About the Integrated Ethernet Switch
The 2-port wired interface uses a switch to forward packets addressed to downstream IP devices connected to it. This al-
lows controllers to be daisy-chained together to extend the IP network’s physical range and to reduce the amount of net-
work cable required as each controller no longer has to make a home run to the network switch.
Figure5: Wired Network Connection - Daisy-Chained
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
Switches and routers that support Spanning Tree Protocol (are IEEE 802.1D certified) are able to detect and eliminate a
loop from being formed on the network by disabling any port on the router that is causing a loop. Such switches can be
used to enhance network availability by allowing you to create a ring network of controllers that is resistant to a single point
network failure (a cut wire for example).
In this scenario, non-PoE controllers are connected in a loop (or ring) such that the last controller is connected back to the
switch / router. Under normal operation, the switch / router disables one of the ports to prevent a packet storm. This is
shown below.
The Router / Switch’s Spanning Tree
Protocol has Blocked this Port
To Other IP Devices
Wired Router / Switch
X
Figure6: Wired Network Connection: Spanning Tree Protocol – Normal Operation
Connecting IP Devices to an IP Network
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