Audio over IP (AoIP) is the distribution of digital audio across an IP network such as the Internet. It is used increasingly to provide high-quality audio feeds over long distances. The application is also known as audio contribution over IP (ACIP) in reference to the programming contributions made by field reporters and remote events. Audio quality and latency are key issues for contribution links. In the past, these links have made use of ISDN services but these have become increasingly difficult or expensive to obtain.[1][2]
Many proprietary systems came into existence for transporting high-quality audio over IP based on Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP) or Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP). Most use many of the same protocols as are used by voice over IP. An interoperable standard for audio over IP using RTP has been published by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
Within a single building or music venue, audio over Ethernet is more likely to be used instead, avoiding audio data compression and, in some cases, IP encapsulation.[3]