Network Cables for ART-NET and DANTE Protocols

Using the Art-Net and Dante protocols it is possible to transmit DMX512 and Digital Audio signals respectively via network cables, also known as Ethernet cables or LAN cables.

In this post we explain the Network cable solutions that we offer from Emelec Víascom for Art-Net and Dante, starting with a brief description of both protocols to put them into context.

 

ART-NET protocol: DMX via ETHERNET cables

 

Nowadays, it is possible to transmit the DMX lighting control signal via a network cable (Network cable or Ethernet cable or LAN cable), without having to run the entire cable run using balanced microphonic cable.

There are two possible ways of transmitting the DMX signal via Ethernet cables.

 

The first is through network cable-compatible controllers and by making use of specially designed protocols such as Art-Net.

 

Art-Net is a communications protocol designed to transmit the DMX512 lighting control signal over TCP/IP via UDP packets using a network cable. Its purpose is to allow the transfer of large amounts of DMX512 data over a wide area using standard network technology. It does this by assigning each universe a port address. A DMX-to-Art-Net product places DMX data on the network with a specific port address. In contrast, an Art-Net-to-DMX product collects any universe with its port address and generates it as DMX512. The maximum recommended cable length for this application when transmitting a signal of acceptable strength is approximately 100 metres of cable run.


 

The use of Ethernet to transmit lighting data has many benefits. Some of them are listed below:

 

  1. Ethernet (10BaseT / 100BaseT) can carry up to 40/400 times more data than a DMX512 cable.
  2. The use of Ethernet for lighting control provides access to a wide range of low-cost products such as switches and radio links.
  3. Ethernet uses a low-cost cable that is easily understood by building contractors. This allows all lighting cable to be installed and certified before lighting contractors begin installation.
  4. Many existing buildings are already connected to Ethernet. This allows existing cables in the building to be used for temporary lighting or retrofit projects.
  5. All Ethernet cabling is in a "star" format. This increases system reliability compared to the "ring" or "loop" wiring used with DMX512.

 

However, there are also certain drawbacks:

 

  1. The maximum cable distance is approximately 100 m compared to 300 m for DMX512. However, the lower cost of Ethernet switches compared to DMX512 splitters makes this less of an issue.
  2. As mentioned above, all Ethernet cabling is in a "star" format. Generally, this requires more cable. However, as Ethernet can carry much more data than DMX512, there is still a net saving.

 

This protocol allows controlling functions such as dimming lights, controlling their movement, detecting nodes, transmitting time codes and functions that allow interconnection between nodes.

Since its creation, Art-Net has been upgraded to the current version which makes use of the full bandwidth to control up to 32,768 DMX universes (512 channels in each universe).

 

Will this protocol replace DMX512?

Definitely NO. The real point of Art-Net is that it allows Ethernet and DMX512 to work together, so you get the benefit of both worlds. For example, Ethernet "star" wiring would be a huge hassle for wiring moving fixtures in an armature. The best solution is to run ethernet from the console to the truss structure and then convert to DMX512.

 

The second way to transmit DMXsignal via Ethernet is by using adapters. In this way, 1 to 4 DMX universes can be transmitted via a network cable with RJ45 connectors, which is then converted to XLR connectors using the adapter.

By using only one connector at each end of the cable, transmission of 1 universe (XLR 3-pin or XLR 5-pin) or 2 universes (XLR 5-pin) is possible based on the following schemes.

 

The transmission of up to 4 universes via a single network cable already requires the use of more than one XLR at one end of the cable. For example, for the transmission of 4 universes via a single network cable, the following wiring diagram should be used.

 

By means of the above scheme, it is possible to dispense with the XLRs that are not necessary when the use of only 2 or 3 universes is required. To do this, simply do not connect the XLRs to the DATA pairs that are not needed, taking into account that DATA pair 1 is needed for the transmission of the first universe, DATA pair 2 for the transmission of the second universe, and so on.

 

 

DANTE Protocol: DIGITAL AUDIO over ETHERNET

 

Dante was born out of the need to create a technology capable of efficiently transporting digital audio over a common network cable. There were already other previous protocols such as Cobranet or Ethersound, which were slower, limited and more complicated to install. Based on the virtues of these standards and improving their weaknesses, Audinate created Dante.

 

A simple category 5E or 6 network cable is sufficient to operate this technology. By transmitting audio digitally, problems typical of analogue transmissions such as cable clutter that can cause crosstalk, or limited length that degrades the signal, are avoided. Dante supports the AES67 standard.

 

Using the Dante Controller application, it is very easy to set up Dante networks. Simply connect the devices to an Ethernet switch and connect the computer to the network. The devices are automatically detected by the software.

 

In addition, Dante has a very interesting application that is sending the signal recurrently through two cables without failure. Many of the devices that can work with Dante support fail-safe redundancy due to the double input/output for a primary channel and another secondary channel. The same signal is sent through both channels so that if the primary channel fails the signal of the secondary channel will be read, avoiding audio loss or interruption.

 

 

Other DIGITAL AUDIO Protocols over ETHERNET

It is not only possible to transmit audio over Ethernet using Dante, there are other protocols capable of doing so. One of these is the Livewire protocol, an audio over IP system created by Axia Audio. It was introduced in 2003 and later upgraded to a second version called Livewire+ which makes it compatible with the AES67 audio over Ethernet standard. The most widespread use of this protocol is in broadcast applications.

 

Another protocol capable of working in audio distribution over Ethernet is the Q-LAN protocol created by Q-SYS Networking Solutions. This is a less standardised protocol as it is mainly used in the company's own QSC Audio devices. Using the same protocol it is possible to transmit audio and video as well as control signals from the various peripherals.

 

 

Emelec VíasCom has different Cat.6A, Cat.7 and Cat.7A network cables for such applications. They are available on reels in the case of cable or shrink-wrapped and on cable carriers or reels in the case of cable assembled with connectors. In addition, Emelec ViaCom offers hybrid LAN Cat.7 cable assemblies which are also available as a single cable or ready-made with connectors in the form of assembled cables in multiple configurations. These cables comply with the highest standards for multi-channel digital audio applications such as the DANTE protocol and DMX lighting control via the ART-NET protocol.

 

 

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

 

CABLE HOLDERS - R-DATA-7000 Series - CAT.7 26AWG Shielded Flexible Cable

Recommended up to 70 metres

To learn more about the cable Q16-7000

To learn more about the different options of the cable Q16-7000 mounted on reel

 

CABLE HOLDERS - R-DATA-6018 Series - CAT.6A 23AWG Shielded Cable

Recommended up to 100 metres

To learn more about the cable Q16-6018

To find out more about the different options of the cable Q16-6018 mounted on reel

 

Using the Q16-6018 (Cat.6A) and Q16-7000 (Cat.7) cables, Emelec ViasCom offers multiple reel-mounted cable options as they can be produced with the following connector types.

LAN network cable connectors:

  • CL512 - 50µ RJ49 connector for Cat.7.
  • CL516 - 50µ RJ49 Toolless Connector for Cat.7.
  • EQ9310 - RJ45 Body Connector.

 

LINKS

More information on LAN mounted cables

More information about mounted LAN + Power cables

 

Source: https://art-net.org.uk/

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER 

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

 

Always informed of all news, offers and events. In addition, as a subscriber, you will be able to access exclusive promotions.

 

You have successfully subscribed!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER 

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

 

Always informed of all news, offers and events. In addition, as a subscriber, you will be able to access exclusive promotions.

 

You have successfully subscribed!