Instruction manual

Networked PIP Series
page 52
Reference Manual
6.3.6 Switched Networks
A more complex CobraNet network can be built using Ethernet switches. Switches do not
simply broadcast each and every packet to all nodes. Instead, they check each incoming
data packet to determine its destination and (very quickly) transmit the data to only that des-
tination port. This allows for more network data flow, more Bundles and more audio chan-
nels.
In effect, each network port in an audio component has 100MB of bandwidth. The network
can be as large as 100MB times the number of ports on the network.
Another advantage of switched networks is “full-duplex” connections between compo-
nents. A full-duplex link allows simultaneous send and receive over the same Ethernet con-
nection.
In theory, each connection can simultaneously send and receive up to 64 channels per
node, for a total of 128 channels. However, current CobraNet components can handle only
64 channels (32 in and 32 out).
Switches and full-duplex connections allow up to 128 channels per component, and greater
than 3000 individual Unicast channels.
Switched networks also allow controllers (such as computers) to be on the same network as
CobraNet devices.
136763-7_4-08_networked_pip-series_reference_manual.fm Page 52 Monday, March 17, 2008 11:17 AM