360 Systems DigiCart/E - Manual (Page 19)

Installing an Ethernet Audio Network
• 17
It takes more time to examine the entire packet, but it allows the switch to catch certain packet errors and keep
them from propagating through the network. Today, the speed of store-and-forward switches has caught up
with cut-through switches so the difference between the two is minimal. Also, there are hybrid switches
available that mix both cut-through and store-and-forward architectures.
Both cut-through and store-and-forward switches separate a network into collision domains, allowing network
design rules to be extended. Each of the segments attached to an Ethernet switch has full bandwidth shared
by fewer users, which results in better performance (as opposed to hubs that only allow bandwidth sharing
from a single Ethernet).
Currently, 360 Systems has qualified the following switches for use in the Ethernet Audio Network:
Dell 2016 - provides 16 100/base/T connections.
Dell 3024 Managed Switch – provides 24 100/base/T connections and two Gigabit Ethernet
connections with option ports.
Managed Switches allow greater diagnostic flexibility for large systems. They typically offer control via a
serial connection to a stand-alone terminal or access to a web page via TCP/IP over the network itself.
Ethernet Cables
Ethernet Audio requires Category 5 (CAT-5) Ethernet cable. Cables can often be purchased pre-assembled,
but bulk cable, RJ-45 connectors and crimp tools can be used to customize cable lengths. Individual CAT-5
cable segments are limited to 100 meters (328 feet). This cable is found in two configurations, called
‘straight-through,’ or, ‘cross-over’. See the pinouts in Appendix B, Ethernet Cables.
360 Systems recommends using high quality pre-assembled cables for patch cables. Patch cables need to be
made of stranded wire for flexibility, but it is difficult to crimp stranded wire in order to make on-site cables.
Solid core cable, patch panels and cable-end sockets are recommended for in-building permanent wiring.
Straight-through cables are used almost exclusively in Ethernet Audio wiring. Cross-over cables have only
two applications, 1) when extending the network by connecting a switch or hub to another switch or hub; and
2) when connecting a server directly to a single DigiCart/E without an intervening a switch or hub.
Connection to Network Servers
Simply connect a straight-through type CAT-5 cable between the server’s Ethernet port and the switch.
Connection to Hubs and Switches
Hubs/repeaters are used to connect together two or more Ethernet segments of any media type. As segments
exceed their maximum specification length, signal quality begins to deteriorate. Hubs provide the signal
amplification required to allow segment links to be extended a greater distance.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when cascading hubs or switches. A cross-over type cable might be
required, or a particular “uplink” port used.
Connection to DigiCart/E Recorders
DigiCart/E recorders have a built-in Ethernet port. Simply connect a straight-through type CAT-5 cable into
the port from the switch or local hub.