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Network and Connection Guide

  • Updated

This guide provides detailed instructions on connecting to Linea Research Amplifiers with System Engineer 8 using TCP/IP. It covers setting up a Static IP, Auto IP, and adding a DHCP server.

Recommended Networking with Linea Research Devices

Linea Research recommends using separate Network Interface Cards (NICs) and data networks for control, audio, and third-party equipment control data. This separation optimises network performance, reduces latency, and enhances reliability. It also supports scalability, simplifies troubleshooting, and improves overall system performance. If separate physical networks cannot be implemented, VLAN networks can be used to segregate data effectively.

Requirements

Before starting, ensure you have the following:

  • Linea Research Amplifier or Controler

  • Ethernet cable

  • Computer with network interface

  • Network switch or router if connecting more than one device

Static IP Configuration

Note

For information on setting Static IP using System Engineer 8, Please see Setting Device IP and Subnet Mask in the System Engineer 8 User Manual.

  1. Connect the Computer to the Amplifier or Controller

    1. Connect your computer to the amplifier or controller using an Ethernet cable. If you are connecting more than one device, ensure that all devices and the computer are connected to an ethernet switch.

    2. Ensure that your computer’s network interface is enabled.

    3. Ensure the amplifiers and controllers you wish to connect to are configured in Static IP mode. See step 3 in this guide for more detail

  2. Configure Network Settings on Your Computer

    1. Open the network settings on your computer.

    2. Select the network interface to which your amplifiers and controllers are connected.

    3. Navigate to the TCP/IPv4 properties.

    4. Set the IP address to a static address within the same subnet as the amplifier. For example:

      1. IP Address: 192.168.1.100

      2. Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

      3. Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1 (if applicable)

      Note

      On M-Series Amplifiers and ASC48 Controllers, the current IP Address flashes on the front panel's home screen when Static IP mode is active. The current subnet mask is viewable from the Utility menu.

  3. Set Static IP on the Amplifier or Controller Using the Front Panel Control

    1. Setting Static Mode using the Front Panel Control

      1. From the device's Utility Menu, use the up or down navigation buttons to find the IP Mode menu.

      2. Using the Select encoder, select Mode.

      3. Using the Adjust encoder, Select Static Mode

    2. Setting the Static IP address using the Front Panel Control

      1. From the device's utility menu, use the up or down navigation buttons to find the IP Static menu.

      2. Using the Select and Adjust encoders, Enter a static IP address within the same subnet as your computer. For example:

        IP Address: 192.168.1.100

    3. Setting the Subnet Mask using the Front Panel Control

      1. From the device's Utility Menu, use the up or down navigation buttons to find the IP Mode menu.

      2. Using the Select encoder, select Subnet.

      3. Using the Select encoder, select the CIDR Notation for the Subnet you wish to use. You should ensure that all devices on the network are within the same subnet range that we previously set on the computer. Example /24

  4. Connect to Amplifiers and Controllers

    Now that your amplifiers and controllers are in the same IP and Subnet ranges, you can launch System Engineer 8, and your devices will be discovered.

Note

Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR) notation is a method for describing IP addresses and their associated network prefixes. It simplifies the representation of subnet masks and allows for more efficient IP address allocation. CIDR notation combines an IP address with a suffix that indicates the number of bits used for the network part of the address.

Example: 192.168.1.0/24

The prefix length (the number after the slash) specifies the number of bits used for the network portion of the address. The remaining bits are used for the host portion.

  • /8: 8 bits for the network, 24 bits for hosts (e.g., 255.0.0.0)

  • /16: 16 bits for the network, 16 bits for hosts (e.g., 255.255.0.0)

  • /24: 24 bits for the network, 8 bits for hosts (e.g., 255.255.255.0)

Auto IP Configuration

Note

When amplifiers and controllers on a network are initially connected in Auto IP mode without a DHCP server, the orange Online LED on the front panel will flash. This indicates that the device is waiting for an IP address to be assigned. This will continue for up to 120 seconds, after which the device will assign itself an IP address. Amplifiers and controllers will not be discovered by System Engineer 8 while the orange LED is flashing on the front panel.

  1. Connect the Computer to the Amplifier or Controller

    1. Connect your computer to the amplifier or controller using an Ethernet cable. If you are connecting more than one device, ensure that all devices and the computer are connected to an ethernet switch.

    2. Ensure that your computer’s network interface is enabled.

    3. Ensure the amplifiers and controllers you wish to connect to are configured in Auto IP mode. See step 3 in this guide for more detail.

  2. Configure the Computer to Use Auto IP

    1. Open the network settings on your computer.

    2. Select the network interface to which your amplifiers and controllers are connected.

    3. Navigate to the TCP/IPv4 properties.

    4. Select Obtain an IP address automatically.

  3. Set Auto IP on the Amplifier or Controller Using the Front Panel Control

    1. From the device's Utility Menu, use the up or down navigation buttons to find the IP Mode menu.

    2. Using the Select encoder, select Mode.

    3. Using the Adjust encoder, Select Auto Mode

  4. Connect to Amplifiers and Controllers

    Now that your amplifiers and controllers are set to Auto IP, you can launch System Engineer 8, and your devices will be discovered.

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