Appendix A: Tcp/Iq Network Basics - Crown I-T4000 Operation Manual

I-Tech Series Power Amplifiers
9 Appendix A: TCP-IQ Network Basics
9.1 TCP/IQ Network Basics
TCP/IQ™ is a network based protocol that has the ability to control and
monitor IQ components over a common TCP/IP network. Figure 9.1
shows a typical TCP/IQ network.
TCP/IQ offers a number of advantages over other non-network commu-
nications platforms.
• The use of "off-the-shelf" networking hardware. This tech-
nology makes use of network connectivity and hardware commonly
used in the computer industry, making it both low-cost and readily
available.
• Better Performance. The capacity for real-time display of meters is
greatly enhanced through the use of the wide-bandwidth network.
Some of the features of TCP/IQ include:
• Ability to quickly discover all IQ components connected to the net-
work.
• Synchronization of multiple control points on a network.
• Control and monitor of IQ components on different Local Area Net-
works (LANs) through the use of an IP router.
• Component firmware upgrades via the network.
Ethernet Networks are established through the use of either a hub or a
switch. These devices are centralized in the network and transfer the
Ethernet data from point to point. Ethernet data is transferred in data
packets that have addresses coded into their structure. Hubs and
switches decipher these addresses and route the data packets to the
appropriate component. Hubs do this by taking packets from any port
and sending them out all other ports. Switches, on the other hand, are
more intelligent and examine each packet's address, sending that packet
only to the addressed component. This results in a much more efficient
data flow. TCP/IQ depends on the use of 100Mb switches and their use
is highly encouraged.
Communications between networks is allowed, but requires the use of a
special piece of equipment called an IP Router. The router acts as a
Gateway to allow this communication to exist. Any data traffic that is to
go to the other network is routed through the IP Router.
Operation Manual
Computer
Laptop
100Mb Switch
Figure 9.1 A TCP/IQ Network
PS8810
I-T4000
I-T4000
I-T6000
I-T6000
I-T8000
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