Operation Manual
DBC Network Bridge
page 76
8.2 TCP/IQ Network Basics
TCP/IQ Tis a network based protocol that has the ability to control and
monitor IQ components over a common TCP/IP network. For IQ com-
ponents that have CobraNet capability, TCP/IQ has the ability to control
and monitor these IQ components over the same Ethernet network used
for CobraNet audio, resulting in a single Category-5 connection for
control, monitoring, and digital audio. Figure 8.1 shows a typical
TCP/IQ network.
TCP/IQ offers a number of advantages over other non-network commu-
nications platforms.
• The use of “off-the-shelf” networking hardware. This tech-
nology makes use of network connectivity and hardware commonly
used in the computer industry, making it both low-cost and readily
available.
• Better Performance. The capacity for real-time display of meters is
greatly enhanced through the use of the wide-bandwidth network.
• Single connection for both CobraNet audio and IQ commu-
nications. Gone are the days of multiple connections to a component
for audio and control. A single CAT 5 connection handles it all.
Some of the features of TCP/IQ include:
• Ability to quickly discover all IQ components connected to the net-
work.
• Synchronization of multiple control points on a network.
• Control and monitor of IQ components on different Local Area Net-
works (LANs) through the use of an IP router.
• Component firmware upgrades via the network.
Ethernet Networks are established through the use of either a hub or a
switch. These devices are centralized in the network and transfer the
Ethernet data from point to point. Ethernet data is transferred in data
packets that have addresses coded into their structure. Hubs and
switches decipher these addresses and route the data packets to the
appropriate component. Hubs do this by taking packets from any port
and sending them out all other ports. Switches, on the other hand, are
more intelligent and examine each packet’s address, sending that packet
only to the addressed component. This results in a much more efficient
data flow. TCP/IQ depends on the use of 100Mb switches and their use
is highly encouraged. 100Mb or 100Base-T switches are required in
CobraNet networks.
Figure 8.1 A TCP/IQ Network