An innovative IP matrix and a new data center with software-based headend for Rai Way

On the occasion of the adoption of MPEG4 encoding for broadcasting content on its digital terrestrial network, Rai Way built its new Rome Monte Mario data center and launched a new infrastructure for the transport and distribution of audio/video signals, known as the "IP matrix", along with new headends.

This new infrastructure permits easy transport and monitoring of audio/video signals, with and without compression, thanks to an advanced orchestrator system, the SDN Controller, which manages all network resources and audio/video services.

The Rome Monte Mario data center, through development of part of the property, hosts the new encoding and multiplexing platforms for all DTT, SAT and DAB services Rai Way provides to RAI and third-party customers. In connection with the latter, last year Rai Way was in fact awarded the transmission capacity tendered by the Ministry for Economic Development for no fewer than seven geographical areas for the implementation and operation of eight DTT networks.

“The implementation of the IP matrix represents a milestone in our journey towards a complete IP network infrastructure and a quantum leap in the way such infrastructures are managed, optimising the use of resources and facilitating operators. Having completed such an important project during the pandemic crisis period and within the time constraints of the ongoing refarming process is a further point of pride: following the introduction of this state-of-the-art infrastructure, new services can be implemented in line with the technological development of the entire broadcast sector," commented Michele Frosi, Chief Technology Officer of Rai Way.