Operation Manual; Better Performance.; DBC Network Bridge- Page 76

Operation Manual

DBC Network Bridge

page 76

8.2 TCP/IQ Network Basics

TCP/IQ Tis a network based protocol that has the ability to control and 
monitor IQ components over a common TCP/IP network. For IQ com-
ponents that have CobraNet capability, TCP/IQ has the ability to control 
and monitor these IQ components over the same Ethernet network used 
for CobraNet audio, resulting in a single Category-5 connection for 
control, monitoring, and digital audio. Figure 8.1 shows a typical 
TCP/IQ network.

TCP/IQ offers a number of advantages over other non-network commu-
nications platforms.

•

The use of “off-the-shelf” networking hardware.

 This tech-

nology makes use of network connectivity and hardware commonly 
used in the computer industry, making it both low-cost and readily 
available.

•

Better Performance.

 The capacity for real-time display of meters is 

greatly enhanced through the use of the wide-bandwidth network.

•

Single connection for both CobraNet audio and IQ commu-

nications

. Gone are the days of multiple connections to a component 

for audio and control. A single CAT 5 connection handles it all.
 Some of the features of TCP/IQ include:

•

 Ability to quickly discover all IQ components connected to the net-

work.

•

 Synchronization of multiple control points on a network.

•

 Control and monitor of IQ components on different Local Area Net-

works (LANs) through the use of an IP router.

•

 Component firmware upgrades via the network.

Ethernet Networks are established through the use of either a hub or a 
switch. These devices are centralized in the network and transfer the 
Ethernet data from point to point. Ethernet data is transferred in data 
packets that have addresses coded into their structure. Hubs and 
switches decipher these addresses and route the data packets to the 
appropriate component. Hubs do this by taking packets from any port 
and sending them out all other ports. Switches, on the other hand, are 
more intelligent and examine each packet’s address, sending that packet 
only to the addressed component. This results in a much more efficient 
data flow. TCP/IQ depends on the use of 100Mb switches and their use 
is highly encouraged. 100Mb or 100Base-T switches are required in 
CobraNet networks.

Figure 8.1  A TCP/IQ Network

Computer

Laptop

100Mb Switch

DBC Network Bridge

CTs 600

CTs 1200

CTs 2000

CTs 3000