Doug Fleenor Design NODE4 - Manual (Page 14)

The other major consideration is what network protocol to use. There are three network
protocols supported by the NODE4. They are ANSI E1.31(Streaming ACN), Draft
Streaming ACN, and Artistic License's Artnet Version 3 or prior. Doug Fleenor Design
highly recommends the use of ANSI E1.31 Streaming ACN in networks for its scalability
and higher performance characteristics. Streaming ACN has no restrictions on IP whereas
an Artnet IP must be in the range 2.X.X.X or 10.X.X.X with a subnet of 255.0.0.0.
Other things to consider when designing and configuring a network.
1) Try not to mix network protocols (Do not use Artnet and Streaming ACN in the same
network if it can be avoided.)
2) When selecting of an Ethernet switch, a managed switch must be used. Most Ethernet
switches now have broadcast storm control which must be disabled to allow entertainment
lighting protocols to pass through.
3) Use the same subnet mask on all network devices, but be sure it is big enough to fit the
number of devices on the network.
4) Doug Fleenor Design strongly recommends that lighting control networks should not be
connected to the Internet. It is recommend that the lighting network is a completely
separate network with no Internet access.
5) Be aware of the rules for Artnet IP addresses. Artnet requires the IP to be in the range
of either 2.X.X.X or 10.X.X.X and the subnet must be 255.0.0.0. These must be followed
for the NODE4 to inter-operate completely with other Artnet Gear.
6) If there will be more than 100 network universes in a connected network, a managed
Layer 3 network should be considered.
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