Todd Scrutchfield
Specialist brief

Connecting a live event on one SDN fabric

Software-defined networking and fabric architecture connect the multitude of devices a live event depends on: comms, audio, lighting control, video over IP, high-speed data, show automation, camera control, LED processing, kiosks, and cleanly separated production and attendee networks — one managed transport instead of a dozen parallel ones.
Illustration: event network rack with dressed fiber cabling and switch status LEDs, stage lighting blurred behind
On the fabric

Every show system, one transport

Comms with Riedel

Show operators and stakeholders connect to a secure private comm system from a laptop and Stream Deck — credential-enforced group channels and isolated point-to-point communication.

Audio with Dante

High-quality audio over standard Ethernet. The SDN fabric prioritizes and manages audio streams for low latency and high fidelity throughout the event.

Lighting Control with sACN

sACN integrated into the SDN fabric triggers lighting cues in real time for synchronized lighting effects.

Video with NDI & ST 2110

NDI for low-latency transmission, SMPTE ST 2110 for standardized uncompressed video and audio — both integrated into the same fabric for high-quality streaming and production.

High-Speed Data & NAS

Network-attached storage incorporated into the fabric gives production teams centralized access to media files and fast data retrieval.

Show Automation

Automation systems integrated into the network control lighting, sound, and video, executing pre-programmed sequences flawlessly.

Camera Control

Camera control connected through the fabric enables remote operation and monitoring, keeping camera feeds synchronized with every other production element.

LED Processing

LED displays managed over SDN for precise control — visual content displayed accurately and in sync with other event elements.

Kiosk Control

Interactive kiosks on the network receive real-time updates and content management, supporting attendee engagement during the event.

Private Production Network

A dedicated, isolated network for the production team — secure, reliable communication and data transfer without interference from attendee traffic.

Attendee Networks

Separate attendee access with managed bandwidth and traffic prioritization, so production operations stay unaffected while guests stay connected.
Why it works

Design principles

  • Isolation — production systems run on their own network segments, free from attendee interference.
  • Bandwidth management — data flow is controlled to prevent congestion and maintain service quality.
  • Traffic prioritization — data streams are ranked so critical operations always receive the resources they need.
  • Pre-programmed execution — automation sequences run flawlessly because the transport is deterministic.
Engineering depth

The IP video capability behind it

The fabric design sits on the same IP video and networking capability detailed across this site:
  • SMPTE ST 2110 engineering for uncompressed video and audio over IP
  • Network architecture for IP video infrastructure including spine-leaf, PTP, and IGMP
  • NMOS IS-04 and IS-05 discovery and connection management
  • NDI and compressed IP video workflows
  • Network commissioning, validation, and troubleshooting
The outcome

A cohesive production environment

SDN and fabric architecture let every device and system on a live event connect seamlessly — enhancing communication, control, and overall production quality, and creating a cohesive, efficient environment that meets the demands of modern live productions.
Explore

Other readings

Core Capabilities
A broad view of the technical domains I can own across live events, broadcast, and experiential work.
Technical Deep Dive
A peer-level view of media servers, screen production, LED systems, projection workflows, documentation, and surrounding infrastructure.
Project Manager's Reference
A direct summary of what scope I can own, how I work, and what a PM can stop worrying about.
Technical Sales Support
How I help account executives and clients move from ambition and uncertainty to practical confidence.
Vectorworks
Production design and documentation on Vectorworks Spotlight — previz, rigging, power, signal flow, and render pipelines.

Contact

Planning an ST 2110, NDI, or converged show network? Loop me in at the design stage.
todd@scrutchfield.com
Scrutchfield.com
Todd Scrutchfield · consult.show · Imagine Interactive Group