Model 5422A vs Model 5422 – What’s the Difference?

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Ethernet Ports and Network Configurations

The Model 5422A has three Gigabit (“GigE”)

Ethernet ports versus the two provided by

the Model 5422. This allows installations to

utilize independent network connections for

Redundant Dante audio paths and manage

ment webpage access. The two Ethernet con

nections required for supporting Redundant

Dante can now be fully independent from

the Ethernet connection used to access the Model 5422A’s monitoring and configuration webpages. This

increased capability won’t impact users that may share one or two networks for the Dante audio transport

and device management functions. However, larger or more sophisticated installations may benefit from

being able to maintain separate Dante audio and management networks.

In addition to the Model 5422A’s three GigE ports, an expanded set of network configuration choices are

available in the Dante Controller application. Using this capability the operation of the Model 5422A’s three

Ethernet ports can be selected from among four unique configurations. The choices are Switched, Redun

dant, Switched+Mgmt, and Redundant+Mgmt. In this way, full flexibility can be achieved when connecting

the Model 5422A into virtually any network configuration.

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Firmware Updating

The Model 5422A allows updating of its main and programmable logic (FPGA) firmware using a standard

USB flash drive. This method is not better than what’s utilized in the Model 5422, but is more compatible

with contemporary installations where LAN (local area network) connections are typically “locked out” from

FTP (file transfer protocol) capability as part of security practices. And, looking ahead, it’s not expected

that this will change.

In theory, there’s nothing wrong with the Model 5422 using FTP to allow direct updating of the unit’s main

and FPGA firmware files. However, this does require an “open” internet connection. Upon invoking a firm

ware update request on one of the Model 5422’s management webpages, a connection is automatically

established between the Model 5422 and the Studio Technologies’ FTP server. Then the requested firmware

file will be downloaded into the Model 5422’s memory. While this technically works very well, changes to

network security norms have made the use of FTP problematic. In many cases, network security imple

mentations prevent an FTP session from being established. While there are ways of working around this

issue, such as “opening” a port to FTP traffic or installing and running a local FTP server, it’s proven to be

a common problem for technical personnel. (Maybe a “common headache” is a better way of stating the

situation!) The Model 5422A’s method of firmware updating, using a USB flash drive instead of FTP, better

meets the requirements of modern installations. A USB type A connector, located on the Model 5422A’s

back panel, allows firmware updating using a standard USB flash drive. The latest Model 5422A’s main

Model 5422A vs Model 5422 – What’s the Difference?

www.studio-tech.com 50711-1220, Issue 1

December 2020 — The Model 5422A builds on the strengths of the popular Model 5422 and offers some

significant changes and improvements. The Model 5422A will meet or exceed the performance of the Model

5422, suitable for all applications originally slated for Model 5422 use.

Model 5422A Dante Intercom Audio Engine

Front and Rear Panel Views

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Model 5422A vs Model 5422 – What’s the Difference? December 2020 — The Model 5422A builds on the strengths of the popular Model 5422 and offers some significant changes and improvements. The Model 5422A will meet or exceed the performance of the Model 5422, suitable for all applications originally slated for Model 5422 use. • Ethernet Ports and Network Configurations The Model 5422A has three Gigabit (“GigE”) Ethernet ports versus the two provided by the Model 5422.
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and FPGA firmware files are available for download on the Studio Technologies’ website. Those files can then be transferred to a USB flash drive. Once that flash drive is plugged into the USB connector on the Model 5422A’s back panel, it just takes seconds for the files to be updated. And, as with both the Models 5422A and 5422, all firmware files are stored in non-volatile memory.