Difference between revisions of "Network Components"

From LinnDocs
Jump to: navigation, search
(simplified with Linn DS shorthand; corrected spelling; simplified phrasing; eliminated spurious Wiki markup)
(more clarifications, rewriting, restructuring, and minor fixes)
Line 1: Line 1:
Linn's digital media products (collectively referred to as Linn DS below) use standard IP networking for audio distribution and control.  The recommended specification for the networking products is outlined below.
+
Linn's digital media products (collectively referred to as Linn DS below) use standard IP networking for audio distribution and control. The recommended specification for all networking components is outlined below.  For any given installation, the fundamental mode of operation needs to be chosen prior to purchasing network equipment, based on the number of Linn DS to be interconnected.
  
== Network Topology ==
+
[http://docs.linn.co.uk/wiki/index.php/Songcast#Large-scale_mode '''Large-scale Mode''']
  
[http://docs.linn.co.uk/wiki/index.php/Songcast#Large-scale_mode '''Large scale mode''']
+
For Linn DS systems, if you wish to share audio from one Linn DS (sender) to ''more than five'' other Linn DS products, you need to set the Linn network for [http://docs.linn.co.uk/wiki/index.php/Multicast_Filtering multicast filtering], which will require higher-grade network equipment.
  
For Linn DS systems, if you wish to share audio from one Linn DS (sender) to more than five other Linn DS products, you need to set the Linn Products network for [http://docs.linn.co.uk/wiki/index.php/Multicast_Filtering Multicast filtering]
+
We have a list of suggested Ethernet products, but would advise that you speak to a '''Network Specialist''' regarding this subject to specify the Ethernet devices for your specific system.
  
We have a list of suggested ethernet products in the [http://docs.linn.co.uk/wiki/index.php/Multicast_Filtering Multicast link].
+
[http://docs.linn.co.uk/wiki/index.php/Songcast#Small-scale_mode '''Small-scale Mode''']
However, we would advise that you speak to an '''Network Specialist''' regarding this subject to specify the Ethernet devices for your specific system.
 
  
[http://docs.linn.co.uk/wiki/index.php/Songcast#Small-scale_mode '''Small scale mode''']
+
If you only want to share a Linn DS to ''up to five'' other Linn DS rooms, this will use unicast communications, which can be achieved with consumer-grade network equipment (e.g. 100BaseT or better devices as listed below).
  
If you only want to share a Linn DS to up to five other Linn DS rooms, this will use unicast communications.
+
For an installation operating in large-scale mode, ''each'' piece of network equipment below needs to satisfy its higher specifications, respectively;  a single substandard component could disrupt the whole system.
Unicast [http://docs.linn.co.uk/wiki/index.php/Songcast#Small-scale_mode is a small scale mode] and can use the existing 100BaseT (or better) network (devices listed below).
 
  
 
== DHCP server ==
 
== DHCP server ==
  
The DHCP server supplies an IP address on request from the DHCP clients. This functionality is usually provided by a router in the network.
+
The DHCP server supplies an IP address on request from the DHCP clients. This functionality is usually provided by a router in the network.  For this network component, no distinction exists w.r.t. small- or large-scale mode of operation.
  
 
We recommend the Netgear RP614 router for this task.
 
We recommend the Netgear RP614 router for this task.
Line 23: Line 21:
 
== Ethernet Switch ==
 
== Ethernet Switch ==
  
The Ethernet switch is the connection point for all other components on the network allowing them to communicate with each other.
+
The Ethernet switch is the connection point for all other components on the network, allowing them to communicate with each other.
  
[http://docs.linn.co.uk/wiki/index.php/Multicast_Filtering for large scale Davaar Multicast (>6 Linn DS in the system) you need to use Managed switches]
+
=== Large-scale Mode ===
  
We have a list of suggested Ethernet products in the [http://docs.linn.co.uk/wiki/index.php/Multicast_Filtering Multicast link].
+
For installations using Songcast to more than five Linn DS, you need to deploy [http://docs.linn.co.uk/wiki/index.php/Multicast_Filtering managed switches].
However, we advise that you ask a '''Network Specialist''' to specify the Ethernet devices for your particular system.
+
 
 +
We have a list of suggested Ethernet products, but would advise that you ask a '''Network Specialist''' to specify the Ethernet devices for your particular system.
  
 
{| align="right" style="background: rgb(224, 224, 240) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; width: 235px; line-height: 2.25em; font-size: 90%;" class="infobox"
 
{| align="right" style="background: rgb(224, 224, 240) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; width: 235px; line-height: 2.25em; font-size: 90%;" class="infobox"
Line 35: Line 34:
 
|}
 
|}
  
'''Small scale mode requirements:'''
+
=== Small-scale Mode ===
  
 
* Linn recommends a dedicated, stand-alone switch. Switches built into consumer-grade ADSL routers, cable modems, or wireless access points tend to be too limited. The processing power of such devices is often shared between its various functions and is therefore not always capable of full performance.
 
* Linn recommends a dedicated, stand-alone switch. Switches built into consumer-grade ADSL routers, cable modems, or wireless access points tend to be too limited. The processing power of such devices is often shared between its various functions and is therefore not always capable of full performance.
 
* 100 Mbps or 1000 Mbps full duplex switch.
 
* 100 Mbps or 1000 Mbps full duplex switch.
* Must be capable of fully utilising all ports simultaneously. On vendors' specification pages this is sometimes listed as “switch backplane” or “switch bandwidth”. (For an 8-port 100 Mbps switch, this “switch bandwidth” should be 1.6 Gbps. This number comes from 100 Mbps in, plus 100 Mbps out, times 8 ports. For a 16-port gigabit switch, the “switch bandwidth” would be 32 Gbps = 2*1000*16 Mbps.)
+
* Must be capable of fully utilising all ports simultaneously. On vendors' specification pages this is sometimes listed as "switch backplane" or "switch bandwidth". (For an 8-port 100 Mbps switch, this switch bandwidth should be 1.6 Gbps. This number comes from 100 Mbps in, plus 100 Mbps out, times 8 ports. For a 16-port gigabit switch, the switch bandwidth would be 32 Gbps = 2*1000*16 Mbps.)
  
 
== Wireless Access Point (WAP) ==
 
== Wireless Access Point (WAP) ==
  
The WAP connects the wireless control point to the network.
+
The WAP connects the wireless control point to the network.
 
 
[http://docs.linn.co.uk/wiki/index.php/Multicast_Filtering For Large scale mode Davaar Multicast (>6 Linn DS/DSI in the system)]
 
  
 
{| align="right" class="infobox" style="background: rgb(224, 224, 240) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; width: 235px; line-height: 2.25em; font-size: 90%;"
 
{| align="right" class="infobox" style="background: rgb(224, 224, 240) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; width: 235px; line-height: 2.25em; font-size: 90%;"
Line 52: Line 49:
 
|}
 
|}
  
Linn recommends using a stand-alone wireless access point. Wireless access points built into switches and other consumer grade products are frequently (but not always) of a lower quality.
+
Linn recommends using a stand-alone wireless access point, regardless of small- or large-scale mode of operation. Wireless access points built into switches and other consumer-grade products are frequently of lower quality.
  
Click [http://docs.linn.co.uk/wiki/index.php/DS_Network_Setup:Configuring_the_WAP here] for D-Link 3200 setup procedure.
+
See also the [http://docs.linn.co.uk/wiki/index.php/DS_Network_Setup:Configuring_the_WAP D-Link 3200 setup procedure].
  
 
'''Requirements:'''
 
'''Requirements:'''
Line 67: Line 64:
  
 
== Ethernet over Power Mains ==
 
== Ethernet over Power Mains ==
 +
 +
These adaptors allow you to broadcast Ethernet traffic over mains electricity wiring.
  
 
For Davaar family systems, Ethernet-over-Mains adaptors may reduce the number of rooms that can listen to a Songcast Linn DS (see [http://docs.linn.co.uk/wiki/index.php/Songcast#Small-scale_mode_2 explanation])
 
For Davaar family systems, Ethernet-over-Mains adaptors may reduce the number of rooms that can listen to a Songcast Linn DS (see [http://docs.linn.co.uk/wiki/index.php/Songcast#Small-scale_mode_2 explanation])
 
These adaptors allow you to broadcast Ethernet traffic over mains electricity wiring.
 
  
 
If you do wish to use Ethernet-over-Mains adaptors, Linn recommends the following HomeplugAV devices:
 
If you do wish to use Ethernet-over-Mains adaptors, Linn recommends the following HomeplugAV devices:
  
Solwise NET-PL-200-AV-PIGGY/PUSH
+
* Solwise NET-PL-200-AV-PIGGY/PUSH
 
+
* Develo 200AVeasy Starter Kit (x2)
or
 
 
 
Develo 200AVeasy Starter Kit (x2)
 
  
 
== Media Server ==
 
== Media Server ==
Line 94: Line 88:
 
and preferably
 
and preferably
  
* Easy installation on the NAS
+
* easy installation on the NAS
 
* Album Art support
 
* Album Art support
  
Line 104: Line 98:
 
<u>'''http://your_NAS_IP:9000/rpc/rescan'''</u> for other devices.
 
<u>'''http://your_NAS_IP:9000/rpc/rescan'''</u> for other devices.
  
This will force Twonky to only scan the media when you want it to.
+
This will force Twonky to scan the media only when you ask it explicitly.
  
 
== NAS ==
 
== NAS ==
Line 128: Line 122:
  
 
* 800 x 480 screen resolution
 
* 800 x 480 screen resolution
* 600 MHz processor or faster (800 Mhz preferred)
+
* 600 MHz processor or faster (800 MHz preferred)
 
* .NET 2.0
 
* .NET 2.0
 
* Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC edition 2005
 
* Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC edition 2005
Line 145: Line 139:
  
 
* Nokia N800/N810 (running Media Streamer). The N800 must run Nokia's OS2008 firmware.
 
* Nokia N800/N810 (running Media Streamer). The N800 must run Nokia's OS2008 firmware.
 
== Recommended System Components ==
 
 
[http://docs.linn.co.uk/wiki/index.php/Multicast_Filtering For Large Scale mode Davaar Multicast (>6 Linn DS/DSI in the system)]
 
 
* [[Recommended NASes]]
 
* [[Recommended Ethernet Switches]]
 
* [[Recommended WAPs]]
 
* [[Recommended Media Servers]]
 

Revision as of 16:45, 7 November 2011

Linn's digital media products (collectively referred to as Linn DS below) use standard IP networking for audio distribution and control. The recommended specification for all networking components is outlined below. For any given installation, the fundamental mode of operation needs to be chosen prior to purchasing network equipment, based on the number of Linn DS to be interconnected.

Large-scale Mode

For Linn DS systems, if you wish to share audio from one Linn DS (sender) to more than five other Linn DS products, you need to set the Linn network for multicast filtering, which will require higher-grade network equipment.

We have a list of suggested Ethernet products, but would advise that you speak to a Network Specialist regarding this subject to specify the Ethernet devices for your specific system.

Small-scale Mode

If you only want to share a Linn DS to up to five other Linn DS rooms, this will use unicast communications, which can be achieved with consumer-grade network equipment (e.g. 100BaseT or better devices as listed below).

For an installation operating in large-scale mode, each piece of network equipment below needs to satisfy its higher specifications, respectively; a single substandard component could disrupt the whole system.

DHCP server

The DHCP server supplies an IP address on request from the DHCP clients. This functionality is usually provided by a router in the network. For this network component, no distinction exists w.r.t. small- or large-scale mode of operation.

We recommend the Netgear RP614 router for this task.

Ethernet Switch

The Ethernet switch is the connection point for all other components on the network, allowing them to communicate with each other.

Large-scale Mode

For installations using Songcast to more than five Linn DS, you need to deploy managed switches.

We have a list of suggested Ethernet products, but would advise that you ask a Network Specialist to specify the Ethernet devices for your particular system.

This content is endorsed by Linn

Recommended Ethernet Switches

  • Netgear Switch FS108
  • Netgear Switch FS108P
  • Netgear Switch FS116
  • Netgear Switch GS108
  • Netgear Switch GS116
  • Netgear Switch FSM726

Small-scale Mode

  • Linn recommends a dedicated, stand-alone switch. Switches built into consumer-grade ADSL routers, cable modems, or wireless access points tend to be too limited. The processing power of such devices is often shared between its various functions and is therefore not always capable of full performance.
  • 100 Mbps or 1000 Mbps full duplex switch.
  • Must be capable of fully utilising all ports simultaneously. On vendors' specification pages this is sometimes listed as "switch backplane" or "switch bandwidth". (For an 8-port 100 Mbps switch, this switch bandwidth should be 1.6 Gbps. This number comes from 100 Mbps in, plus 100 Mbps out, times 8 ports. For a 16-port gigabit switch, the switch bandwidth would be 32 Gbps = 2*1000*16 Mbps.)

Wireless Access Point (WAP)

The WAP connects the wireless control point to the network.

This content is endorsed by Linn

Recommended WAPs

  • Linksys wap200
  • Dlink Dwl-3200AP

Linn recommends using a stand-alone wireless access point, regardless of small- or large-scale mode of operation. Wireless access points built into switches and other consumer-grade products are frequently of lower quality.

See also the D-Link 3200 setup procedure.

Requirements:

  • "Enterprise grade"
  • Wireless G
  • Robust connection quality

and optionally

  • Power over Ethernet (PoE)

Ethernet over Power Mains

These adaptors allow you to broadcast Ethernet traffic over mains electricity wiring.

For Davaar family systems, Ethernet-over-Mains adaptors may reduce the number of rooms that can listen to a Songcast Linn DS (see explanation)

If you do wish to use Ethernet-over-Mains adaptors, Linn recommends the following HomeplugAV devices:

  • Solwise NET-PL-200-AV-PIGGY/PUSH
  • Develo 200AVeasy Starter Kit (x2)

Media Server

This content is endorsed by Linn
Recommended Media Servers

Media Server Requirements

  • UPnP AV 1.0 certified
  • FLAC support

and preferably

  • easy installation on the NAS
  • Album Art support

The recommended Twonky4 Media Server licence can be purchased.

Within the Twonky settings, put the RESCAN time to "0" (zero). If you want to add any music, create the desktop link http://your_NAS_IP:8100/rpc/rescan for the Netgear ReadyNAS or

http://your_NAS_IP:9000/rpc/rescan for other devices.

This will force Twonky to scan the media only when you ask it explicitly.

NAS

This content is endorsed by Linn

Recommended Standard NAS


Recomended Ripping NAS


Previously Recommended

A NAS stores your music and makes it accessible over the network.

Control Point

Wireless control point

The wireless control point provides the user interface (via the Linn GUI) for accessing music and controlling playback. The device can be either a UMPC (ultra-mobile PC), Internet Tablet, or a standard computer/laptop.

The Linn GUI runs on .NET 2.0

Minimum requirements:

UMPC

  • 800 x 480 screen resolution
  • 600 MHz processor or faster (800 MHz preferred)
  • .NET 2.0
  • Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC edition 2005

Windows PC/laptop

  • Windows XP Professional 2002
  • 800 MHz processor or faster
  • .NET 2.0

Specific UMPCs tested by Linn:

Samsung Q1 (NP-Q1/V000/SUK), (NP-Q1/M02/SUK), (NP-Q1/S000/SUK), (NP-Q1/UF000/SUK) running Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC edition 2005, Version 2002 and Service Pack 2
ASUS Notebook R2H Series, 1GB RAM, 900 MHz Celeron-M, running Windows Vista Home Premium

Specific Internet Tablets tested by Linn:

  • Nokia N800/N810 (running Media Streamer). The N800 must run Nokia's OS2008 firmware.