Network Configuration Guide
PLM™ Series
Powered Loudspeaker Management™ systems
Rev. 1.0.5
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Item no. NCG-PLM
INTRODUCTION 2
2.1 Overview
2.2. Ethernet Fundamentals
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 long-
term durability offered by PLM Series products.
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.
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.
It is assumed that the user has a basic understand-
ing 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).
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 configura-
tions.
2.3 PC Configuration
In most network configurations that include switch-
ers 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 com-
munication protocols without user intervention.
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 sec-
tion builds on the foundation of the road-tested
FP+ and legendary fP Series, providing the same
sonic signature – powerful, tight bass and transpar-
ent 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.
In applications where switches or routers of the
recommended type are not used, and instead the
PLM Series units are connected directly to the net-
work 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 Win-
dows XP in the Dolby Lake Controller
Manual. For Vista, the following navigation
is suggested:
Thank you again for placing your confidence in
Lab.gruppen.
PLM Series Network Configuration Guide 3
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2 INTRODUCTION
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
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PLM SeRIeS aND DaNTe NeTwORkINg FeaTUReS 3
3.1 Networking Overview
3.3 Rear Panel Connections
Designed for use on an Ethernet network, the PLM
Series Powered Loudspeaker Management system
allows configuration, control, and monitoring of mul-
tiple 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.
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 auto-
sensing 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 pass-
through (straight) or crossover Ethernet cable to be
used.
Network configurations containing a mixture
of PLM Series devices, Dolby Lake Proces-
sors, Lake Contour™ and Mesa Quad EQ™
processors are supported, and can be
controlled simultaneously within the DLC PLM Edi-
tion 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 introduc-
tion 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.
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.
INPUT
ꢀ
LINK
ꢀ
INPUT
2
LINK
2
INPUT 1-2
LINK 1-2
SPEAKER OUTPUTS
3.2 Dante audio Network
CH
CH
ꢀ
CH
CH
3
4
PLM
1
0000Q
2500W
200/240V
50-60Hz
2
ANALOG WITH ISO-FLO A T
AES/EBU
SWITCHED 10/100 Base-TX
CLASS
2
WIRING
The Dolby Lake processor integrated in the PLM
Series incorporates a Dante audio networking inter-
face, allowing the connections to the PLM Series to
be reduced to a single Cat-5e cable which carries all
audio and control information.
Must be grounded/earthed
Made in Sweden
Ser. N:o
ACT PRIM LINK
ACT SEC LINK
SWITCHED 10/100 Base-TX
Dante, developed by Audinate®, permits the transmis-
sion 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.
Figure 3.3: Dual Ethernet ports are located on the PLM rear
panel
All conductors must be terminated to the
RJ45 connector at both ends of any cable
used for Dante network connectivity.
PLM Series Network Configuration Guide 5
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4 avOIDINg SINgLe POINT OF FaILURe (SPF) ISSUeS
•
•
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 redun-
dant rear panel Ethernet ports on the PLM)
4.1 SPF Overview
Critical network configurations (such as those trans-
porting 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.
•
4.2 automatic 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 of-
fered, 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.
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:
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
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avOIDINg SINgLe POINT OF FaILURe (SPF) ISSUeS 4
4.1.1 Signal type redundancy
Use of this topology allows a PLM to receive audio
and control signals from a source device using differ-
ent output types, i.e. a device which can output both
analog and AES signals simultaneously. These signals
are then designated as priorities in the auto input
section. Again, please refer to section 9.12.3.1 of
the PLM Series Operation Manual for more detailed
information on setting input priorities.
4.1.2 Signal source redundancy
This priority scheme consists of two sources, in
two locations, acting as prioritized sources in the
same network. Source redundancy also allows the
user to set up two different devices (e.g. PLMs),
feed both with the same input signal (analog or AES
digital), and then have both transfer this signal onto
Dante. Redundant signals are thus transferred to the
network. All PLMs that are required to access this
signal can do so as long as one of the two PLMs
connected to the source device remains on the
network. All remaining PLMs on the network must
be configured to access these same two devices as
the primary and secondary signal sources.
An alternate use of this function is to have
a higher prioritized source as an override.
For example, an AES signal could be dis-
tributed as a fire alarm input that can then
override the normal material distributed via Dante
and/or analog.
4.2 Network Port Redundancy
In this application, the second network port on a
PLM’s rear panel can be configured to be redundant
to the first port. If a parallel network is created, and
the source is connected to both networks, then any
single cable failure or switch failure can be overcome
without any loss of audio signal in the network. It is
also possible to survive multiple hardware failures
with this topography; however, this capability will
depend on the network configuration that is used.
More information about possible configurations is
found in section 5.
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5 NeTwORk CONNeCTIONS aND TOPOLOgIeS
5.1 PLM Series Network
Cabling
5.2 PLM Series Topology
Overview
The common cable categories used for high band-
width network connectivity are Cat-5e and Cat-6;
these are preferred choices for PLM Series network
use. However, Cat-5 may be used in limited applica-
tions, as explained below.
Thanks to the auto-sense and auto-uplink features of
the PLM Series’ Ethernet ports, connecting multiple
units is a simple task. A free-topology network can
be implemented easily, including external switches
or hubs as required.
Cat-6, as the designation implies, is the newer
standard, and it is designed to accommodate high-
speed networks up to 250 MHz. The 10000BASE-TX
standard (using 2 pairs) requires Cat-6 cabling. Cat-6 is
fully compatible with all PLM Series network applica-
tions (including use with Dante) as it accommodates
all current Ethernet protocols.
Following are some examples of various network
configurations that can be used when setting up a
PLM network.
5.2.1 Daisy-chained devices
If a daisy chain network system (see figure 3) is
implemented, the secondary Ethernet connectors
on PLM Series devices can be used as “loop-thru
outputs” to send the audio and/or control signal to
the next unit in the chain (i.e. in the same rack). As an
example, a system utilizing a Dolby Lake Processor
as a “break in point” would find the DLP typically
connected to the Primary Ethernet port of the first
PLM in the rack. The signal would then travel from
the Secondary Ethernet connector of this PLM Series
unit to the Primary Ethernet connector of the next
unit in the system, and so on.
Cat-5e (using 4 pairs) supports 1000BASE-T ap-
plications, and is also fully suited to all PLM Series
applications, including Dante.
Cat-5 cabling meets the requirements for the PLM
Ethernet control network. However, the higher ratings
of Cat-5e and Cat-6 are recommended for use as the
backbone between switches, particularly if Dante is
being used.
Cat-3 or Cat-4 cables may still be in use in some
installations. Neither of these satisfies the bandwidth
requirements of 100BASE-TX or 1000BASE-T net-
working, and should not be used with PLM Series
networks.
Care must be exercised in implementing a
chain topology network, as the number of
PLM Series devices being connected in this
way will have a critical bearing on network
performance parameters such as overall latency.
Also, the use of single layer cabling to connect the
network will introduce the possibility of Single Point
of Failure issues, which should be avoided at all costs
when operating critical systems Therefore, this top-
ology is NOT recommended at all for applications
using Dante and it is NOT recommended for applica-
tions with more than 10 PLMs, even when not using
Dante.
Table 5.1 can be used as a guide when specifying
maximum recommended lengths for Ethernet cables
within a PLM network:
Spectral
Bandwidth Max Length
LaN
Cat-5
Cat-5e
Cat-6
100 MHz
100 MHz
250 MHz
100 m
100 m
100 m
100BASE-TX
100BASE-TX
1000BASE-T
100
100
100
100
100
100
1000BASE-TX
Table 5.1: Recommended PLM network cable lengths
Figure 5.2.1: Daisy chain network topology
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NeTwORk CONNeCTIONS aND TOPOLOgIeS 5
5.2.2 Star or Hub-and-Spoke networks
5.2.3 Daisy-chained switches
An alternative approach is to implement a network
with Star topology, also referred to as ‘hub-and-
spoke’ or ‘radial’ topology, using a number of Ethernet
switches. (See figure 5.2.2.) In such a network, a
group of PLMs (typically those inside the same rack)
are connected directly to a switch also housed in the
rack. These local switches are then connected to a
“central” switch.
In such a topology, each group of PLM Series units
(typically those inside the same rack) have a switch
inside the rack to which each has a direct connection.
These “local” switches are connected in a daisy chain
(figure 5.2.3). Systems of this type can be made quite
large if the switches are using 1000BASE-T (Gigabit
Ethernet), and although this is a very convenient
system when it comes to wiring, a topology of this
type can potentially develop SPF issues.
If dual redundancy mode is used, then a completely
parallel secondary network can be created. The
primary network would connect the primary port of
each Dante equipped device (PLM or DLP) and the
secondary network would connect all the secondary
ports.
5.2.4 Daisy-chained switch ring
This is an enhanced variant of the above that can
be created if the switches support RSTP, or Rapid
Spanning Tree Protocol. (See section 7, References
and Definitions, for more information.) The benefit
of this configuration is that, if there is a cable failure,
the network will recover; all devices on the network
(PLMs, switches, routers, etc.) will still be able to
communicate. If a switch fails, all devices will remain
connected to the network, with the exception of
those devices that are directly connected to the failed
switch. If Dante is being used, there will be a brief
audible interruption in the sound (5 ms – 2 s), the
length of which will depend on the size of the system
and the vendor of the switch.
The dual redundancy mode has the benefit that any
single switch can fail without causing an audible
interruption in the network. However, the control
and monitor PC will have to be manually switched
between the primary and the secondary network if
a failure on one network layer should occur.
A dual redundancy configuration doubles
the number of switches and cables needed.
Also note that the Dolby Lake Processor
(DLP) does not support this redundancy
scheme via dual rear panel Ethernet connectors, so
one DLP per network layer would be required.
The PLM’s own internal switches do not
support RSTP. Care must be taken to not
create a ring (closed loop) with the PLM’s
rear panel connectors.
802.11g/n
1000
1000
1000
1000
Rack
Rack
Rack
1000
100
1000
100
1000
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
Figure 5.2.2: Two level star topology
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5 NeTwORk CONNeCTIONS aND TOPOLOgIeS
Rack
Rack
Rack
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
Figure 5.2.3: Daisy chained switches
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
Rack
Rack
Rack
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
Figure 5.2.5: Dual daisy chain switch topology
5.2.5 Dual daisy-chained switches
may be to place a group of local switches in each
“zone”, which are first interconnected to form a “local
area network” (e.g. Stage Left). These area networks
are then interconnected with a main backbone. A
different topology for the main backbone than that
of the local area network may be chosen, depending
on your specific application and resources.
This is a hybrid that combines the ease of wiring
of the daisy chain topology with the 100% avoid-
ance of SPF issues in the dual redundant star/spoke
configuration (figure 5.2.5). It is simply two “daisy
chained switch” networks in parallel: the primary and
secondary networks are connected independently
using the dual redundant mode in the PLMs.
Figure 5.2.6 shows an example of a combined net-
work utilizing both Star and Daisy Chained switch
ring topologies.
If the control computer only has one network
card, it can be connected to only one of the
network layers. The solution to this situation
can be as follows:
5.3 Ethernet Cabling Limitations
•
•
Manually disconnect from the “blue“ network
layer and connect to the “red” network layer
instead if one or more PLMs are inaccessible via
the blue network (see figure 5.2.5). This can be
done easily by using a simple hardware switch
box.
The maximum cable length allowed between any
two devices on a network is defined by the Ethernet
protocol and is limited to 100 meters (330 feet) for
copper connections. The term “devices” includes:
•
The host PC running the Dolby Lake Controller
PLM Edition software
A more advanced solution would be to equip
the PC with two identical network cards and
appropriate drivers so that it can be connected
to both networks simultaneously.
•
•
•
Any switch on the network
Any access point
Any PLM
Optical fiber can be used if longer distances are
needed. Multi-mode fiber supports up to 550 meters
(1800 feet) and single mode supports even longer
5.2.6 Other combination networks
In larger system network topologies, a good solution
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NeTwORk CONNeCTIONS aND TOPOLOgIeS 5
Stage Left
FoH
1000
1000
Rack
Rack
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
100
100
100
100
100
100
1000
1000
1000
Stage Right
Rack
Rack
1000
100
1000
1000
1000
1000
100
100
100
100
100
1000
Figure 5.2.6: Combined network topology
distances. The recommended LinkSys switch can be
upgraded with SFP modules to support fiber connec-
tions (See section 7, References and Definitions,
for more information on SFP.)
5.4 PLM / Dante Network Size
Limitations
The information below is provided to give an overview
of the terminology and concepts that are used when
describing a PLM network and its functions. Further
explanations of terminology used can be found in
section 7, References and Definitions.
A cable connection from one network port to another
Link speed [Mbps]
is often referred to as a hop.
System type
Source
Backbone
Sink
1*
2**
100
1000
100
100
100
100
The maximum size of a network is often referred to as
the network diameter. The optimal network diameter
is defined by the time it takes for a packet to get from
one device to another across the furthest point in the
network, in terms of communication time.
Network diameter
[# of “hops”]
14
1
1
2
62
4
1
Latency setting 1
Latency setting 1
0.8 ms
9
1.3 ms
4.0 ms
4
19
>20
256
45
34
14
56
9
Most of the time consumed in the path, generally
referred to as latency, is the hardware reaction
and transmission time. The time consumed for the
packets to travel over the network Ethernet cables
themselves is very small in comparison. If we assume
100 m copper cables for all hops, we can present
some simple rules for how many hops are permitted
from any Dante source device to any of its recieving
Latency setting 2
7
* PLM/DLP without external switches or with 100 Mbps switches
(not a recommended setup!)
** Recommended PLM only example with Gigabit switch backbone
Table 5.4: PLM network diameter guide
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5 NeTwORk CONNeCTIONS aND TOPOLOgIeS
devices (or sinks) for a given latency setting. Table
5.4 shows the limits for a Dante system with PLM
Series devices as the sinks.
for use in larger venues; however local legal restrictions
may apply in some countries. Please contact your Lab.
gruppen distributor for advice if necessary.
The recommended system is shown in grey in Table
5.4. It has a DLP or PLM as the source (100 Mbps)
and PLM Series devices as sinks. The first and last
hops are 100 Mbps; all other hops, including those
between switches, are 1000 Mbps.
5.6 Improving wireless
accessibility
Primary and Secondary PC
In applications where maintaining control and monitor-
ing throughout the event is critical, and yet where
mobile control access is also desired, users should
have a primary control PC connected via wire in
conjunction with a wireless secondary PC.
If the latency is assumed to be 1.3 ms we can have
34 hops from the source devices to any PLM. If we
assume 3 x PLMs per rack in any variant of the daisy
chained switch topologies (ring or dual chain), we
could then support a system with 33 racks, giving
99 PLMs (396 channels).
Multiple access points, single SSID
Two or more access points can be connected to the
same network as long as they are given the same
SSID, the name used to identify a particular LAN within
range of a PC. (See section 7 References and Defini-
tions for more information.) The user can then move
freely around the venue and maintain connection to
the network via the closest access point.
If the topology is layered or star/spoke, the system
could be even larger. The DLC PLM Edition software
user interface is designed to display 125 PLM Series
devices on an XGA screen.
A system of this size has been assembled
and verified by Lab.gruppen engineering at
our factory location.
5.7 Using Dante in Conjunction
with wireless Networks and
Low Bandwidth Devices
5.5 wireless Network Topologies
Adding wireless networking to the system provides
portable, centralized control to a distributed network
of PLM Series devices (as well as other Dolby Lake
processors.) A wireless network greatly enhances
the flexibility of control of a large audio system, as
the control location is not fixed. A wireless access
point simply works as a gateway between the wired
network and wireless devices. A Tablet PC running
the Dolby Lake Controller PLM Edition software then
communicates with the access point wirelessly, al-
lowing control of the system from anywhere in the
venue that is within wireless range
For Dante to operate on a network link, the network
has to provide a bandwidth of at least 100 Mbit/s.
Hence Dante does not operate over wireless links.
In order to attach a wireless accesspoint to a Dante
enabled network, special attention needs to be taken
to make sure the Dante packets do not flood the wire-
less link. A switch that is configured to filter out the
Dante packets must be installed at the boundary of
the wireless network.
Dolby Lake legacy products such as Contour and Mesa
Processors are 10 MBit/s devices. If these devices
are to be connected to a Dante enabled network, the
same type of filtering of Dante packets is necessary.
Please refer to the Audinate document “AUD-ANO-
ACL_Filtering_SRW224G4-V2.4.pdf” for further details
regarding filtering of Dante packets.
Wireless connections are generally slower
than wired connections, and can result in
varying degrees of Ethernet performance.
Connection quality can depend on the
distance and angle to the access point as well as the
presence of any surrounding interference. Strong
interference may lead to loss of connection.
Booster antennae are highly recommended
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NeTwORk HaRDwaRe ReCOMMeNDaTIONS 6
Code Point (DSCP) protocol, and it must implement
strict priority control over at least the top two priority
6.1 general Recommendations
levels. (3Com is an example of a provider that typi-
cally prioritizes only the top level.) See References
and Definitions in section 7 for more on DSCP.
Internal switch forwarding latency of 4 µs or less is
recommended.
Critical networks such as those used in profes-
sional audio systems require infrastructure hardware
offering the high level of connectivity and reliability
essential for critical, data-intensive applications.
Additionally, this hardware needs to be robust enough
to survive the rigors of repetitive loading and unloa-
ding, and frequent connection and disconnection.
Lab.gruppen has evaluated a number of hardware
manufacturers in regard to use within a PLM Series
network. Our findings have resulted in the following
hardware recommendations. Of course, there are any
number of scenarios involving systems of various
sizes, logistical and routing requirements, so these
recommendations are to be considered as guidelines
only.
Several switches have been tested by
Lab.gruppen and not all behave according
to their datasheets. Some others that
comply with general specifications have a
tendency to drop packets, and therefore cannot be
recommended.
LinkSys SRw224g4
In addition to the recommendations provided, other
products may be equally suited to PLM Series ap-
plications. Lab.gruppen will continue to evaluate and
verify network products as the market for network
devices changes rapidly. Updated information will be
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
19 inch rack-mountable
24 x 10/100 switched RJ45 ports
6.1.1 Network switches / routers:
LinkSys SRw224g4
4 x 10/100/1000 switched RJ45 ports
2-SFP slots for use with fiber optic connections
RSTP supported
Secure remote monitoring software available (freeware)
Approved by Audinate, developers of the Dante network
Depending on the configuration selected, the
appropriate network switch or router will have enough
ports to accommodate direct connection to each PLM
in the rack as well as connections from rack to rack
where required in the system-wide configuration.
6.1.2 Recommended wireless access point:
LinkSys waP200
Switches manufactured for mounting into a standard
19 inch equipment rack are generally considered
more appropriate to withstand the rigors of loading
and unloading that can be part of a sound system’s
daily use.
Access points utilizing the 802.11g or 802.11n
formats are recommended both for their diversity
and bandwidth. A PoE-type (Power over Ethernet /
802.3af) access point that can be powered over its
Ethernet connection is also a good idea, as it is very
easy to place at an optimal location since only one
cable is needed for both network connectivity and
power. (See in section 7 References and Definitions
for more information.)
In systems that DO NOT utilize Dante, Lab.gruppen
is not providing a specific recommendation. In gen-
eral, however, a switch with RSTP is recommended.
This greatly increases reliability in case of any loss of
information or connection failures. It is also a good
practice to use switches that allow monitoring of
links over the network.
If the switch doesn’t have PoE, then a mid-
span PoE adapter is needed as well.
In systems where Dante is used, the switch should
have 1000BASE-T (or better) for switch-to-switch
connections. The switch must support the DiffServe
PLM Series Network Configuration Guide 13
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6 NeTwORk HaRDwaRe ReCOMMeNDaTIONS
only guarantees the performance of the EtherCon
for 1000 mating cycles.
LinkSys waP200
In order to provide a more reliable long-term solu-
tion, Lab.gruppen recommends the circular metal
push-pull connector from LEMO®. These connectors
are rated to withstand 5000 mating cycles, and are
available in both crimped and soldered versions.
LEMO connectors
•
•
•
•
•
Rated at 5000 insertions
Operational from -50 C to + 200 C
Nickel / brass construction
Recommended part numbers:
•
•
•
802.3af compatible
256 bit secure encryption
RangeBooster™ technology increases range and decreases
dead spots using standard antennae
Good results even with obstructive objects in broadcast
path
Accepts standards-based PoE (IEEE 802.3af) or external
DC power
•
•
•
•
•
•
Female panel connector PEG.2K.308.CYMC75
Male cable connector FGG.2K.308.CYCC75Z
Female panel connector PHG.2K.308.CYMC75Z
Manufacturer website:
6.1.3 Recommended network cabling:
Belden 1305a
Although Belden 1305A is a stranded-type
cable providing high resilience against failure
from repetitive bending or stressing, it ex-
hibits a loss of 26.4 dB instead of the 24
dB that is stated in the Cat-5e requirements. This
limits the recommended length to 90.9 m. Please
be aware that Lab.gruppen has not verified perfor-
mance at the maximum length.
In order to use the LEMO connector one
must use the following pin out. Pins 4 and
6 are “shifted”. If the connector is made
with a pin-to-pin wiring configuration, the
Belden 1305a Cat-6 cable
connection will work for 100BASE-TX, but not for
1000BASE-T.
RJ-45 LEMO
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1
2
3
6
5
4
7
8
orange/white
orange
green/white
blue
blue/white
green
brown/white
brown
•
•
•
•
•
4 pair / 8 conductor
Wire pairs are glued together to resist bend failure
Approved for both indoor and outdoor applications
Operating temperature of -20 C to +60 C
6.1.4 Recommended network connectors:
LEMO-type multipin connector
The Neutrik EtherConRJ45 connector has come into
wide use in the touring business. However, Neutrik
14 PLM Series Network Configuration Guide
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REFERENCEs AND DEFINITIONs 7
The following definitions will help the user better understand some specific terms used in this guide, and in other
PLM Series technical documentation. Lab.gruppen has made every effort to make sure that the information here
is correct and accurate.
Term
Description
The Ethernet ports on the PLM automatically determine the base speed of the network connection (10Base-T or 100Base-T) and configure
themselves appropriately.
auto-sensing
The Ethernet ports on the PLM are able to operate with either straight or crossed network cables. This ability to connect correctly with
either type is termed auto-uplinking.
auto-uplink
Backbone
Large Ethernet networks are often implemented with a very high speed “trunk” part of the network topology feeding the main switches,
which in turn support smaller, lower-speed local networks. The term backbone is used to describe such a trunk.
An Ethernet cable in which four of the eight conductors (pins 1, 2, 5 & 6) are not wired pin-to-pin. Such a cable is required in conventional IT
networks to connect two PCs together without using a hub or switch. The auto-uplink feature of the PLM’s Ethernet ports allows crossed
cables to be used if wished. See also Straight network cable.
Crossed network
cable
DSCP is a networking architecture that specifies a simple, scalable mechanism for classifying and managing network traffic to provide
Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees on IP networks. DSCP can be used to provide low-latency, guaranteed service to critical traffic such as
audio or video, while providing best effort traffic guarantees to non-critical services such as control or status information.
Differentiated
Services Code Point
(DSCP)
A network topology consisting of two (usually) identical networks, one connecting to the Primary Ethernet ports and the other to the
Secondary ports. Although more complex to implement, the advantage of using a dual-network system is one of greatly improved reliability
as one complete network remains operational if the other should fail.
Dual-network
topology
A cable connection from one network port to the next network port.
Hop
The small but finite delay incurred by audio signals when they are transformed into the digital domain, processed digitally, and then
converted back into analog signals. In the Dolby Lake system, latency is assured to be constant.
Latency
In addition to an IP address, every device on an Ethernet network has a MAC address. This address is fixed at the time of manufacture, and
is effectively the permanent identifier of the physical unit. MAC stands for Media Access Control
MaC address
Packet
A packet is a formatted block of data consisting of both control data and user data, also known as the payload. Control information provides
data needed by the network to deliver the user data (payload) and assure data integrity. Each packet travels over the network as a discrete
and uninterrupted block of data.
Power over Ethernet is a system for transmitting electrical power over a twisted pair cable along with the data. It is functionally similar to
the phantom powering of microphones over audio cables. PoE allows powering of remote network switches and other appliances without
the need of a separate power supply and AC mains wiring.
Power over Ethernet
(PoE)
RSTP is a data communication protocol that enables fast restoration of service following failure or interruptions on a network link. Based on
the old Spanning Tree Protocol, it retains the plug-and-play benefits while providing far faster recovery of network connectivity.
Rapid Spanning Tree
Protocol (RSTP)
SFP is an optical transceiver used in data communications. It interfaces a network device to a fiber optic cable, allowing the network to carry
large amounts of data over long distances with minimal latency.
SFP (Small Form-
factor Pluggable)
A Service Set Identifier, or SSID, is used to identify the particular 802.11 wireless LAN to which a user wishes to attach. A client device
receives messages from all access points within range. Selection of the access point can be pre-configured within the client device, or
chosen by a user from a displayed list of SSIDs. Multiple access points will have the same SSID if they provide access of the same LAN.
SSID
A network topology which uses a network switch to connect to individual PLMs. Each PLM connects to one port on the switch with its own
cable; thus the network looks like a star when drawn as a diagram with the switch at the centre.
Star
An Ethernet switch allows several Ethernet devices to be connected to a network using a star topology. More intelligent than the earlier
hubs (which they now largely replace) , switches route packets of data only to the units for which they are intended, and also perform other
system housekeeping and control functions.
Switch (Ethernet)
.
PLM Series Network Configuration Guide 15
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8 ADDITIONAl INFORmATION
Contact:
Lab.gruppen AB
Faktorvägen 1
SE-434 37 Kungsbacka
SWEDEN
Phone: +46 300 56 28 00
Fax: +46 300 56 28 99
plmsupport@labgruppen.com
info@labgruppen.com
www.labgruppen.com
Intercooler and Class TD are national and/or
international registered trademarks of Lab.gruppen AB.
PLM, Powered Loudspeaker Management, R.SMPS,
LoadLibrary, LoadSmart, SpeakerSafe and ISVPL are
trademarks of Lab.gruppen AB.
Dolby, Lake, and the double-D symbol are registered
trademarksofDolbyLaboratories.DolbyLakeProcessor,
Lake Contour, Lake Mesa Quad EQ, LimiterMax and
Iso-Float are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
All other trademarks remain the property of their
respective owners.
Copyright © 2008 Lab.gruppen AB. All rights reserved.
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L a b . g r u p p e n a b
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u S c o n t a c t i n f o u S @ t c e L e c t r o n i c . c o m
w w w . l a b g r u p p e n . c o m
•
S w e d e n
•
i n f o @ L a b g r u p p e n . c o m
•
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