12
Setting Bundle Numbers
The 24 transmit and 24 receive audio channels in the ADX are divided into 8-
channel groups. These groups are assigned to network channels or 'bundles'.
There are six bundles per ADX unit, three for receive and three for transmit. Each of
these bundles can be assigned a three-digit number from 000 – 999. (Note that the
Cobranet system allows numbers as high as 65000, but they are limited in the ADX-
2400 to 999).
A bundle assignment of 000 is defined as inactive, and will disable this network
transmitter or receiver. Audio outputs from disabled receivers will be silence.
A bundle assignment in the range 001-255 is a Broadcast Bundle. These
numbers should be used when it is desired that one transmitter be received by
multiple receivers. Note that broadcast bundle data will appear on all network
segments (all switch ports) and can cause network congestion if used when not
required. Use broadcast bundles only when required to avoid unnecessary
traffic on the network.
A bundle assignment in the range 256-999 is a Unicast Bundle. These numbers
are used for normal transmission from one transmitter to one receiver (point to
point). A switch will route this traffic only to the required port and reduce
unnecessary traffic on the network.
The audio transmission will usually follow the bundle assignment almost instantly,
however on occasion there will be a delay of a second or two as the Cobranet
hardware negotiates the connection.
Designing the Network (Please read this section!)
The Cobranet technology is very powerful, and allows for very flexible system
design. It is not without limits, however. It is important to have a full understanding
of how the system operates to avoid network problems, and therefore to avoid audio
problems.
Here are some important things to know:
There are limits to the number of audio channels which may be present on any
given network. The network connection on the rear panel of the ADX-2400 is a
100 Mbit/sec Ethernet connection. As transmitted by the ADX, each audio
channel requires approximately 1 Mbit/sec of bandwidth, so each bundle (8
Channels) requires 8 Mbit/sec.
Because of the additional control and timing data, each 100 Mbit/sec network
segment can handle a maximum of 10 bundles. This is an absolute maximum;
restricting it to 9 provides a bit of safety margin, and is strongly recommended.