Pathway connectivity solutions Pathport VIA12 User manual

Pathport VIA12
User Guide and Manual
Models 6740, 6741, 6742 running firmware 3.7.0 or higher
April 2015
© 2014 Pathway Connectivity
A Division of Acuity Brands Lighting Canada
1439 17 Ave SE Calgary AB T2G 1J9
403-243-8110
www.pathwayconnect.com

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Table of Contents
About Pathport VIA12......................................................................................................3
Installation Instructions....................................................................................................3
Panel Layouts .................................................................................................................4
Front Panel..................................................................................................................4
Rear Panel..................................................................................................................4
Base Configuration Menu................................................................................................6
Messages Pending.......................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Network Setup.............................................................................................................7
Device Info/Status.......................................................................................................8
VLAN Setup ................................................................................................................9
Ring Protect Setup....................................................................................................11
Utilities ......................................................................................................................11
Port Status and Configuration Menu..............................................................................12
Port Link Mode..........................................................................................................13
Port VLAN Configuration...........................................................................................14
Port PoE Setup/Status...............................................................................................15
LLDP Link Partner.....................................................................................................16
Firmware Upgrades.......................................................................................................16
Appendix 1: Fiber Adapter Selection.............................................................................17
Appendix 2: Virtual Local Area Network ........................................................................18
Definitions .................................................................................................................18
Software Configuration Of VLANs .............................................................................18
VLAN Guidelines.......................................................................................................19
Appendix 3: Ring Protection..........................................................................................20
Requirements and Limitations...................................................................................20
Definitions .................................................................................................................20
Software Configuration of Ring Protection.................................................................21

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About Pathport VIA12
Pathport® VIA12 is a 12 port + 2 Gigabit Ethernet Switch designed for live entertainment
Ethernet systems, including audio and DMX-over-Ethernet networks. This manual
covers models 6740, 6741 and 6742 running firmware of 3.7.x or higher.
The VIA12 is intended specifically for signal routing between Pathport DMX-over-
Ethernet nodes, or similar equipment, and Ethernet-aware lighting control products, such
as consoles and controllers.
The VIA12, like all Pathports, is a routing device and is not a source of the control
protocols or the data being passed. Switches only provide management control over the
data path.
Upgrades implementing further Layer 2 and Layer 3 management features will be
released on the Pathway Connectivity website from time to time. The VIA12 is easily
upgraded using Pathport Manager software, a free download.
Important: The VIA12 provides hardware support for IEEE 802.3af Power-over-
Ethernet (PoE), but does not include a built-in PoE power supply. To utilize the PoE
hardware, an external 48VDC power supply must be connected to the Speakon
connector on the rear of the switch.
Installation Instructions
Pathport VIA12 is intended for desktop use, or to be mounted in a standard 19”
equipment rack, using the rack ears included.
For model #6740 truss-mount adaptors (#9003) and wall-mount kits (#9002) are
available.
The Pathport VIA12 is intended for installation in a dry, indoor location. Operating
conditions are 0°C - 40°C; 10-90% relative humidity, non-condensing.
Warning: The AC socket outlet shall be installed near the equipment and shall be easily
accessible.
Warning: This equipment relies on building installation primary overcurrent protection.
Warning: Except for the IEC chassis plug marked for AC input, all ports on the Pathport
VIA 12 are intended for low voltage data lines only. Attaching anything other than low
voltage sources to the data ports may result in severe equipment damage, and personal
injury or death.

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Panel Layouts
Front Panel – model 6740 shown
PORT 7
ETHERNET SWITCH
MANAGED GIGABIT
VIA
PORT 1 PORT 2 PORT 5PORT 4PORT 3 PORT 6
LINK/ACT
PORT 8 PORT 9 PORT 10
POE
Backlit LCD Screen Rotary Encoder
Turn to highlight item on screen
Push to select
See manual for details
Female RJ45 connectors
Push tab before disconnecting cables
Link\Act
LED Indicator PoE Active
LED Indicator
The front panel consists of an LCD with backlight, a rotary encoder knob and ten female
RJ45 Ethercon
©
connectors for connection to 10/100/1000Mb Ethernet equipment. Each
connector has a Link Active and a PoE (Power-over-Ethernet) indicator LED.
By default, the LCD shows the switch’s soft label name, its IP address and subnet class
and, on the bottom line, whether any messages are queued pending review. If there are
no messages queued, the bottom line is blank. If the switch has not been given a soft
label (using Pathport Manager configuration software), its IP address is shown instead.
Push the rotary encoder knob to reach the Base Configuration menu, or turn the knob to
review individual port information and to enter each Port Configuration menu.
Rear Panel – model 6740 shown
48VDC PoE INPUT
200W MAX
Mini-GBIC FIBER OPTIC PORTS
ERROR
LINK/ACT
PRESENT
SD CARD
90-260VAC
.75A 50/60 Hz
Risk of electric shock.
Disconnect power
before opening.
Risque de decharge
electrique. Debrancher
le pouvoir avant
d'ouvrier.
ATTENTION
Female RJ45 Connector
Push tab to release cable
Mini-GBIC Port for
Fiber Optic Adaptor Speakon Connector for
48V Auxiliary PoE Supply
Do NOT connect to high voltage
Powercon Connector for
85 - 250 VAC Input
The rear panel consists of a two female RJ45 Ethercon connectors, two mini-GBIC ports
for SFP (small form pluggable) fiber cable adapters, an SD card slot and one locking
Speakon and one locking Powercon connector.
See below for recommendations for SFP adaptors.
<Switch Name>
IP: x.x.x.x/<subnet class>
<optional messages>

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The Powercon plug may be connected to an AC power source with a voltage between
85 and 250VAC, either 50 or 60 Hz. The Speakon plug must only be connected to an
auxiliary Power-over-Ethernet supply not to exceed 48 VDC. See below for more
information on enabling and using PoE.
Note: The rear panel of models 6741 and 6742 has OpticalCON DUO connectors for
LC Duplex Multimode fiber optic cables installed instead of mini-GBIC ports.
Main Display Messages
Along with its soft label and IP address, the VIA12 may display optional messages. At
present the messages only report status of the Ring Protection feature when enabled.
Message Explanation
Ring Protect Master: Init Switch configured as Master. Ring is initializing
Ring Protect Transit: Init Switch configured as Transit. Ring is initializing
Ring Protect Master: OK Switch configured as Master. Ring is intact
Ring Protect Transit: OK Switch configured as Transit. Ring is intact
Ring Protect Master: Failed
Switch is configured as Master.
Link between two ports has failed.
Communication now relies on secondary links.
Fault should be located and repaired immediately
Ring Protect Transit: Failed
Switch is configured as Transit.
Link between two ports has failed.
Communication now relies on secondary links.
Fault should be located and repaired immediately
See below for ring protection set up and activation.

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Base Configuration Menu
With the default screen shown on the LCD, press the encoder knob. The base
configuration menu will be shown.
Turn the knob to scroll down the menu. The current menu item is highlighted in reverse
video. Push the knob to enter sub-menus. All menu entries available from Base
Configuration are shown in the table below. Options shown below in italics only appear
when the option is available or is a valid choice.
Menu Label
Network Setup
Device Info / Status
VLAN Setup
Ring Protection Setup
Utilities
<Back>
Base Configuration
Networ Status
Device Info/Status

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Network Setup
Allows review of the IP address, subnet mask and default gateway used by the switch.
To edit these properties, push the knob again.
The first octet of the IP address will be highlighted. Turn the knob to change the value,
and push to accept. Illegal values for an IP address, such as 0.0.0.0, are blocked.
The entire subnet mask value will be highlighted. Rotate the knob to select from list of
valid subnet masks.
Property
Explanation
Available Settings
IP Address Set IP address for node Turn knob to set each octet. Push to accept. Illegal values
are not shown.
Subnet Mask Set subnet mask for node
(Only valid masks are shown)
Entire subnet mask is
highlighted. Turn knob to select
from list of valid masks.
Default Gateway Set default gateway for node (Only valid gateways
accepted)
Turn knob to set each octet.
Push to accept. Illegal values
are not shown.
Once the values have been set, acceptance options appear on the bottom line of the
screen. Turn knob to choose from following options.
Option Explanation
Discard Changes Discards all changes and returns to base menu
Save Changes Saves changes and returns to base menu.
NOTE: Changes are not yet applied to switch.
Save Changes and Reboot
(recommended) Saves changes and reboots the switch. Changes will apply once reboot is finished.

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Device Info/Status
Allows review of the following non-editable properties.
Property Explanation
Serial Number Factory-assigned, Pathway serial number
MAC Address Factory-assigned media access control address
Firmware Version Current operating firmware version. Firmware may
be updated using Pathport Manager software
PoE Used Total Power-over-Ethernet being drawn by all
connected devices, in watts
PoE Allocated Total current Power-over-Ethernet budgeted to all
ports, in watts
PoE Remaining Total unallocated Power-over-Ethernet available
from PoE power supply, in watts
Back Returns to base menu
If Power-over-Ethernet has not been manually configured using Pathport Manager, PoE
will not function. All PoE values will be reported as 0.0W.
Very Important: The VIA12 requires an external PoE power supply for PoE to be
operational. The VIA12 does not have an on-board PoE supply.

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VLAN Setup
Allows review and editing of global VLAN properties used by the switch. By default,
VLAN support is Disabled. Once VLAN support is Enabled, the following menu is shown.
Property Explanation
VLAN Support: Enabled VLANs are active. If the status is reported as
Disabled, the items below will NOT be shown.
VLAN Range Start: <x> Specifies the lowest VLAN ID# available. Valid
range is 1 thru 4095. Default is 1.
VLAN Range End: <x> Specifies the highest VLAN ID# available. Valid
range is 1 thru 4095. Default is 10.
Management VLAN: <x>
Specifies the VLAN ID# used by the management
processor. This value MUST be within the range
specified by the range start and end set above, or
you will not be able to configure the switch.
VLAN Config/Status Opens the VLAN configuration submenu – see
below. Firmware 3.6.1 or higher required.
Back Returns to base menu
Plan the VLAN layout first. The creation of a map of the network, showing which devices
and which ports to associate with a given VLAN, is strongly recommended prior to
configuration.
For efficient switch operation, the VLAN range should be kept as small as necessary.
VLAN ID# are assigned to individual ports from the Port Configuration Menu, as
described below.
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT NOTE: When configuring one or multiple VIA switches
from Pathport Manager, be certain all switches are set to the same Management
VLAN ID#. Be certain that the port connected to your computer is also on the
same VLAN ID#. Failure to observe this rule will result in what appears to be a
broken network, and embarrassment upon realizing the operator error.
Important: VLAN support must enabled to allow access to the Ring Protection feature.
Once the Ring Protection feature is operating, VLANs cannot be disabled.
For more information on VLANs and definition of terms, see the appendix.

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VLAN Configuration and Setup
The following options are available in firmware 3.6.1 and higher.
A list of available VLANs, as defined in the menu above, will be shown. Select a VLAN
to enter the configuration menu.
Important: Although these values apply to the VLAN itself, and are independent of the
overall settings of the switch, all values must be set on each switch in the network, for
each VLAN in use on that switch.
Property Explanation
Network Setup Set the base IP address, subnet mask and default
gateway specific to the selected VLAN.
IGMP Snooping Enable/disable IGMP snooping – allows the switch
to correctly filter multi-cast traffic
IGMP Querier Enable/disable the IGMP querier – creates the
multicast tables used by snooping
Current Groups Shows the table of multi-cast groups in use on the VLAN. Click on a group to see which ports are
subscribers to that group.
Back Returns to base menu
VLAN configuration should be performed on each switch, on each VLAN in use on that
switch.
Although a switch may utilize multiple VLANs, on each VLAN, each switch must uniquely
identify itself. Each VLAN active on a given switch must be manually assigned an IP
address and subnet, and this IP address must be different on each switch using the
VLAN. By default, only the management VLAN is automatically assigned an IP and
subnet mask. All other VLANs default to a null value (0.0.0.0).
IGMP snooping allows the switch to more efficiently route multi-cast traffic by applying
the multicast groupings as a filter. Each end device informs the switch of the multi-cast
groups it requires, and the switch only forwards packets sent to that multi-cast address.
At least one IGMP querier (preferably two) must be active on each VLAN that has
snooping enabled. If no querier is active, the groupings table will fail after approximately
five minutes and filtering will only work erratically or will fail altogether.

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Ring Protect Setup
This option will only be shown if VLAN support is enabled.
Property Explanation
Ring Protect Mode:
Shows the current state of the switch. Press knob
to change between:
Disabled: Ring Protection feature is turned off
Master: Only one switch may be set as the Master.
Transit: All other switches must be set as Transit.
Primary Port: <x> Designates which port to use as the active uplink port to other switches. Valid range is port 11 thru
14 only.
Secondary Port: <x> Designates which port to use as the fall back link
to other switches. Valid range is port 11 thru 14.
Control VLAN: <x>
Specifies the VLAN ID# used to determine the
integrity of the ring. This VLAN may not be used
for any other traffic. Valid ID# is any VLAN outside
the range set in VLAN setup.
Save and Apply Returns to base menu
Discard Changes Returns to base menu
Warning: During the set up and configuration of the Ring Protection feature,
communication between devices may be erratic or broken. We strongly recommend that
all switches be configured with the appropriate Ring Protection settings PRIOR to be
connected together. We also strongly recommend that all switches be disconnected from
one another PRIOR to disabling the ring feature.
Prior to set up, determine which switch will be the master. Generally, the least busy
switch is the best choice. All other switches must be configured as transit switches.
All switches must have both a primary and a secondary ring port set. These ports will be
automatically configured as Tagged (uplink) ports, meaning all traffic on all VLANs will
be passed through the ports.
If changes are made to the ring configuration while the ring is active, it may be
necessary to reboot all switches for the changes to take effect.
Utilities
Allows the switch to be rebooted or factory-defaulted from the front panel. The action
must be confirmed before being applied. After confirmation, the rotary knob will be
locked out, and about 15 to 20 seconds will pass before the LCD changes.
Factory default disables and defaults all VLANs, but does not change the switch’s IP
settings. Factory default including Net Setup also defaults the base switch IP settings.

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Port Status and Configuration Menu
Port Status may be reviewed by turning to rotary knob to reach the desired port. The
LCD shows the following default information.
The port’s soft label is shown on the top line. By default, the label is the port number.
Below is shown the port number and the link status or speed.
From the Port Status screen of the desired port, push the button. The Port Configuration
menu will be shown.
The chart below shows all port configuration menu options. The VLAN options are only
shown if VLANs are enabled.
Label
Link Mode: <current status>
VLAN: <current setting>
VLAN ID: <x>
PoE Setup / Status
LLDP Link Partner
Bandwidth use: x%
<Back>
The item available for editing will be highlighted in reverse video. Rotate the knob to
scroll through the list of properties. Push the knob to edit. The list of choices will be
displayed, with asterisks on either side of the current setting. Highlight the desired new
setting by rotating the knob and push to select. The asterisks will now bracket the new
setting. Scroll to the bottom of the list and select “<Back>” to return to the previous
menu level.
Port x Configuration
Lin Mode:Auto negotiate
PoE Setup / Status
<Port Name>
Port x : <lin speed>
VLAN <x>

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Port Link Mode
Allows review and editing of the port’s communication speed.
Auto-negotiation allows the switch and the connected device to determine the fastest
mutually supported connection speed. However, there are some situations where, due
to poor cabling, interference or traffic congestion, ability to force the connection to a
particular speed is desirable.
Range is from 10Mb – Half Duplex ( a common value for older nodes) to 1000Mb
(Gigabit) – Full Duplex. The port may also be disabled.
NOTE: It is not possible to force a device to connect at a speed faster than the device’s
network interface hardware will support.
Property
Explanation
Available S
ettings
Link Mode Sets port communication speed
Disabled
Auto Negotiate (recommended)
10Mbit Half Duplex
10Mbit Full Duplex
100Mbit Half Duplex
100Mbit Full Duplex
1Gbit Full Duplex
<Back> Returns to previous menu

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Port VLAN Configuration
Allows review and editing of the port’s VLAN properties. These properties are only
shown if VLANs have been enabled.
Plan the VLAN layout first. The creation of a map of the network, showing which devices
and which ports to associate with a given VLAN, is strongly recommended prior to
configuration.
Once the VLAN range is set from the Base Configuration menu, by default a port is set
as Untagged (Normal) with a VLAN ID# of 1, or the lowest number of the VLAN range, if
the range starts with an ID# higher than 1. Ports set as Untagged only transmit data
packets in the VLAN specified by the ID# and are typically connected to end equipment.
A port may also be set as a Tagged (Uplink) port. A Tagged port does not require a
VLAN ID#, and this option will not be shown. Ports set as Tagged transmit all data
packets regardless of the packet’s VLAN ID. Tagged ports are typically connected to
other switches.
Property
Explanation
Available Settings
VLAN Sets type of port connection
Untagged (Normal):
Typically
connected to end equipment
Tagged (Uplink): Typically
connected to another switch.
VLAN ID# Sets the VLAN tag used by the port
Property is only shown for
Untagged ports. Only VLAN
ID#s within the range defined in
the VLAN Setup will be shown.
<Back> Returns to previous menu

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Port PoE Setup/Status
Allows review and management of power consumption used by devices running on
Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) supplied by the VIA12.
Except for Max Allocation, the PoE settings are not user-editable. The Maximum PoE
Allocation allows you to set an upper limit to the power available to a connected device,
such as a node. Use Max Allocation to ensure critical devices will have power. Also use
Max Allocation to compensate for Class 0 device power allocation. Many older PoE
devices cannot report their class. The switch automatically treats these devices as
Class 0 and allocates the full, default 15.4W to their ports.
If Max Allocation for every port is left at 15.4W, PoE is allocated by the switch: a) when
the switch is power cycled, PoE is allocated starting with Port 1, then port-by-port
through port 12. Otherwise, PoE is allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis,
dependent on the order devices are plugged into the switch.
Troubleshooting tip: If the green PoE LED on the front panel is blinking, the maximum
allocation is too low for the connected device, the PoE power supply has not been set up
(see note below) or all available power is already allocated.
Property
Explanation
Available Settings
PoE: Class <x> As reported by device
Settings not editable.
PoE: Not Detected – not a
PoE device
Class 0 - No class reported
Class 1 - Uses up to 5W
Class 2 - Uses up to 10W
Class 3 - Uses up to 15W
PoE used: <x> Consumption in watts as reported
by the PoE controller Not editable
PoE Allocated: <x>
Reports the maximum draw
allowed by the PoE class, or the
limit set by the user, whichever is
the
lower
amount.
Not editable
Max PoE Allocation: <x> Sets the PoE allocation for the port. Default is 15.4W, regardless
of the size of the power supply
Shows list of options from
0.9W to 15.4W, in 900mW
increments. Default is
15.4W.
<Back> Returns to previous menu
IMPORTANT NOTE: The VIA12 ships with hardware support for IEEE 802.3af Power-
over-Ethernet standard (PoE). In order to make use of this hardware, an external
48VDC auxiliary power supply, such as Pathway # 700-7948-100, must be connected to
the VIA12.
Once the power supply is connected, the VIA switch must be configured with the
size – in watts – of the supply USING PATHPORT MANAGER SOFTWARE. The front
panel does not allow a power supply size to be set at this time.

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LLDP Link Partner
Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) is an industry-standard method for device
announcement and reporting described in the IEEE 802.1AB standard. Any Ethernet-
aware device may announce itself using LLDP, not just switches. Currently, the latest
Pathport and VIA firmware enables this protocol. The information shown in the chart
may be retrieved and shown on the VIA12’s LCD, for each Pathport LLDP-enabled
device connected to the switch, on a port-by-port basis. Other LLDP-enabled devices
may return different information.
Property Explanation
Manufacturer For example, Pathway Connectivity
Product Name For example: Pathport Octo DMS Node
Firmware version Operating code version number
IP Address
Subnet Mask
Gateway
MAC Address
Serial Number
<Back> Returns to base menu
Bandwidth Use
Shows, as a percentage, the bandwidth used on the selected port. Bandwidth is relative
to the port speed as set above, i.e. if the port is set to 100Mbit, a bandwidth use of 55%
is equal 55Mbit of traffic per second.
Firmware Upgrades
Firmware upgrades may only be done using Pathport Manager software, available on
the Pathway website: www.pathwayconnect.com.

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Appendix 1: Fiber Adapter Selection
The Pathway Connectivity VIA Gigabit Switch allows for the end user to provide a fiber
adaptor. The adaptors are typically referred to as an SFP (Small Form Pluggable
transceiver) or mini-GBIC (gigabit interface converter).
Because of frequent catalog changes in the IT world, it is not possible to recommend
part numbers from specific manufacturers. The following are guidelines for selection.
1. The form factor must be stated as SFP (not SFP+, XENpack or others).
2. The fiber connector is LC Duplex.
3. The SFP must support Optical Gigabit Ethernet, typically referred to as 1000BASE-SX
or 1000BASE-LX.
4. The SFP must match the type of fiber installed, either Single Mode or Multi-Mode.
5. The SFP must support the distance required, which in turn determines the optical
wavelength. 850nm is typically used for runs up to 550m, while 1310nm is typically
used for runs up to 10km.
We strongly recommend each end of the connection use an identical SFP.
When the SFP module is inserted in the switch, the Module Present LED will light up. If
an incompatible module is detected, the Error LED will light up. The Port status, on the
LCD screen, for Port 11 (VIA10) or Port 13 or 14 (VIA12) will indicate 1000BASE-LX or
1000BASE-SX, as well as the link status.
The VIA10 will only work with 1000BASE fiber modules, and will not work with non-fiber
(SFP modules that convert to Gigabit copper) or 100BASE fiber modules. The VIA12
should work with these other SFP module variations, but has not been tested.
When connecting a VIA to another manufacturer’s switch using fiber, please bear in
mind that some switches check the manufacturer’s ID, as announced by the SFP, and
will only connect to a matching brand. VIA switches do not perform a manufacturer’s ID
check, and should work with any SFP module meeting the criteria above (Cisco, Finisar,
Netgear, etc.)

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Appendix 2: Virtual Local Area Network
A VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) is a group of ports on the switch (or switches) that
are configured to pass traffic to one another, but not to ports on any other VLAN. When
multiple VLANs are established, some ports on the switch may need to be configured
specifically to pass all VLAN traffic, to ensure overall traffic is routed correctly.
This feature allows the user to arrange lighting consoles, nodes and other network gear
into groups of equipment. The usual purpose is to minimize unnecessary traffic to the
equipment, or to segregate different types of equipment (lighting, audio, video) so that
the network does not get flooded with redundant data.
Definitions
VLAN naming practices are confusing. The following terms are paired interchangeably
in this manual: Normal and Untagged; Uplink and Tagged.
Normal/Untagged ports belong to a specific VLAN as configured by the user, and will
only pass traffic that belongs to that VLAN.
Uplink/Tagged ports pass all network traffic with VLAN ‘tags’ within the VLAN range
established for that switch (see Range Configuration below).
Tag refers to the marker added to (or removed from) the data packet as the packet
enters or exits from a Normal/Untagged port on the switch. The “Tag” determines which
VLAN the data packet is assigned to.
Management VLAN refers to the VLAN the switch’s management processor is assigned
to. Care must be taken that the Management VLAN is used by at least one
Normal/Untagged port on the switch, or the ability to configure the switch may be lost. It
is strongly recommended that the Management VLAN be identical to the VLAN Range
Start.
VLAN ID (ID#) is assigned to Normal/Untagged ports and determines which VLAN that
port operates within.
Currently, the VIA10 and VIA12 only support static, port-based VLANs. A
Normal/Untagged port may only be associated with one VLAN ID# at a given time.
Software Configuration Of VLANs
VLANs may be configured from builds of Pathport Manager 5 software that support this
feature. Refer to the Pathport Manager documentation for configuration instructions.
When using software to configure the VIA switch, make sure your computer is connected
to a Normal (Untagged) port set to the same VLAN ID# as used by the Management
VLAN. Failure to do so will result in loss of communication.

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VLAN Guidelines
Plan the VLAN layout first. The creation of a map of the network, showing which devices
to associate with which VLAN, is strongly recommended prior to configuration.
Generally speaking, ports connected to end devices will be configured as
Normal/Untagged and given a VLAN ID#.
Ports connected to other VIA switches will typically be set as Uplink/Tagged, so multiple
VLANs may be forwarded between switches, or when a VLAN must be forwarded
through an intermediate switch (where that VLAN is not in use) on to a third switch
beyond. It is possible to set the ports to Normal/Untagged, and given and VLAN ID#, in
cases where it’s desirable to pass only one VLAN between swtiches.
It is strongly recommended that the ports used to connect separate switches should be
set to matching configurations.
When configuring VLANs, remember that each switch must be uniquely identified on
each VLAN in use on that switch. By default, only the management VLAN is
automatically assigned an IP and subnet mask. All other VLANs default to a null IP
address value (0.0.0.0). Use the Network Configuration options available from the VLAN
configuration screen to configure the desired IP settings for each VLAN.

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Appendix 3: Ring Protection
Ethernet wiring schemes are based on a ‘star’-wiring topology. Ring (or loop) data
wiring – where the last device in a chain is wired back to the first device – is forbidden.
Only one data path between any two devices is allowed.
But star-wiring layouts are prone to single point failures. Unlike DMX512 transmission,
passive data ‘thru’ connections are not possible with Ethernet, which means there is no
redundancy under normal operation. A severed cable or power loss to a switch can
mean the loss of some or even all show control.
Ring Protection allows the deliberate – and designed – use of a ring wiring system for
Ethernet communications. When in this mode, VIA 12 switches ignore data traffic on
one segment of the ring, while monitoring the integrity of the remaining connections. If
an interruption is detected, the unused ring segment is activated and full communication
is restored. Fail-over time is between 50 and 75 milliseconds, or two to four DMX
packets.
Requirements and Limitations
VLANs must be enabled to use Ring Protection. The mode uses a dedicated VLAN to
monitor the integrity of the ring. By default, VLAN 4095 is used.
Only the rear ports (ports 11 through 14) on the VIA 12 may be used with this feature.
Ring Protection works with Pathport VIA 12 switches only. Switches from other
manufacturers can co-exist on the network, but should not be placed in-line with the ring.
Definitions
Master switch monitors the integrity of communications. Only one switch on the network
may be configured as the master. If choice is available, the least busy switch should be
chosen as the master.
Transit switches receive and forward the ring monitoring packets. All switches other
than the Master must be set as transit switches.
Primary port is the main (active) UPLINK connection link on the Master switch, joining
to the rest of the network. All transit switches must also have one port configured as the
primary. Only ports 11 through 14 are available to be used as the primary port.
Secondary port is an UPLINK port ‘ignored’ (logically blocked) by the Master switch to
break the ring topology. All transit switches also must have one port configured as the
secondary port. The secondary port is actively used on transit switches. Only ports 11
through 14 are available to be used as the secondary port.
Control VLAN is a unique VLAN ID dedicated to monitoring the health of the network.
All switches must use the same control VLAN. The default is VLAN ID 4095.