Compex Systems AP4530 manual Communicating Using A TCP/IP Connection, Direct, Network Tcp/Ip

Communicating Using A TCP/IP Connection

DIRECT

CAT5	DR-8
TCP/IP

NETWORK

TCP/IP

DR-8

DR-8

The iDR-8uses TCP/IP to communicate with a PC or distributed network via a CAT5 Ethernet link. It can also communicate over a dial-up connection using PPP via its RS232 port. The faster Ethernet connection is recommended for iDR configuration purposes. Note that the front panel RS232 port is intended for operating code update. The rear panel RS232 port is intended for remote interrogation of the unit via a modem.

You can connect the iDR-8directly to your PC using the Ethernet connection. Alternatively you can plug into a network so that any networked PC workstation running appropriate Allen & Heath software can control it. You can have several iDR-8units plugged into the same network. This provides the most flexible solution in today’s world of networked technology.

Each iDR-8unit must have its own unique IP address. It needs to be related to the PC and network address ranges. It must be within the range of addresses allowed on the Subnet. It must not conflict with the addresses of other units plugged into the network. It is also possible that the PC you use to configure the iDR-8is also used with a network at your place of work. If it is served by a DHCP server then it is likely that it does not have its own permanent IP address as this is leased by the server. For these reasons it is very important that you take care when choosing and setting up the IP addresses.

If you do not have administrative rights to your PC, or are not familiar with network configuration, or are unsure which addresses to use then please consult your network administrator or IT manager.

Some networking terms explained:

LAN (Local Area Network), the physical network that links many PCs and related devices in the same building.

Ethernet, the most popular worldwide network system. It is defined by the IEEE802.3 standard and implemented over twisted pair cable.

CAT5 (Category 5), the standard used for network cabling and associated connectors.

UTP, STP (Unshielded Twisted Pair or Shielded Twisted Pair), the type of cable used. The cable has four twisted pairs of wires. STP is shielded to reduce interference pickup.

TCP/IP (Transfer Control Protocol / Internet Protocol), a set of layered industry standard protocols which define network communication.

IP address, the unique ‘soft’ address which identifies each device connected to the network. It is made up of 4 numbers each from 0 to 255, for example 192.168.0.1. IP addresses are governed and issued by the InterNIC organisation.

Subnet, a subdivision of an organisations network, splitting it into smaller sections.

Subnet mask, the number which is used to identify the subnet, for example 255.255.254.0. It determines the number of addresses in the subnet.

MAC address (Media Access Control), a unique 12 digit hexadecimal number allocated by the IEEE to each network hardware device. The iDR-8has its number held in its cpu card. A look up table relates it to the active IP address.

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) A DHCP server automatically allocates IP addresses to networked devices from a pool of available addresses. It makes the task of connecting devices much simpler and prevents address conflicts. Each device connected should be set to ‘DHCP ON’, or have its address manually allocated by the network administrator.

MDI/X (Medium Dependent Interface), a switch which determines the electrical connection. MDI is used when connecting to a network via a hub. MDIX (MDI crossover) is used when devices are connected directly instead of through a hub.

Host, a networked device that provides a service to a client device.

Client, a networked device that requests the services of a computer system or process.

Dial-up connection, A temporary connection between devices, for example using a modem over a standard phone line.

PPP(Point to Point Protocol), a simple protocol for data transfer using a dial up communication over a serial interface.

22 IDR-8User Guide