TABLE OF CONTENTS


Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) automatically configures the IP address for devices on a network, ensuring that each device has a unique IP address. A DHCP network requires one DHCP server, which tracks which IP addresses are in use, and provides a unique IP address to devices connected to a DCHP server while the device is being powered on. An example of this is a home Wi-Fi router, which provides any devices connecting to the Wi-Fi with a unique IP address.


Static IP

IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) and IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) are two different Protocol, which is the fundamental communication protocol that enables devices to connect to the internet. All ENTTEC Products use IPv4.


Using a Static IP means manually assigning a specific address to a device, ensuring it stays the same over time. This is helpful for devices that need consistent communication. It's different from dynamic IP assignment, which relies on a DHCP server and can change addresses.


The Subnet Mask determines which devices a device can talk to on a network. It's made up of four sets of numbers. A Subnet Mask of 255 means that part of the IP address is fixed, while 0 means it can vary. Which of the four set of numbers are set to 255 or 0 is defined by the Subnet Class (see below). All devices on the network should have the same Subnet Mask. For example:


With an IP address like 192.168.0.10 and a Subnet Mask of 255.255.255.0, the device can communicate with addresses from 192.168.0.1 to 192.168.0.254 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0.

With an IP address like 10.0.0.60 and a Subnet Mask of 255.0.0.0, the device can communicate with addresses from 10.0.0.1 to 10.255.255.255 with a subnet mask of 255.0.0.0.

In short, using a Static IP and the right Subnet Mask ensures devices can communicate effectively and reliably within a network.


Subnet Class
All devices on a network should use the same Subnet Class for easy communication. For smaller setups with under 254 devices, it's best to go with Subnet Class C, which is represented by a Subnet Mask of 255.255.255.0.


The Subnet Mask controls which devices can talk to each other on a network. It's made up of four sets of numbers, with 0 and 255 being the most common. When the Subnet Mask has a value of 255, it blocks communication for that part of the IP address. A value of 0 means that part of the IP address is open for communication.


For example, if a device has an IP address like 192.168.0.10 and a Subnet Mask of 255.255.255.0, it can communicate with devices from 192.168.0.1 to 192.168.0.254. Similarly, with an IP address like 10.0.0.60 and a Subnet Mask of 255.0.0.0, it can communicate with devices from 10.0.0.1 to 10.254.254.254.


In short, using the same Subnet Class and understanding the Subnet Mask helps devices communicate effectively on a network.


ENTTEC recommends devices are configured with a Static IP and DHCP disabled for long-term installations. This ensures the unit continues to receive commands from devices unicasting to it. If DHCP is used, there is a chance the device’s IP address can change following its DHCP lease renewing following a power cycle.

With all devices on your network set to Static IP addresses in the same range, this allows for more predictable management of devices within the installation.

It is strongly advised that a ‘show network’ should not be directly connected to the internet or made to be part of a VPN without a sufficient firewall in place.

A common method to manage the show and other connected devices in the network remotely is to use a ‘Management PC’ with two network adapters. One to remote into the PC using the internet, and the second without an internet connection to show critical data.

  • If using DHCP as your IP addressing method, ENTTEC recommends using the sACN protocol or Art-Net Broadcast. This will ensure that your device continues to receive data if the DHCP server changes its IP address.
  • ENTTEC does not recommend unicasting data to a device with its IP address set through the DHCP server on long-term installations.


IGMP Version

IGMP is a communications protocol used by devices and routers on IPv4 networks to establish multicast group memberships. IGMP is an integral part of IP multicast (required for sACN) and allows the network to direct multicast transmissions to the device hosts that have requested them only.


The IGMP communication protocol is backwards compatible.


The versions of IGMP used by ENTTEC network devices are as follows:

  • IGMPv3: S-Play / Datagate Mk2 RevC / Pixelator RevC / Storm24 RevC
  • IGMPv2: ODE Mk2 / Storm8 / Pixelator Mini / Octo / Ethergate Mk3

 

We recommend that all network hardware used with ENTTEC devices has a minimum of 100baseT network speed (10/100).

For the most reliable performance, your installation should be on a separate network or V-LAN or from all other non-Lighting related devices. This will ensure bandwidth usage is minimised and the network traffic is predictable.


DHCP: The default network configuration for ENTTEC devices is to have DHCP enabled. If using a router, you will need to ensure that DHCP is enabled.

If you wish to run your network with all devices statically addressed (by disabling DHCP on the ENTTEC Device), we recommend disable the DHCP option on your router.


WiFi: When transmitting large amounts of data over a network with protocols such as Art-Net and sACN, a wired solution will always be more stable than a wireless one.

If you decide to use a wireless router, we recommend that you purchase a Router with a Wireless Frequency of 5.2ghz if you plan to be close to the router or if the set-up is in a congested area. 5.2ghz provides a much wider network bandwidth but is limited in wireless signal range when compared to a router

A wireless frequency of 2.4ghz is more common in routers, and the Wi-Fi range is further; however, the network speeds are typically slower.


PoE: If you want to use PoE on your installation, you will need network hardware that conforms to the IEEE 802.3af PoE standard. If you wish to use PoE devices and do not have PoE network hardware, you can use a PoE injector to power your ENTTEC PoE device.