Shure MXA310 - Networking Terminology; Networking Best Practices

Shure Incorporated
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Note: Switch management may vary by manufacturer and switch type. Consult the manufacturer's product guide
for specific configuration details.
For more information on Dante requirements and networking, visit www.audinate.com.
Networking Terminology
PTP (Precision Time Protocol): Used to synchronize clocks on the network
DSCP (Differentiated Services Code Point): Standardized identification method for data used in layer 3 QoS pri
oritization
Dante Transmit Flows
For each device, there is a limit of 2 transmit flows and 2 receive flows. A single flow consists or either a single
unicast or multicast transmission, and supports up to 4 audio channels.
• A unicast flow is a point-to-point connection between 2 devices, supporting up to 4 channels per flow. To send
8 channels of audio between two devices, 2 unicast flows are required.
• A multicast flow is a one-to-many transmission, which supports sending up to 4 channels to multiple receiving
devices across the network. To send 8 channels from one device to all others on the network, 2 multicast flows
are required.
Networking
Networking Best Practices
Use the following best practices when setting up a network to ensure reliable communication:
• Always use a "star" network topology by connecting each component directly to the switch or router.
• Connect all Shure networked devices to the same network and set to the same subnet. This applies to all de
vices that audio signals must be routed between (managed through Dante Controller). It is also required in or
der to open the web application for a device.
• Devices on separate networks require an audio processor or conferencing software to carry audio between
them. See the system planning and gear requirements section for network setup information and configuration
examples.
• Use only 1 DHCP server per network. Disable DHCP addressing on additional servers.
• Power on the switch and DHCP server prior to MXA equipment.
• To expand the network, use multiple Ethernet switches in a star topology.
• All devices must be at the same firmware revision level.
Network Audio and Shure Control Data
MicroflexAdvance devices transport two types of data over the network: Shure Control and Network Audio.
Shure Control
The Shure Control carries data for the control software operation, firmware updates and 3rd party control systems
(AMX, Crestron).
Network Audio