User Manual

NETWORKING
98
systems. With MOTU AVB networking, these
systems can be unified on the same network,
opening up many possibilities for shared resources
and mixing/routing responsibilities, especially
from multiple sources (laptops, iPads, tablets, etc.)
MOTU AVB networking handles audio in
convenient 8-channel stems, making large-scale
network management more manageable. MOTU
AVB’s very low latency makes it particularly
suitable for line arrays and sound reinforcement.
Large-scale venues
With long cable runs and industry standard
networking infrastructure, MOTU AVB systems
are well-suited for large-scale commercial
installations such as arenas, stadiums, theme
parks, clubs, casinos, houses of worship, broadcast
facilities, schools, universities, and so on. Audio
streams can travel long distances with sub-
millisecond latency through as many as seven
switches. Audio can be distributed from a
centralized location to anywhere in the venue.
A QUICK GUIDE TO NETWORKING
MOTU AVB networking has been designed to be
powerful, yet straightforward to set up and use.
Here are a few things that are useful to know.
Networking basics
■ Before proceeding below, review the
networking connection diagrams on pages 34-36.
■ To make network connections, use shielded
CAT-5e or CAT-6 cables (a higher grade cable).
■ Network cable lengths can be long: 100 meters
with standard copper wire cables; much longer
with fiber-optic network cables.
Working with AVB switches
■ Networks of three or more interfaces require an
AVB-compatible switch. You can use any standard
AVB switch on the market. MOTU offers the five-
port MOTU AVB Switch™ (sold separately).
☛ A non-AVB compatible switch will not work.
■ Connect MOTU interfaces to any AVB Switch
using their NETWORK ports.
■ On the MOTU AVB Switch, connect MOTU
interfaces to the five AVB NETWORK ports (not
the Ethernet port). Connect the Ethernet port to a
Wi-Fi router, your Local Area Network (LAN) or
your computer (for running web app only).
■ Expand the network by adding more switches.
Make a single connection from one switch to the
other. On MOTU AVB Switches, use their AVB
NETWORK ports, NOT the Ethernet port.
■ You can daisy-chain switches in serial fashion,
but don’t create loops. For example, in the network
below, do not make any additional connections
between any two switches.
■ AVB audio can’t pass through more than seven
switches. However, you can daisy-chain more than
seven switches and route audio freely among
Wi-Fi router, Ethernet
hub/network, or
computer
MOTU AVB interfaces or
other AVB switches
(Sold separately)
A
B
C
D
E
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