Pathway System Design/Layout Guide - Manual (Page 3)

ETHERNET
SWITCHES
SYSTEM SYSTEM SYSTEM SYSTEM
DESIGN GUIDE DESIGN GUIDE DESIGN GUIDE DESIGN GUIDE
3
ETHERNET
WIRING
The success of a Pathport system relies on the proper installation of the network
wiring. Ethernet uses a star-wiring topology. Each device, in this case each
Pathport node, is wired directly back to a central switch. By wiring switches
together the network can be extended. Pathports operate at 10 and 100
megabits, so Cat5e wiring is sufficient. However, given the minor cost difference,
installing Cat6 wiring (meant for gigabit networks) will provide future-proofing.
More important at the planning stage is calculation of cable lengths. Ethernet
copper cable segments cannot be longer than 100m or 330 feet and standard
practice is to limit them to 90m. Fiber optic backbones are used where longer
runs are necessary, especially in outdoor applications. Media converters are
required between the fiber and copper portions of the network and external power
supplies may be necessary for the Pathport nodes.
Pathway strongly recommends the use of a certified network installer for all
wiring runs. A certified installer will test all wiring and connectors and should
provide a report stating the network meets the TIA/EIA-568 standard. Pathway
Connectivity may refuse or curtail technical support for equipment installed on
uncertified systems.
Although the hardware sections are dated, for further information on preferred
topologies, and labeling practices, we suggest ESTA’s Recommended Practice for Recommended Practice for Recommended Practice for Recommended Practice for
Ethernet Cabling Systems in Entertainment Lighting Applications Ethernet Cabling Systems in Entertainment Lighting Applications Ethernet Cabling Systems in Entertainment Lighting Applications Ethernet Cabling Systems in Entertainment Lighting Applications and its
Supplement
Supplement Supplement Supplement, both available at www.esta.org.
The selection and configuration of the Ethernet switch is also critical to the per-
formance of a Pathport system. In general, unmanaged or plug-and-play switches
are preferable to managed or enterprise switches, as long as they do not incorpo-
rate broadcast storm control or other forms of traffic management.
DMX-over-Ethernet protocols are multi-cast or broadcast protocols where one
source (typically a lighting console) sends a constant stream of information to all
the output nodes. Each output node determines which bits of information to use.
However, the management features of most enterprise switches are designed for
the uni-cast, one-to-one traffic of an office network. Broadcast traffic is treated as
an error and blocked - with disastrous effects during a show. Multi-cast filtering to
direct traffic can also wreak havoc. The usual solution is to turn these features off.
If possible the lighting network should be kept separate from other traffic, such
as sound networks (CobraNet, etc) or Internet traffic. If the network must be
shared, VLANing may be necessary and Pathway strongly recommends hiring net-
work specialist to specify and configure the switches for such installations.
Another key specification for the switch is Power-over-Ethernet. Most switches
are now available with built-in PoE. All Pathport nodes, except the DMX Manager
Plus and the Octo, run on PoE, vastly simplifying wiring requirements. Without
#103 - 1439 17 Avenue SE Calgary AB T2G 1J9 (403) 243-8110 Fax (403) 287-1281 www.pathwayconnect.com