21
CHAPTER 3: CONNECTING RMS NETWORKS
This chapter documents connecting RMS networks and
includes the following topics:
■ “Network Specifications” on page 21
■ “Twisted-Pair Cabling” on page 21
■ “Ethernet Hubs and Switches” on page 22
■ “Design Tips for RMS networks” on page 23
■ “Ethernet Configurations” on page 24
NETWORK SPECIFICATIONS
Maximum Loudspeaker Nodes
■ 50 for each RMServer
NOTE: Each MPS-488HP power supply occu-
pies the bandwidth of four normal loudspeak-
ers (four nodes). Bandwidth restrictions dictate that a
maximum of 12 MPS-488HPs can be connected to a
single network interface or RMServer
NOTE: The SB-3F loudspeaker occupies the
bandwidth of two normal loudspeakers. There-
fore, a maximum of 25 SB-3F loudspeakers can be
connected to single network interface or RMServer
Cable Type
■ Twisted-pair: 20 AWG (Belden 8205 or equivalent)
twisted pair, stranded, unshielded
■ Low-voltage; Multi-conductor multimedia control cable
(Belden 1502R or equivalent)
■ Ethernet: Category 5 (Cat 5) or higher specification
NOTE: The maximum length for Ethernet
cables is 328 ft (100 m). When connecting
RMServer to an Ethernet hub or switch, use a
straight-through (patch) cable. When connecting
directly to a computer Ethernet port, use a crossover
cable.
Connector Type
■ Twisted pair: Weidmuller 2-conductor locking connector
■ Ethernet: 10BASE-T, type RJ-45
■ Portable: XLR and EN3
Maximum Network Length (without Repeaters)
■ Free topology: 500 m (1,640 ft) with 20 AWG, 18 AWG or
16 AWG cable and one 52.3-ohm type terminator
■ Ethernet: 10BASE-T network limitations plus standard
twisted pair limitations
■ Twisted-pair cabling: Total length per network segment
should not exceed 1640 ft (500 m). For systems with net-
work repeaters, the distance to the first loudspeaker also
should not exceed 1640 ft (500 m).
NOTE: For optimum performance, the twisted-
pair cabling between RMServer and first loud-
speaker should not exceed 1,450 ft (450 m).
Termination
■ Free topology: One 52.3-ohm type terminator at any
point
Network Platform
■ Differential Manchester encoding; polarity insensitive,
free topology
Transceiver
■ EMI, complies with FCC Part 15, Class A; UL recognized;
VDE, EMI compliant
Data Rate
■ 200 ms transfer rate with 20 loudspeakers
CAUTION: Compass RMS software and hard-
ware components interact continuously, com-
municating information about the connected
loudspeakers to the host computer. If the network is
overloaded, critical data may reach the host com-
puter very slowly, or not at all. Meyer Sound recom-
mends that Ethernet-based RMS configurations be
deployed as a closed network, to reduce congestion
from outside network activity. All Galileo units in the
system should be on this network.
TWISTED-PAIR CABLING
The Weidmuller Network connectors on RMS modules are
connected via twisted-pair cables. The twisted-pair cabling
is connected directly to RMServer .
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
