The free, vendor-neutral framework assigns fixed VLAN and subnet blocks across event departments while leaving topology, QoS and vendor configuration to each production team.
Bodo Felusch has introduced BF-C.O.R.E., a network-standardization framework intended to give mobile live-production crews a common starting point for VLAN IDs, IP addressing and switch management across converged show networks.
The framework, whose name expands to Base Framework for Converged Operations & Reliable Event-IT, is aimed at productions where audio, lighting, video, intercom and other departments share network infrastructure. IT For AVs says the scheme is designed for networks carrying protocols including Dante, AES67, Art-Net, NDI and SMPTE ST 2110.
Rather than defining a complete network design, BF-C.O.R.E. establishes a common numbering structure. Its published Layer 1 register divides departments into 100-number VLAN blocks, including power, intercom, rigging, lighting, audio, video, SFX, production and security. Audio is assigned VLAN 600 and the 10.60.0.0/23 subnet under the published scheme.
IT For AVs also describes an addressing method based on VLAN and switch IDs. In its example, switch ID 4 within VLAN 600 receives the SVI address 10.60.0.4. The site says each departmental block supports up to 510 hosts, divided among show equipment, dry-hire, DHCP and reserve allocations. VLAN 100, using 10.10.0.0/16, is designated for IT management; IT For AVs says placing all switches in that subnet avoids a routing requirement for switch management.
For audio departments using Dante or AES67, the convention could provide a predefined VLAN and address range on a shared production network instead of requiring a new scheme for every tour, rental package or freelance crew. BF-C.O.R.E. does not prescribe topology, QoS, routing protocols or vendor-specific settings, however. Those remain decisions for the production team, with IT For AVs describing inter-VLAN routing as optional when performed by a core switch.
The specification is available as a free download. IT For AVs says it is free to use, while stating that republication, renaming and commercial exploitation are not permitted. The site does not clarify whether those restrictions constitute formal license terms.
BF-C.O.R.E.'s Layer 2 sub-VLAN material remains open to revision. IT For AVs labels the current r001 entries as proposals rather than a final standard and invites feedback through its website, Facebook user group and Matrix room. Neither the ProSoundWeb report nor the IT For AVs site documents independent deployments, industry adoption or manufacturer support for the framework.
Sources
BF-C.O.R.E. Introduces Common Network Standards For Live Production – ProSoundWeb
