Shure Incorporated
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ShowLink Basics
ShowLink Channels and 2.4 GHz Spectrum
ShowLink channels that enable remote control of Axient transmitters operate in the 2.40 to 2.484 GHz portion of
the RF spectrum in accordance with the IEEE 802.15.4 protocol. Devices that share the 2.4 GHZ spectrum, includ-
ing Wi-Fi, are manufactured to efficiently share the spectrum and cause minimal interference. Both ShowLink and
Wi-Fi use "listen before talk" technology to transmit short message packets only when needed to conserve band-
width. Available spectrum, low interference, and global availability make the 2.4 GHz spectrum an ideal choice for
hosting ShowLink channels.
Within the 2.4 GHz spectrum, 16 channels are available for ShowLink communication. To ensure reliable commu-
nication, the access point contains an internal scanning radio that analyzes the 2.4 GHz spectrum hundreds of
times per second. If interference is detected, the access point uses channel agility to automatically switch to a
clear channel within the spectrum. All transmitters associated with the access point will continue to communicate
uninterrupted on the new ShowLink channel. If ShowLink goes off-line for any reason, audio transmission will not
be interrupted.
Coverage Area
The coverage area of the access point is approximately the same as the transmitter’s UHF range (depending on
the RF squelch setting of the receiver). Use the ShowLink Test feature in the receiver menu to map the boundaries
of the coverage area. Multiple access points can be used to increase the coverage area or to expand coverage to
multiple rooms.
Transmitter Capacity
A single access point supports up to 16 Axient transmitters. Any transmitter within range of an active access point
with available capacity will be automatically controlled by that access point. When multiple access points are used
to increase transmitter capacity or to increase coverage range, transmitter control is automatically divided between
each access point. All changes in control between access points occur seamlessly and automatically, without re-
quiring user intervention.
Transmitter Control
An access point with available capacity will automatically control linked transmitters that are within the coverage
area. Multiple access points automatically self-manage to divide transmitter control and maintain coverage. Transi-
tions between access point control do not affect the transmission of the audio channel.
