360 Systems DigiCart/E - Manual (Page 15)

Installing an Ethernet Audio Network
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Chapter 1
Installing an Ethernet Audio Network
In network terminology, a server is computer that provides services; such as file system structures and
communication protocols. Other devices on the network can query a server device for such things as file
transfers. A client is a network device that can request services, but does not provide services. DigiCart/E is
a client device, and therefore depends upon servers in order to utilize the network. Audio, playlist and hot
key assignment files on network drives can be shared by any number of DigiCarts. DigiCart/E can “push” a
file to a network drive, or “pull” a file from a network drive. DigiCart can record or play a file directly from a
network drive. The network drives (which are directories on the server) can be shared with other devices on
the network, allowing files to effectively be pulled or pushed to DigiCarts by the server or optional PC
workstations. DigiCarts can mount up to four net drives, allowing there to be individual net drives for each
unit as well as net drives that are shared by all or groups of DigiCarts.
The DigiCart’s internal drive is not shared with the server, so a server cannot search a DigiCart local drive for
a file, or push a file to a DigiCart. This prevents anyone but the local operator from changing the contents of
an internal drive.
What You Will Need
Selecting Network Hardware
The Ethernet Audio network is designed to provide a great degree of flexibility for network designers.
Effective systems can be assembled to suit any application using readily available computer and network
equipment.
Among the first steps required to install an Ethernet Audio network is to review your needs for network audio
access and plan your physical facility layout. Discuss where DigiCart/E recorders are needed, and how many
are needed in each location. Each DigiCart/E requires its own Ethernet cable connection. Identify a location
for the server, preferably within the range of maximum Ethernet cable lengths. Should it be locked in a
secure room? What level of fault tolerance is required in the system?
Fault Tolerance
The basic theme of fault tolerant design is to reduce the number of single point failure modes in a system.
This is often accomplished by adding redundant components or sub-systems to the system design. The goal
of fault tolerant design is to maintain a system’s ability to perform critical functions during the event of a fault
in the system.
Faults may occur in either the hardware or software portions of a system. It is the task of system designers,
working with management, to assess fault modes and their potential threats to the business. Once fault modes
are characterized, protection solutions can be engineered and applied. Many fault tolerant solutions already
exist for computer networks and equipment.