Block Diagram
Introduction - Networking the BASIS 722az
The BASIS 722az includes an RJ-45 network connection port on the rear panel, which is labeled "QSControl". All data communications between the BASIS 722az and a control computer, such as a PC running the QSControl.net server or client application, takes place via this rear panel QSControl port. The QSControl port supports connection to a 10BASE-T Ethernet network via industry-standard unshielded twisted pair cabling (UTP) rated at category 5 or better.
Notes on Network Systems Design:
As with any communications system, the reliability and performance of a local area network is intimately related to the designer's skill and knowledge in implementing a topology that is robust, efficient and standards-compliant. Proper network design is even more critical in dis- tributed multimedia systems. Therefore, it is important for the system designer to realize that some conventional network practices may not be well suited for network implementations that include a BASIS 722az. Although each network design is unique and may carry its own per- formance requirements, compliance to the following two points will assist in building an audio management network that is trouble free and efficient.
First, data communications between the BASIS 722az and any computing devices (QSControl.net server or client applications) should not share the same LAN or VLAN with other forms of traffic. This is especially applicable with audio and video content. QSC always recom- mends that all QSControl and QSControl.net data content remain isolated from all other network communications. Doing so will ensure a network with predictable behavior and one that offers the highest level of confidence and long-term reliability.
Second, the BASIS 722az and QSControl.net system are targeted at network switch deployments. The consumer costs of Ethernet switches have continued to fall over the last several years and are now comparable with repeaters on a per-port basis. In addition, the sophistication and scalability of network switches make them ideal for new installations. However, we do realize that designers may wish to add BASIS products to existing QSControl installations that are built on repeater LAN topologies. This applies primarily to existing 10BASE-T networks designed for QSC’s CM16a products. For this very reason we continue to support connectivity to network repeater hardware with the BASIS 722az. However, the system designer must realize that repeater technology has bandwidth and network management limitations that may reduce the performance of the BASIS 722az or reduce the number of devices that can coexist reliably on the same network.
To learn more about network design rules and system compliance visit the QSC network resources page at http://www.qscaudio.com/prod- ucts/network/resources.htm.
Audio management over Ethernet may seem daunting if you are new to networking. However, it all boils down to connecting a few simple cables between various networking devices. Most of the time it "just works". QSC was the first in our industry to offer amplifier control and monitoring over standards-compliant Ethernet. Our CM16 and CM16a products paved the way for audio management via Ethernet and they continue to operate trouble free in systems all over the world.
The following example will help get you started, but they just scratch the surface of what can be achieved with advanced networking…
