3Com NCG-PLM - Manual (Page 3)

PLM Series Network Configuration Guide 3
2.1 Overview
Thank you for choosing the Lab.gruppen PLM Series
of Powered Loudspeaker Management systems for
your sound reinforcement needs. We are confident
that you will be pleased with the performance, unique
features, configuration flexibility, reliability, and long-
term durability offered by PLM Series products.
This document covers only information related to
network configuration. For information on PLM
Series installation and operation, and use of the
Dolby ® Lake ® Controller (DLC) PLM Edition software,
please consult the other documentation included with
your PLM Series product: The Dolby Lake Controller
User Manual, the Dolby Lake Controller User Manual
PLM Edition Addendum, the PLM Series Operation
Manual, and the PLM Series Quick Start and Field
Reference Guide.
This document and the PLM Quick Start and Field
Reference Guide supply most of the information
you will require to install your PLM Series products
and configure a network. We do, however, highly
recommend reading through all the of the product
documentation on the included CD ROM in their
entirety. As you become thoroughly familiar with
all aspects of the PLM Series, you may learn about
features and options that will affect your choices of
operational modes or loudspeaker system configura-
tions.
The Lab.gruppen PLM Series utilizes proven Dolby
Lake Processor technology and expands upon it,
providing a suite of load verification and performance
monitoring features. The power amplification sec-
tion builds on the foundation of the road-tested
FP+ and legendary fP Series, providing the same
sonic signature – powerful, tight bass and transpar-
ent high frequency response. In addition, the PLM
Series establishes new benchmarks for high power
and channel density in tandem with digital signal
processing, system management and protection
features found in no other product.
Thank you again for placing your confidence in
Lab.gruppen.
2.2. Ethernet Fundamentals
The PLM Series implements a full Ethernet stack,
providing all the standard features and benefits of an
Ethernet device. As with all Ethernet-based devices,
some specific cable requirements apply, and there
are inherent limitations to the number of network
nodes and cable lengths supported. An overview
of basic Ethernet system requirements is presented
in section 5.3 of this guide.
It is assumed that the user has a basic understand-
ing of Ethernet-based networking technology. (A
level of knowledge equivalent to that needed for
configuring a home or small office network should be
sufficient for most PLM Series applications.) Also, it
is assumed the user is familiar with basic networking
terminology (e.g. bandwidth, port, node). A number
of more advanced terms specific to PLM Series
applications are included in section 7 (References
and Definitions).
2.3 PC Configuration
In most network configurations that include switch-
ers or routers of the types recommended, it should
not be necessary to manually configure network
settings in the host computer used for the Dolby
Lake Controller PLM Edition software application.
The network should automatically detect the host
computer and all connected PLM Series units, and
then set the IP address, network speed and com-
munication protocols without user intervention.
In applications where switches or routers of the
recommended type are not used, and instead the
PLM Series units are connected directly to the net-
work port of the host computer, it may be necessary
to manually configure your network connection by
entering an IP address. Instructions for this are given
in the Dolby Lake Controller Manual, section 2.3.
In Windows Vista, navigation to the IP
dialog box differs from that given for Win-
dows XP in the Dolby Lake Controller
Manual. For Vista, the following navigation
is suggested:
INTRODUCTION 2