User guide

16 HYDRA2 Operator Manual
Introduction - Hydra2 Networking
MASTER ROUTERS
In any Hydra2 network there needs to
be a Master Router.
In a single router / processing rack
system, there is only one active router
card. All router cards fitted within such
a rack will be factory pre-configured as
Master Routers so that whichever card is
active will be the master.
In a multi-rack system, one of the racks
needs to be dedicated as the Master
Router and the router cards in this rack
should be configured as such. All other
routers on the same network need to be
configured as Slaves.
Having more than one Master Router rack
in a single networked system will result
in instability. Not having an active Master
Router on a network will also cause
instability.
The rack configured to be the Master
Router needs to remain powered and
active to maintain reliability of the network.
No individual system within the Hydra2
network should be used if the Master
Router is not active.
Similarly, it is important to understand
the network topology to know which I/O
boxes are available to which consoles if
individual racks (other than the Master)
are powered down.
When two or more networks are joined or
a network is split, for example if two OB /
mobile units are occasionally connected
together, it is essential that the Master
Routers are managed. If connecting two
networks, one of the masters will need
to be re-configured as a slave. When
separating two networks, one of the
slaves needs to be changed back to a
master.
Configuring Master & Slave Routers
Only the active main router card in the
chosen rack needs to be configured as
the Master, however, it is good practise to
set the secondary main router and also
the primary and secondary expansion
routers (if used) as masters as well.
This allows for cards to be moved
around within the same rack to aid
troubleshooting (if hardware problems
are experienced) as well as ensuring the
backup is correct in the event of a hot-
swap.
Configuring the Master/Slave status
requires logging into the router card’s
Linux environment and editing a
configuration file. This should only be
carried out by competent technicians.
Please contact the Calrec Customer
Support team for guidance on Master
Router configuration if required.