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Third, the RAVE 520az 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 RAVE products to existing audio network installations that are built on repeater LAN topolo-
gies. This applies primarily to existing CM16a and RAVE networks. For this very reason we continue to support connectivity to network
repeater hardware with the RAVE 520az. Support for network repeaters exist only with the Two Wire Interface. That is to say that the
QSControl port and the CobraNet port must be connected to separate repeater LANs. Even when properly configured, audio channel
capacity is severely limited and both audio and control network expansion is limited by the respective wire speed of each segment. In
other words, scalability ceases to exist when bandwidth demands on the QSControl segment approach 10 Mbps and demand on the
CobraNet segment approaches 100 Mbps. Obviously, we recommend taking advantage of switch network technology whenever possi-
ble.
It should be noted here that while the CobraNet port on a RAVE 520az is restricted to repeater LAN or switch LAN deployments, QSCon-
trol.net is a TCP/IP standards-compliant network system and therefore supports operation on network repeaters, switches and routers.
When implementing the Two Wire Interface, the QSControl.net segment does not require a single topology data path and therefore
repeaters, switches and routers may be assembled on the LAN in a hybrid fashion.
To learn more about network design rules and system compliance visit the QSC network resources page at http://www.qscaudio.com/
products/network/resources.htm. To learn more about CobraNet design requirements and to obtain the CobraCAD system design utility
visit the Peak Audio website at http://www.peakaudio.com/CobraNet/Network_Design.html.
All of this may seem daunting if you are new to networking. However, it all boils down to connecting a few simple cables between var-
ious networking devices. Most of the time it "just works". QSC helped pioneer CobraNet with our RAVE ™ products and there are hun-
dreds of installations all over the world, in theme parks, hotels, stadiums - everywhere. They run hum-free, sound great and are very
reliable.
The following examples will help get you started, but they just scratch the surface of what can be achieved with advanced network-
ing…
Example #1 - QSControl.net X-over mode:
This is the simplest connection you can make between the RAVE 520az and your computer. You use a CAT-5 crossover cable connected
between the RAVE ‘s QSControl port and your computer's Network Interface Card, (NIC). No network switch is required. With QSCon-
trol.net server and client software installed and running on your computer, you will be able to completely set up your RAVE 520az.
