3Com NCG-PLM PLM Series and Dante Networking Features, Networking Overview, Dante Audio Network

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 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.

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.

3.2 Dante Audio Network

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.

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.

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 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.

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