Networking
8
GTA series amplifier platforms support linear daisy-
chain, star and loop network topologies; in a daisy-chained
network the PC with ArmoníaPlus must always be at one
end of the chain.
Be aware that daisy-chaining does not guarantee reli-
ability in production environment, since any fault may yield
to network sectioning and loss of system control.
When efficiency and reliability are paramount, a redun-
dant network topology is advisable. In order to exploit the
Dante features, only star and open daisy-chain network
topology are allowed.
8 : 1.IP addressing
Factory default network settings are DHCP/AutoIP, in
order for the amplifier platform to self-configure when con-
nected to an existing LAN or PC. Fixed IP policy can also be
adopted and configured through ArmoníaPlus.
If a DHCP server is not active within the network, the
amplifier platform initiates a stateless address auto-con-
figuration (i.e. Zero-configuration networking methodology
– Zeroconf): it self-assigns a local numeric network address
(of the type 169.254.x.y – 172.31.*.* for the secondary network
if present – with a subnet mask 255.255.0.0) and automati-
cally distributes and resolves the hostnames of networked
devices. For setting a static IP address, please refer to the
ArmoníaPlus user guide.
8 : 1.1. IP Addressing troubleshooting
When connecting the GTA series amplifier to a network
environment it may happen that ArmoníaPlus does not dis-
cover or import the amplifier.
Usually this is a problem of IP addressing: both Armonia
and the GTA series amplifier must belong to the same sub-
net. If a DHCP server is present in the network and a GTA
series amplifier platform is in AUTO IP, networking may
become unstable.
As a rule of thumb, turn the DHCP server
on before connecting the amplifiers.
IP addressing of a GTA series amplifier is established
during the bootstrap: when the GTA series amplifier plat-
form discovers a DHCP server in the network during the
startup, it negotiates the networking parameters. If the GTA
series amplifier platform does not reveal a DHCP server
in the network during the startup, it sets itself in AUTO IP
mode.
8 : 2.Dante
™
networking
The Dante GTA series amplifier platforms support Dante
redundant networking via the two etherCON ports on the
rear panel:
X
Primary/ETH1 is the Primary network port;
X
Secondary/ETH2 is the Secondary network port.
Dante connectivity is always supported on the Primary/
ETH1 Gigabit Ethernet port; the Secondary/ETH2 Gigabit
Ethernet port offers continuity of operation when a parallel
redundant network is established.
In order to implement a Dante network, a computer run-
ning Dante Controller has to be used. Dante Controller is a
software application that manages devices in the network.
GTA series amplifier platforms are automatically discovered
and displayed in Dante Controller with the default identifier
MODELNAME
-
SERIAL
(e.g. GTA Otto-71520).
Dante networks will almost always require at least one
network switch. Redundant infrastructures may require mul-
tiple switches. For maximum reliability, network switch shall:
X
be Rated for Gigabit Ethernet;
X
be Non-blocking;
X
have Quality of Service (QoS) with at least four queues;
X
have Diffserv (DSCP) QoS with strict priority;
X
have EEE (Energy efficient ethernet) switched off.
For detailed information on setting up a switch, please
refer to the manufacturer’s documentation.
8 : 2.1. Redundant network configura-
tion
Dante Redundancy can be set-up and used between any
supporting Dante-enabled audio equipment: it works by us-
ing two completely independent and separate networks, the
Primary Network and the Secondary Network.
To setup and use Dante Redundancy, connect the GTA
series amplifier platform and other redundant Dante-
enabled audio equipment using duplicate Gigabit switches
and Ethernet cables. Connect your computer running Dante
Virtual Soundcard and Dante Controller, and other non-
redundant Dante-enabled audio equipment to the Primary
Network.
The primary and secondary networks MUST NOT be
interconnected at any point. Make sure any computer is set
to automatically configure its IP address.
OUTLINE S.R.L.
Via Leonardo da Vinci, 56
25020 Flero (Brescia) Italy
Tel.: +39 030.3581341
Fax +39 030.3580431
[email protected]
www.outline.it
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