How does the HAVi spec differ from, and work with, standard Internet Protocol (IP)?
The Internet Protocol (IP) was designed to solve several complex problems related to message delivery in widely distributed computer networks such as the Internet. Home networks are generally more contained and predictable environments than the Internet. The HAVi architecture was designed to fully exploit the capabilities of the IEEE-1394 technology, and to solve the problems of reliable message delivery in these environments in a much more economical manner. An IP protocol stack is generally much too complex for the typical HAVi device to support, and does not add value in a closed home network environment. Based on these considerations, it was decided that IP was not a good choice as the underlying networking protocol for HAVi. However, it is obvious that IP will play an important role in in-home networks. This can be seen from the following trends: • Real-time AV streams, such as audio, video and voice will come to the home via the Internet and will have to be delivered to HAVi devi
