Networking is the Future of Audio Pt. 4 - Physical Layer and Access Points

In this four part series, one major aspect I did not touch on is the physical connection of network devices. In networking, there is a multi-layer model that explains the interconnection of all the parts of networking, called the OSI model. Let’s go all the way to the bottom layer and look at the physical connections.

Most of you are probably familiar with what most people refer to colloquially as an ethernet jack. This is more precisely known as an RJ45 connector and is widely used across all types of networking. Another term you may have heard is Cat5e or Cat6. These designations are for the cable itself in the same way an XLR cable refers to the connector on the cable, even though it can be the same cable type as a TRS cable. Like with most cabling in audio, it is best to get the highest quality version you can. I would recommend at least shielded Cat6 or shielded Cat6a, but I would also recommend doing research on what works best for your scenario; depending on if you are transmitting audio or just control data.

How do I make some devices wireless? I would rather not connect everything with a cable.

There are many benefits to a wireless network. The freedom to control things from any location on stage without having to run a cable is hugely helpful. This is where access points come into play. Access points are wireless antennas that can both transmit and receive network packets over the 2.4GHz or 5GHz frequency range. Most people know this as Wi-Fi, but an access point does not necessarily have to be connected to the internet.

If it is not connected to the internet, how is it useful?

An access point allows you to do things like connecting an iPad to a console so you can walk around the room or stage and adjust the console remotely.

It allows you to also create things like wireless macro pads for your band or crew to control devices in your rig. You can see more on this in my previous post about Companion.

The way you integrate an access point is to connect it to a switch in your network or to the device directly that you wish to control. From there, you can create a wireless network that you can connect to with any Wi-Fi enabled device.

It is worth noting that wireless connectivity is inherently less stable than a wired connection. I would encourage you to only make devices wireless that are not show-critical unless you know what you are doing.

This is barely scratches the surface of what is possible with networking. I would highly encourage you to check out other resources to learn more. One of my favorites is a YouTube channel called Network Chuck. Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have!