1. Fundamentals of
ETC Networking:
Net3

2. 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…

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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 E 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 (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!

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

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

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

14. Sample System Layout

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