Audio Networking Notes / Basics
To stay current with Audio Equipment / Sound System technology – You need to understand how Networking is presently being utilized in the audio technical world. When we talk about Networking, it includes cable types, wireless connectivity, and protocols. This subject can get intense quickly, so the more you understand Wireless, Bluetooth, and essential Networking, the better off you’ll be. We will provide you with a few basics and useful equipment options here but encourage further study, training, and research. This technology is growing rapidly and consistently changing – don’t fall behind.
Cables / Connectors – Let’s start with some basic info regarding
Ethernet cables and connectors:
Ethernet Cable is widely used in “Ethernet-based” audio networks. (Referred to as Audio over Ethernet – AoE for short). Ethernet allows high-fidelity audio signals over longer distances while exhibiting low latency (delay). Cat6 or Cat6a shielded cables are recommended (for now). Ethernet cables consist of 4 individual twisted pairs. A specific “color code” is used for Ethernet connectors (see below), and the connectors are relatively easy to terminate. There is also a special tool that is used to assist with the connector termination process as well.
Typical Ethernet Cable
RJ45 Connectors – Pin Out (color code)
You must understand the color code, pin-out, and the two “accepted” standards – which are T568A and T568B. One slight difference in these standards is that the Green and Orange pairs are switched (with the Blue and Brown pairs staying the same). Which standard should you use? It depends on the Network you are using (your IT department provides that information). You can use either of the standards if you have your own personal Network. But, if you are working for a Theater, Theme Park, or any other business – you will need to find out which standard is preferred. You cannot mix and match the T568A and the T568B standards on the same Network.
Networking – Other Important Notes
There are a few essential aspects of Network Connections that audio technicians will need to be familiar with. They are IP addresses and MAC addresses. Let’s take a look at a brief description of each.
MAC Address – This is a unique hardware ID number assigned to a Network Interface Card (NIC) and every device on a network. A MAC address (Media Access Control) helps identify all the devices on the same Network. Example of a MAC Address (Physical Address): 4A:45:92:68:D8:C3
IP Address – Stands for “Internet Protocol” is a unique string of numbers that identifies each computer (Laptops, iPads, PCs) and computer-based audio equipment (Digital Mixers, Amplifiers, Wireless Equipment) over a network (large or small networks). Examples of IP Addresses: 192.158.0.2 and 192.168.100.1
Most Networked Audio Equipment you will encounter as an audio technician will already have an assigned MAC Address. Technicians need to be able to “locate” MAC addresses (IT departments may ask for it so they can set up a Network connection for your equipment). With IP Addresses, technicians need to be able to “locate and program” IP Addresses on any Network based audio equipment (and attached iPads, PCs, and Laptops) when applicable. This is a relatively straightforward process requiring a little training and hands-on experience.
