AVB (Audio Video Bridging) is a protocol that address the lack of a unified, open protocol for video and audio distribution over standard ethernet network.

Audio Video Bridging (AVB) is a common name for the set of technical standards which provide improved synchronization, low latency, and reliability for switched Ethernet networks.[3] AVB embodies the following technologies and standards:

IEEE 802.1AS-2011: Timing and Synchronization for Time-Sensitive Applications (gPTP);
IEEE 802.1Qav-2009: Forwarding and Queuing for Time-Sensitive Streams (FQTSS);
IEEE 802.1Qat-2010: Stream Reservation Protocol (SRP);
IEEE 802.1BA-2011:[4] Audio Video Bridging (AVB) Systems;
IEEE 1722-2011 Layer 2 Transport Protocol for Time-Sensitive Applications (AV Transport Protocol, AVTP);
IEEE 1722.1-2013 Device Discovery, Enumeration, Connection Management and Control Protocol (AVDECC). wikipedia/Audio_Video_Bridging

good reddit thread with some notable quotes

latency varies.

AVB is not plug and play on MacOS. It was a few versions ago. Now it’s slightly off-kilter with the implementation found in MOTU’s and RME’s useage. Massive headaches if you pretend it’s as good as Dante’s Virtual Soundcard.

When it works, the AVB virtual device adds about ~15ms of latency. (not unlike DVS)
AVB is very low latency between dedicated devices with specific chipsets. Not computers.

Why does RME use USB? Because they know what they’re doing.
reddit

and special switches are a bitch

AVB requires specialised chipsets in switches; which makes it a nightmare. Dante and Ravenna work on most reasonable off the shelf managed switch chipsets - so the economies of scale and simplicity of installation / integration does not lie with AVB. reddit

1. 150$ AVB to USBC adaptor, MAC only B&H
2. 400$ MOTU AVB Switch B&H, motu AVB line
3. List_of_AVB-capable_Ethernet_switches mirror