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Networking
Description of the Network Interfaces
MXW components are designed as a plug-and-play system, discovering each other automatically when connected over standard Ethernet equipment.
Components are then grouped together to transport two types of data: Shure Control and Network Audio. Both interfaces use the same network jack and
cable for transport.
The following describes the two interfaces and their functions in the MXW system:
Control
The Shure Control carries data for the control software operation, firmware updates and 3rd party control systems (AMX, Crestron). This data is transported
to all MXW components connected to the network.
Network Audio
This network carries both the Dante digital audio and the control data for Dante Controller. This data is transmitted between the APT, the output device and
the computer. The network audio requires a wired, gigabit Ethernet connection to operate.
Network Interfaces for Each MXW Component
Component
Interface Description
Access Point Transceiver (APT)
Shure Control and Network Audio are configured to separate IP settings
Audio Network Interface (ANI)
Shure Control and Network Audio are combined to share the same IP settings
Networked Charging Station (NCS)
Shure Control IP settings only. Network Audio is not transported by NCS.
Networking Best Practices
Use the following best practices when setting up a network to ensure reliable communication:
• Always use a "star" network topology by connecting each component directly to the switch or router.
• Connect networked MXW gear to the same network and set to the same subnet. This ensures best system performance and maximum microphone count.
• Use only 1 DHCP server per network. Disable DHCP addressing on additional servers.
• Power on the switch and DHCP server prior to MXW equipment.
• To expand the network, use multiple Ethernet switches in a star topology.
• Connect each device directly to the port of an Ethernet switch. Avoid "daisy-chaining" Ethernet port connections between devices for larger networks.
• Do not loop network connections.
• All devices must be at the same firmware revision level.
Configuring IP Settings
Go to the Configurations tab of the control software to monitor the IP
configurations of each network interface. By default, they are set to Automatic
(DHCP) mode. DHCP mode enables the devices to accept IP settings from a
DHCP server, or automatically fall back to Link-Local settings when no DHCP
is available. To manually set the IP address of an interface, select Manual
(Static).
Use the Device drop-down on the Configuration tab to manage the interfaces
of each MXW device on the network.
Devices
: Select any networked MXW device on the network to manage its IP
settings.
Device Name
: Rename the device for system management.
Interface
: Select between Network Audio and Shure Control for managing
IP settings of that network interface. The MXWNCS only includes a Shure
Control interface. The MXWANI combines Shure Control and Network Audio
in a single interface.
IP Mode
• Auto (DHCP): For automatic DHCP or Link-Local IP addresses
• Manual: For Static IP addresses
IP Settings
: Displays IP address, Subnet Mask, Gateway and the unique
MAC address of each network interface.
Device Drop-down
Use the Device list on the Configuration page to
manage any device that is open or in that configuration.
