Fundamentals of ETC Networking: Net3

Where we came from… Remember the days of Micro II, AMX, D192, K96, Avab, ECMux… DMX512 was the result Then as Networking grew in the business industry, we created ETCNet…

Evolution of ETCNet ETCNet2 (1996) ETCNet1 (1992) Network was proprietary – No Standard existed Thinnet/Thicknet/Fiber Remotes the functionality of the console only Remote Focus Unit, DWS, Keyboard and Printer 3 DMX Outputs 1536 addresses or 3 universes Video generated by the console 10Mbps (speed) ETCNet2 (1996) Still more or less proprietary TCP/IP Standard Twisted Pair/Fiber Wired and Wireless Remote Focus Unit, Keyboard and Printer 2 to 4 DMX Outputs or Inputs 32,767 addresses or 64 universes NCE Software Video generated by the console Remote Macros 10/100Mbps – mostly 10Mbps Eventually Net1 did use Twisted pair as well With TCP/IP standard, things like wireless functionality, standard in business practices, become standard for us. DMX Net1 Basically straight 1-1 patch, Net2 Ability to set source and sink (select a unique device address) Introduction of EDMX Video Net1 Console generated – Exps/Expn maximum of 2 video screens Net2 Still Console generated - Exps/Expn maximum of 2 video screens, Obsn nodes in expanded mode 8 screens

Where we are going… So we had ETCNet, ColorNet, ShowNet …and does anyone listen to one another? Now we have ACN ACN – Architecture for Control Networks

What is ACN? ACN is the highway on which devices will drive/communicate ESTA standards driven (like DMX) Open-ended structure Like XML in that it defines the structure, not the actual data (or vehicles on the highway) Accommodates products not even dreamed of yet… Architecture for Control Networks (ACN) is a suite of network protocols for theatrical control developed by ESTA. The first official release is formally referred to as ANSI E1.17 - 2006 - Entertainment Technology - Architecture for Control Networks. It may replace DMX as the control protocol for lighting systems and will be used for controlling more complex devices like video playback servers (media servers) and audio mixers. The protocol is designed to be layered on top of UDP/IP and therefore will run over standard, inexpensive Ethernet and 802.11 (Wi-Fi) network links. ACN relys on UDP in order to pass its messages. Where reliability is required, the Session Data Transport sub protocol allows semi-reliability of only the latest value for a particular "channel". ACN will require a number of new technologies in order to implement it compared to the DMX standard. ACN requires the use of multicast Ethernet, so in larger networks, a switch that is IGMP snooping compatible will greatly improve performance. ACN defines a number of sub protocols. These protocols all follow the TLV style Protocol Data Units (PDU). These can be nested in predefined hierarchy. There is also an XML description language which defines properties of the devices which is called the Device Description Language. Thanks Wikipedia!

What is ACN? ESTA Interoperability Profiles (EIP) Provide the standards by which different manufacturer’s devices will work together Examples of defined EIP standards: IP address allocation (DHCP, local-link…) Device discovery Data streaming ACN is not closed in application. The protocol may be further defined via interoperability profiles which will extend various layers of the ACN stack.

What is Net3? ETC network communication built on ACN standards Net3 is ETC’s guarantee of End-to-end functionality Tested level of performance “Better together” features HTP and priorities in a similar manner to ETCNet2 Super-set of ACN interoperability profiles and “better together” features required for ETC equipment

Evolution of ETCNet Net3 (2007) ETCNet2 (1996) Still more or less proprietary TCP/IP Standard Twisted Pair/Fiber Wired and Wireless Remote Focus Unit, Keyboard and Printer 2 to 4 DMX Outputs/Inputs 32,767 addresses or 64 universes NCE Software Video generated by the console Remote Macros 10/100Mbps – mostly 10Mbps Net3 (2007) Open architecture based on ACN TCP/IP and UDP Standards Twisted Pair/Fiber Wireless RFU and Radio RFU 1 to 4 DMX/RDM Outputs or Inputs 32,767 addresses or 64 universes Net3 Configuration Software Video generated by network device = unlimited video Remote Contacts In and Out MIDI / SMPTE Power over Ethernet 10/100/1000Mbps – mostly 100Mbps WRFU and RRFU – now the transmitters can plug directly into the network Video Net2 Still Console generated - Exps/Expn maximum of 2 video screens, Obsn nodes in expanded mode 8 screens Net3 Show data generated by console, transported by network, video generated by device on network, unlimited screens

A Basic Network Moving Lights Consoles Dimmer Rack Node Node Node Remote Video Printer Consoles Switch Dimmer Rack Let’s review the basic network topology – nothings changed: Star Topology - cabling configuration - link every node with every other node on the network. each device has a cable that goes from it to a central location increased resistance to failure - greater reliability ease of troubleshooting Power over Ethernet – may change the standard components such as the switch. (review the Sales Bulleting on My ETC) Node Node DMX Devices Remote Focus Units

ETCNet2 Nodes ETCNet2 DMX Nodes ETCNet2 Video Nodes Primary Purpose of Nodes: Ethernet distribution of DMX and video Use - Multi-Universe DMX installations and portable systems Benefit - Lower cost than multiple “copper” runs, dramatically increased flexibility Recommended locations - Light booth, dimmer room, FOH, SL, SR, anywhere DMX distribution would normally be found Many different hardware configurations All configurable through NCE

New Net3 Gateways Basically a node or interface… Modular – DMX port connections Power over Ethernet or external DC power supply LCD screen for status and configuration ETCNet2, Net3/ACN native Modular output ports for flexible configuration and ease of service 5-Pin XLR (M and F) and terminal block input/output connectors Configure with from one to four ports DMX and RDM input/output Compact design – portable or rack mount, up to 2 Gateways in one rack unit LCD display for status and configuration information Powered by Power-over-Ethernet (PoE 802.3af) or by AC adapter

More Net3 Gateways Net3 One-port Gateways Net3 Two-port Gateways Net3 I/O Gateways

ETC Network Equipment Congo ETCNet2 Nodes Eos Unison CMEi CEM+ Net3 Gateways

Sample System Layout

Basic Network Theory + Flexible Network Components = Innovative and Reliable Networked Systems