This fail safe option will also ensure an automatic switch back Termination
to the main line when it has been resurrected for a user-specified amount of IP 10BaseT, RJ45, RTP / UDP, QoS
time.
Aux Data Up to 10 channels (1 channel/

Ancillary Data & Control

stereo pair)
3) Transport Card Redundancy D type, RS232 / RS422
As there are two transport slots on the WorldNet Oslo, a second transport card Data Rates 1200, 2400,4800, 9600, 19200 Baud
can be fitted for additional redundancy and main circuit protection. In a cross-
media configuration, this can also be used to bridge data from an IP network to Control I/O 8 TTL switch inputs / 8 Contact
Closures
a TDM line and vice versa.
Alarms 15 pin D type, 7 Relays,
3 Contacts Per Relay
4) PSU Redundancy Control In 10/100BaseT Ethernet (RJ45),
Provision is made for a fail-safe power system using redundant power supplies Network Management System,
SNMP (optional)
in each WorldNet Oslo frame. The WorldNet Oslo provides a power condition
detector and backup switch, in order to initiate the second PSU in the case of
any failure.
Audio Input / Output Analog, AES/EBU

The AC power supplies will share the load all the times while the redundant DC Sampling Frequencies 32, 44.1 & 48kHz

power supply is in hot standby. Any combination of AC/AC, DC/DC or AC/DC PSU
types is possible. Audio Bandwidth 10Hz-22.5kHz
Analog Mode Balanced XLR-3

5) MCU Preset System I/P Impedance >24k/600 Ohms, Symmetrical

A preset system within the MCU module will store and recall up to thirty different O/P Impedance <100/600 Ohms, Symmetrical
Audio

system configurations. The Preset System reads the configuration of all cards Digital Mode Balanced XLR-3 / Unbalanced BNC
and all parameters like a snap shot of the entire WorldNet Oslo frame and Impedance 110 Ohms / 75 Ohms
stores it on the MCU memory. The MCU also allows a user to store (backup) the Digital Ref In Balanced XLR-3
entire preset system on a PC hard drive. A Preset can be restored locally or can
Source Coding Enhanced apt-X 16-bit & 24-bit, Linear,
be applied to a remote WorldNet Oslo via an inband link. J.57, J.41, G.711, MPEG L2

Compression Ratio Enhanced apt-X: 4:1

6) Backup Monitor Others: variable
An optional feature of the NMS, Network Management System (see NMS Coding Delay Enhanced apt-X: 2ms @ 48kHz
datasheet), the Backup Monitor is a highly sophisticated and customisable Dynamic Range 16bit>85dB, 24bit >110dB
feature which enables a broadcaster to continually monitor the status of both
transport and audio circuits across multiple WorldNet Oslos throughout a
network. For each defined alarm condition, the user will specify a combination
of corresponding rules and priorities that will trigger the reconfiguration of
units and switching to an appropriate back-up scenario using the inbuilt preset
system.

www.aptcodecs.com
Codec Management Software on WorldNet Oslo
APT’s Codec Management System (CMS) software for the WorldNet Oslo provides for control of the entire network from a single
seat. Users wishing more extensive controls, customized mapping and control of both the WorldNet Oslo and the WorldCast units,
can upgrade to the Network Management System (NMS) premium software package (see opposite).

Audio Settings
Clicking on any audio module enables configuration of the algorithm,
resolution and bandwidth on that module. Level bars on each module also
provide easy indicators of level status.
Audio Level thresholds can be set for each of the four channels and other
alarms such as Loss of Digital Input and Autosync can also be activated.

Network Overview
The Network overview offers an at-a-glance indication of the condition
of all units throughout the network. The unit’s appearance reflects its
current status according to a suite of configurable alarms and alerts
and any unit can be selected for control and configuration.

IP Connection Settings
The CMS makes setting up complex
multicast applications as quick and painless
as a simple point-to-point connection.
Extensive configuration of audio parameters
such as packet size, jitter buffers and
QoS levels allows maximum control over
network conditions. Audio performance
can be monitored on a ‘per route’ or unit
basis.
For multi-transport networks, audio can be
bridged from T1 or E1 networks onto the
IP link.

T1/E1 Connection Settings

The T1 / E1 screen enables control
and configuration of both the main and
secondary (Drop & Insert) link as well as
the external clock. Users can configure
back-up options and bridge between the
T1/E1 and IP Links.
T1/E1 Timeslot Allocation
The CMS provides a powerful Timeslot
Allocation tool which enables audio and
data channels to be allotted space on both
the transmit and receive paths.
Drop and Insert applications can be easily
set up and amended as required.
New remote management functionality
employs contact closures to trigger
switching between national and localized
content using selected timeslots.
Alarms and Logs
The CMS enables all audio, unit
and network alarms that have been
set on the individual modules to be
grouped into Minor, Major and Critical
categories.
When an alarm condition occurs, the
alarm or alert status will be reflected
by a change in colour or flashing unit
on the network overview screen. The
user can also view, filter and export
extensive logs of network and unit-
related events.
www.aptcodecs.com