Arista Networks > Case Studies > NEP UK selects Arista as foundation for SMPTE ST 2110 modular OB trucks to deliver UHD content from world’s largest events

NEP UK selects Arista as foundation for SMPTE ST 2110 modular OB trucks to deliver UHD content from world’s largest events

Customer Company Size

Large Corporate

Region

Europe

Country

United Kingdom

Product

Arista 7500 Series Switches
Arista 7280 Series Switches
Arista EOS

Tech Stack

SMPTE ST 2110
Arista Commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) network switches
Grass Valley IP routing control system

Implementation Scale

Enterprise-wide Deployment

Impact Metrics

Innovation Output
Productivity Improvements
Customer Satisfaction

Technology Category

Networks & Connectivity - Ethernet
Networks & Connectivity - Gateways
Networks & Connectivity - Network Management & Analysis Software

Applicable Industries

Telecommunications

Applicable Functions

Field Services
Business Operation

Use Cases

Remote Asset Management

Services

System Integration
Software Design & Engineering Services

About The Customer

NEP UK is a leading innovator in broadcast services, specializing in managing large-scale events. As one of the world's largest outsourced technical production partners, NEP UK has been at the forefront of broadcasting advancements, providing services for high-profile events such as The Royal Wedding and the Asian Games. With a fleet of 17 cutting-edge outside broadcast (OB) trucks and flypack systems, NEP UK operates in 21 countries globally. The company is known for its expertise in delivering high-value content, particularly in Ultra High Definition (UHD), for large-scale live events. NEP UK has pioneered the 'building-block' approach to OB events, allowing for scalable and flexible broadcasting solutions.

The Challenge

For NEP UK, the challenge was to deliver scalable and flexible outside broadcasting capabilities for large-scale events using IP technology. Traditional SDI-based workflows were limited, prompting the need for a more adaptable IP-based approach. NEP UK aimed to create two new IP-capable outside broadcast trucks, Venus and Ceres, to be used at major events. These trucks needed to accommodate multiple uncompressed UHD channels and provide the flexibility to link equipment silos like trucks, flyaways, and local broadcast centers into a single homogenous system. The challenge also included devising a modular hardware platform and implementing a control and monitoring system for easy reconfiguration.

The Solution

NEP UK selected Arista's network technology as the foundation for their new IP-capable outside broadcast trucks, Venus and Ceres. The core of the solution was the Arista 7500 Series Switches, which provided a lossless architecture with low latency and deep multicast support, essential for the project. The Arista 7504R switch, with its high-density, low-power, non-blocking Ethernet capabilities, formed the heart of the IP switching infrastructure in each truck. This setup allowed for a data throughput of up to 28.8Tbps, supporting over 2000 UHD streams. The Arista switches enabled NEP UK's 'single virtual truck concept,' offering unparalleled flexibility and scalability. Additionally, NEP UK deployed Grass Valley's Unified Computer Processors (IQUCPs) and IP routing control system, allowing for reconfiguration and seamless data transmission across the network. The combination of Arista's IP switches and Grass Valley's control system provided redundancy and scalability, supporting NEP UK's modular approach to broadcasting.

Operational Impact

NEP UK's new IP-capable trucks, Venus and Ceres, successfully debuted at the Wimbledon Tennis finals, showcasing their ability to deliver UHD content for large-scale events.
The Arista-powered IP network provided a flexible and scalable solution, allowing NEP UK to link equipment silos and create a homogenous system for broadcasting.
The modular design of the trucks enabled easy reconfiguration and adaptation to different broadcasting needs, enhancing NEP UK's operational efficiency.
The use of Arista's network technology and Grass Valley's control system ensured redundancy and reliability, critical for high-profile events.
NEP UK's 'building-block' approach set a new standard in the broadcasting industry, allowing for seamless collaboration between different suppliers and enhancing the overall broadcasting experience.

Quantitative Benefit