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IQ-PIP-USP3/CN
Some of the features of TCP/IQ include:
• Real-time control and monitoring of IQ components.
• Use of standard "off-the-shelf" Ethernet technology.
• For CobraNet enabled components, a single connection for both control and CobraNet
audio.
• Ability to quickly discover all IQ components connected to the network.
• Synchronization of multiple control points on a network.
• Control and monitor of IQ components on different Local Area Networks (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 encour-
aged. 100Mb switches are required in CobraNet networks.
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 communications to
exist. Any data traffic that is to go to the other network is routed through the IP Router.
Each IQ Component has three identifiers that are used in the TCP/IQ system:
• Media Access Control (MAC) Address
• Internet Protocol (IP) Address
• IQ Address
Let's explain each identifier.
Media Access Control (MAC) Address: This is a physical address that specifies a
specific physical IQ component. This address is predefined during manufacture and cannot
be modified. No two network components have the same MAC address and each compo-
nent is uniquely identified by its MAC address. This 48 bit address is located on the outside
of every IQ component and is shown in hexadecimal format as 6 two-byte octets such as:
00-0A-40-00-DC-2F
Internet Protocol (IP) Address: The IP address of a component is assigned during the
setup of the network and identifies the IQ component to a larger audience. Because the
MAC address is limited to a single physical LAN, communications between LANs is impos-
sible solely through the use of the MAC address. The IP address allows components and
controllers on other networks to communicate with each other through the use of an IP
router as shown in Figure 5.3.
page 30
Reference Manual
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