3Com NCG-PLM - Manual (Page 5)

PLM Series Network Configuration Guide 5
PLM SeRIeS aND DaNTe NeTwORkINg FeaTUReS 3
3.1 Networking Overview
Designed for use on an Ethernet network, the PLM
Series Powered Loudspeaker Management system
allows configuration, control, and monitoring of mul-
tiple PLM Series devices from a PC running DLC PLM
Edition software. The user can control the networked
devices over either a wired or a wireless connection.
Additionally, the PLM Series’ incorporation of the
Dante digital audio protocol permits distribution of
multichannel digital audio (up to 24-bit, 96 kHz) as
well as control data via the same network.
Network configurations containing a mixture
of PLM Series devices, Dolby Lake Proces-
sors, Lake Contour™ and Mesa Quad EQ™
processors are supported, and can be
controlled simultaneously within the DLC PLM Edi-
tion software environment. Also, it should be noted
that a PLM Series device or Dolby Lake Processor
can be utilized as a “break in” point for the introduc-
tion of an analog or AES digital audio signal to the
system; this signal then can be passed on via Dante
throughout the rest of the network.
3.2 Dante audio Network
The Dolby Lake processor integrated in the PLM
Series incorporates a Dante audio networking inter-
face, allowing the connections to the PLM Series to
be reduced to a single Cat-5e cable which carries all
audio and control information.
Dante, developed by Audinate ® , permits the transmis-
sion of professional-quality multichannel audio over
an Ethernet network. Dante overcomes the problems
associated with earlier Ethernet-based digital audio
systems, including clock synchronization issues,
lack of true plug-and-play functionality, and channel
count limitations. Additionally, Dante can coexist with
TCP/IP network traffic and other standard control
protocols.
All conductors must be terminated to the
RJ45 connector at both ends of any cable
used for Dante network connectivity.
3.3 Rear Panel Connections
The PLM Series has two Ethernet ports for use in
creating free-topology Ethernet-based networking
systems. The ports, located on the back panel (see
figure 1), use Neutrik ® EtherCon ® RJ45 connectors.
Two LEDs above each port indicate connection to a
valid network (LINK) and the presence of network
activity (ACT).
Both Ethernet ports are 10/100BASE-T with auto-
sensing and auto-uplink. The 10/100 auto-sensing
function automatically configures the Ethernet port
to operate at either 10 MHz (10BASE-T) or 100 MHz
(100BASE-T). The auto-uplink feature automatically
senses the cable type, allowing for either a pass-
through (straight) or crossover Ethernet cable to be
used.
Although standard Cat-5 Ethernet cables
can be used to interconnect PLM Series
devices, switches, wireless access points
and routers on the network, Cat-5e Ethernet
cabling is strongly recommended due to its increased
bandwidth capacity.
Ser. N:o
CH 2
CH 
CH 4
CH 3
CLASS 2 WIRING
SPEAKER OUTPUTS INPUT  INPUT 2 LINK  LINK 2
AES/EBU
INPUT 1-2 LINK 1-2
SWITCHED 10/100 Base-TX
Must be grounded/earthed Made in Sweden
ANALOG WITH ISO-FLOAT
200/240V 2500W 50-60Hz
PLM 0000Q 1
Ser. N:o Removed!
CH 2
CH 
CH 4
CH 3
CLASS 2 WIRING
SPEAKER OUTPUTS INPUT  INPUT 2 LINK  LINK 2
AES/EBU
INPUT 1-2 LINK 1-2 LINK SEC PRIM ACT LINK ACT
SWITCHED 10/100 Base-TX
Must be grounded/earthed
Made in Sweden
PIN 1: SCRN 2: POS 3: NEG ANALOG WITH I SO- F LOAT TM
200/240V 2500W
50-60Hz
PLM 0000Q 1
Figure 3.3: Dual Ethernet ports are located on the PLM rear
panel