About Ethernet Switching Hubs - Roland S-4000S Owner's Manual

5—S-4000 System Overview

About Ethernet Switching Hubs

An Ethernet switching hub—sometimes referred to simply as a "switch"—is an interface that allows
multiple devices (called "nodes" in Ethernet lingo) to communicate with each other in an Ethernet
network. The switching hub has multiple ports with RJ45 receptacles, and each network device
is connected to one of these ports. When one of the network devices transmits information, the
switching hub's internal electronics makes sure this information is passed on to the intended receiving
device.
Since REAC is based on Ethernet technology, switching hubs can be used to extend the functionality
of the REAC system. Use a switching hub when:
• you need to extend the REAC cable length—The maximum length for a single REAC cable is 100
meters. However, if you need to extend the cable length, you can use two straight-through
cables with a switching hub in-line to "refresh" the REAC signal and extend it another 100
meters. (Up to four switching hubs can be used for a maximum cable length extension of 500
meters.) See Chapter 6 for more information.
• you want to split input audio—from a "Master" REAC device to one or more "Split" REAC devices.
See Chapter 7 for information on splitting audio to multiple destinations.
REAC device modes—including "Master" and "Split"—are discussed starting on Page 49.
To be used in a REAC system, an Ethernet switching hub must meet the following requirements:
• 1000BASE-T transmission speed (IEEE802.3ab, Gigabit Ethernet)
• Support for 100BASE-TX devices (IEEE802.3u, Fast Ethernet)
• Bidirectional (full-duplex) communication
Connect REAC devices only to switching hub ports that support 100BASE-TX.
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