3COM NCG-PLM, PLM Series User Manual

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3COM NCG-PLM, PLM Series User Manual

Network Configuration Guide

PLMSeries

Powered Loudspeaker Managementsystems

Rev. 1.0.5

Item no. NCG-PLM

1 CONTENTs

1

CONTENTS..................................................................................................................................................

2

2

INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................................................

3

 

2.1

Overview..............................................................................................................................................

3

 

2.2

Ethernet Fundamentals........................................................................................................................

3

 

2.2

PC Configuration..................................................................................................................................

3

3 PLM Series and DanteNetworking Features..........................................................................

5

 

3.1

Networking Overview..........................................................................................................................

5

 

3.2

Dante Audio Network ..........................................................................................................................

5

 

3.3

Rear Panel Connections.......................................................................................................................

5

4 AVOIDING SingLe Point oF FaiLure (SPF) ISSUES...........................................................................

6

 

4.1

SPF Overview......................................................................................................................................

6

 

4.2

Automatic Priority Input Switching.......................................................................................................

6

 

 

4.2.1

Signal type redundancy.............................................................................................................

7

 

 

4.2.2

Signal redundancy.....................................................................................................................

7

 

4.3

Network Port Redundancy...................................................................................................................

7

5

network connectionS and toPoLogieS......................................................................................

8

 

5.1

PLM Series Network Cabling...............................................................................................................

8

 

5.2

PLM Series Topology Overview...........................................................................................................

8

 

 

5.2.1

Daisy-chained devices...............................................................................................................

8

 

 

5.2.2 Star or Hub-and-Spoke networks..............................................................................................

9

 

 

5.2.3

Daisy-chained switches............................................................................................................

9

 

 

5.2.4

Daisy-chained switch ring.........................................................................................................

9

 

 

5.2.5

Dual daisy-chained switches.....................................................................................................

9

 

 

5.2.6

Other combination networks..................................................................................................

10

 

5.3

Ethernet Cabling Limitations..............................................................................................................

10

 

5.4

PLM / Dante Network Size Limitations..............................................................................................

11

 

5.5

Wireless Network Topologies............................................................................................................

12

 

5.6

Improving Wireless Accessibility........................................................................................................

12

 

5.7 Using Dante in Conjunction with Wireless Networks and Low Bandwidth Devices.........................

12

6 network Hardware recoMMendationS....................................................................................

13

 

6.1

General Recommendations................................................................................................................

13

 

 

6.1.1 Network switches / routers: LinkSys® SRW224G4.................................................................

13

 

 

6.1.2 Recommended wireless access points: LinkSys WAP200.....................................................

13

 

 

6.1.3 Recommended network cabling: Belden® 1305A...................................................................

14

 

 

6.1.4 Recommended network connectors: LEMO®-type Multipin Connector................................

14

7

REFERENCES AND DEFINITIONS...........................................................................................................

15

8

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...................................................................................................................

16

2 PLM Series Network Configuration Guide

INTRODUCTION 2

2.1 Overview

Thank you for choosing the Lab.gruppen PLM Series of Powered Loudspeaker Management systems for your sound reinforcement needs. We are confident that you will be pleased with the performance, unique features, configuration flexibility, reliability, and longterm durability offered by PLM Series products.

This document covers only information related to network configuration. For information on PLM Series installation and operation, and use of the Dolby® Lake® Controller (DLC) PLM Edition software, please consult the other documentation included with your PLM Series product: The Dolby Lake Controller User Manual, the Dolby Lake Controller User Manual PLM Edition Addendum, the PLM Series Operation Manual, and the PLM Series Quick Start and Field Reference Guide.

This document and the PLM Quick Start and Field Reference Guide supply most of the information you will require to install your PLM Series products and configure a network. We do, however, highly recommend reading through all the of the product documentation on the included CD ROM in their entirety. As you become thoroughly familiar with all aspects of the PLM Series, you may learn about features and options that will affect your choices of operational modes or loudspeaker system configurations.

The Lab.gruppen PLM Series utilizes proven Dolby Lake Processor technology and expands upon it, providing a suite of load verification and performance monitoring features. The power amplification section builds on the foundation of the road-tested FP+ and legendary fP Series, providing the same sonic signature – powerful, tight bass and transparent high frequency response. In addition, the PLM Series establishes new benchmarks for high power and channel density in tandem with digital signal processing, system management and protection features found in no other product.

Thank you again for placing your confidence in Lab.gruppen.

2.2. Ethernet Fundamentals

The PLM Series implements a full Ethernet stack, providing all the standard features and benefits of an Ethernet device. As with all Ethernet-based devices, some specific cable requirements apply, and there are inherent limitations to the number of network nodes and cable lengths supported. An overview of basic Ethernet system requirements is presented in section 5.3 of this guide.

It is assumed that the user has a basic understanding of Ethernet-based networking technology. (A level of knowledge equivalent to that needed for configuring a home or small office network should be sufficient for most PLM Series applications.) Also, it is assumed the user is familiar with basic networking terminology (e.g. bandwidth, port, node). A number of more advanced terms specific to PLM Series applications are included in section 7 (References and Definitions).

2.3 PC Configuration

In most network configurations that include switchers or routers of the types recommended, it should not be necessary to manually configure network settings in the host computer used for the Dolby Lake Controller PLM Edition software application. The network should automatically detect the host computer and all connected PLM Series units, and then set the IP address, network speed and communication protocols without user intervention.

In applications where switches or routers of the recommended type are not used, and instead the PLM Series units are connected directly to the network port of the host computer, it may be necessary to manually configure your network connection by entering an IP address. Instructions for this are given in the Dolby Lake Controller Manual, section 2.3.

In Windows Vista, navigation to the IP dialog box differs from that given for Windows XP in the Dolby Lake Controller Manual. For Vista, the following navigation

is suggested:

PLM Series Network Configuration Guide 3

2INTRODUCTION

1.From the Start menu, open the Control Panel. Under Network and Internet, choose View Network Status and Tasks.

2.Underneath Network, to the right of Connection / Local Area Connection, choose View Status.

3.In the dialog box, click on Properties, and click Continue in the warning dialog.

4.4. In the Local Area Connection Properties, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on the Properties button below.

5.Proceed as in Dolby Lake Controller Manual, section 2.3.2, step 4.

4 PLM Series Network Configuration Guide

PLM Series and Dante Networking Features 3

3.1 Networking Overview

Designed for use on an Ethernet network, the PLM Series Powered Loudspeaker Management system allows configuration, control, and monitoring of multiple PLM Series devices from a PC running DLC PLM Edition software. The user can control the networked devices over either a wired or a wireless connection. Additionally, the PLM Series’ incorporation of the Dante digital audio protocol permits distribution of multichannel digital audio (up to 24-bit, 96 kHz) as well as control data via the same network.

Network configurations containing a mixture of PLM Series devices, Dolby Lake Processors, Lake Contour™ and Mesa Quad EQ™ processors are supported, and can be

controlled simultaneously within the DLC PLM Edition software environment. Also, it should be noted that a PLM Series device or Dolby Lake Processor can be utilized as a “break in” point for the introduction of an analog or AES digital audio signal to the system; this signal then can be passed on via Dante throughout the rest of the network.

3.2 Dante Audio Network

The Dolby Lake processor integrated in the PLM Series incorporates a Dante audio networking interface, allowing the connections to the PLM Series to be reduced to a single Cat-5e cable which carries all audio and control information.

Dante, developed by Audinate®, permits the transmission of professional-quality multichannel audio over an Ethernet network. Dante overcomes the problems associated with earlier Ethernet-based digital audio systems, including clock synchronization issues, lack of true plug-and-play functionality, and channel count limitations. Additionally, Dante can coexist with TCP/IP network traffic and other standard control protocols.

All conductors must be terminated to the RJ45 connector at both ends of any cable used for Dante network connectivity.

3.3 Rear Panel Connections

The PLM Series has two Ethernet ports for use in creating free-topology Ethernet-based networking systems. The ports, located on the back panel (see figure 1), use Neutrik® EtherCon® RJ45 connectors. Two LEDs above each port indicate connection to a valid network (LINK) and the presence of network activity (ACT).

Both Ethernet ports are 10/100BASE-T with autosensing and auto-uplink. The 10/100 auto-sensing function automatically configures the Ethernet port to operate at either 10 MHz (10BASE-T) or 100 MHz (100BASE-T). The auto-uplink feature automatically senses the cable type, allowing for either a passthrough (straight) or crossover Ethernet cable to be used.

Although standard Cat-5 Ethernet cables can be used to interconnect PLM Series devices, switches, wireless access points and routers on the network, Cat-5e Ethernet

cabling is strongly recommended due to its increased bandwidth capacity.

SPEAKER OUTPUTS

INPUT

LINK

INPUT 2

LINK 2

INPUT 1-2

LINK 1-2

 

CH

CH 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLM 10000Q

 

 

 

 

 

 

200/240V

2500W

 

 

 

 

 

 

50-60Hz

CH 2

CH 4

ANALOG WITH ISO-FLOAT

 

AES/EBU

SWITCHED 10/100 Base-TX

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLASS 2 WIRING

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ser. N:o

 

 

 

 

 

 

Must be grounded/earthed

 

 

 

 

 

 

Made in Sweden

ACT PRIM LINK

ACT SEC LINK

SWITCHED 10/100 Base-TX

Figure 3.3: Dual Ethernet ports are located on the PLM rear panel

PLM Series Network Configuration Guide 5

4 Avoiding Single Point of Failure (SPF) Issues

4.1 SPF Overview

Critical network configurations (such as those transporting audio signals) should avoid “Single Point of Failure” (SPF) scenarios to the greatest extent possible. SPF failures can occur when a network has been designed in such a way that failure of a single part of the network can cause the entire network to fail or cease operation. A network that has not been designed with the appropriate fail-safe measures to avoid SPF issues can suffer a breakdown in the transport of audio and control data, resulting in the worst case scenario for any professional sound engineer: dead silence.

The use of redundant network and audio cabling and switches, as well as the careful selection of the proper network topology for your application, are effective tools in avoiding SPF issues.

The PLM Series has been designed with special features to help prevent this type of system-wide network breakdown. These include:

Auto input priority switching (managing multiple signal sources)

Support for redundant device sources (e.g. the same device providing both analog and AES sources simultaneously to the network)

Support for redundant network paths (via redundant rear panel Ethernet ports on the PLM)

4.2Automatic Priority Input Switching

The user-selectable automatic input priority switching feature in the DLC PLM Edition software is located on the I/O Config tab of the Input Configuration page

(see figure 4.1). Four levels of input priority are offered, each of which can consist of Analog, AES 1, AES 2, and Dante. In the event of a loss of signal to the first priority input, the system will instantly switch to the next designated priority input and restore audio connectivity to the system.

Full information on how to select user input priorities is contained in section 9.12.3.1 of the PLM Series Operation Manual.

Figure 4.1: Priority input settings are located in the Input Configuration page

6 PLM Series Network Configuration Guide

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