ADDERLink INFINITY Manual V33
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20 INSTALLATION CONFIGURATION OPERATION FURTHERINFORMATION INDEX 9 For installations that require multiple RX units to receive the same feeds, for either video or audio or both, then you need to configure the Multicast Settings section. The Video and Audio sub-sections are configured in exactly the same way: • First, tick the Enable Multicast Video / Enable Multicast Audio check box. • Next, enter appropriate Multicast Addresses for the Video/Audio data stream(s). The set of IP addresses between 224.0.0.0 and 239.255.255.255 are specifically reserved for multicast operations. Within a private enterprise network, you merely need to choose a location that is currently unused. However, if your link will pass through public networks, then attention must be given to finding an address within these limits that is not already reserved for special use. The IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority) website: iana.org provides a list of publicly reserved addresses. 7 Most often the video, audio, USB and serial data streams are supplied by the same TX unit, so a single primary (and optional secondary) IP address(es) can be used. However, it is possible to receive the various data streams from different transmitters, in which case, click the blue arrow to reveal the four separate video, audio, USB and serial addresses: The default setting for all four entries is the standard IP address that is factory set within every TX unit (169.254.1.33). Optionally alter the target IP addresses for each data feed and click the Update Now button. 8 Once the Target Transmitter Unit Settings section is expanded, below each IP Address entry there are the optional (Use ETH2 for... etc.) settings for the secondary (redundant) data streams when linking with ALIF dual transmitters. Although the video, audio, USB and serial streams can come from separate transmitters; if the secondary options are used here, then the secondary feeds for each data type must come from Teaming port of the SAME transmitter as the primary feed for that data type. Additionally, the video section has a Video No. setting which allows you to choose between the primary or secondary video ports of the ALIF dual transmitter. The video and audio multicast addresses must be different. The addresses that you enter will be used by the RX unit to ‘listen-in’ on the video and audio data streams output by the TX unit. The same IP addresses need to be set on every RX unit that will similarly receive the video and audio data streams. 10 Click the Update Now button to save. Repeat the IP addressing and multicast configuration steps for all RX units that will be part of the one-to-many installation. For most installations, the successful implementation of these configuration steps will result in a correctly working system.
21 INSTALLATION CONFIGURATION OPERATION FURTHERINFORMATION INDEX PERFORMING AN UPGRADE ALIF units are flash upgradeable using the method outlined here. However, for larger installations we recommend that you use the AdderLink Infinity Manager (A.I.M.) to upgrade multiple ALIF units. When using the method below, the ALIF unit will be upgraded in sequence. IMPORTANT: Upgrades must be performed on both the transmitters and the receivers at the same time. Mixed firmware operation is not supported. WARNING: During the upgrade process, ensure that power is not interrupted as this may leave the unit in an inoperable state. To upgrade a single unit via network link 1 Download the latest upgrade file from the Adder Technology website. Note: There are separate upgrade files for TX and RX units. 2 Temporarily connect the ALIF unit and a computer via a network (see AdderLink Infinity browser-based configuration utility section for details). 3 Run a web browser on your computer and enter the IP address of the ALIF unit to be upgraded. 4 Click the Firmware Upgrade link. Within the Firmware Upgrade page, click the Choose File button. In the subsequent file dialog, locate the downloaded upgrade file - check that the file is correct for the unit being upgraded. 5 Click the Upgrade Now button. A progress bar will be displayed (however, if your screen is connected to the unit being upgraded then video may be interrupted) and the indicators on the front panel will flash while the upgrade is in progress. 6 The indicators should stop flashing in less than one minute, after which the unit will automatically reboot itself. The upgrade process is complete. Finding the latest upgrade files Firmware files for the ALIF units are available from the Technical Support > Updates section of the Adder Technology website (www.adder.com). OPTIONS SWITCHES A pair of Options switches are located on the rear panel of every ALIF unit. Switch 1 - firmware image select Each ALIF unit retains a backup firmware image which can be used in situations where the primary firmware becomes corrupted (most often through failed upgrade operations). Using the backup firmware will allow you to regain operation of the unit. Option switch 1 OFF Normal operation using the main firmware ON Operate using the backup firmware image Option switch 2 is reserved and must remain in the OFF (up) position for normal operation. Note: It is possible to downgrade the AdderLink Infinity firmware. After installing the older firmware, perform a factory reset on each AdderLink Infinity in order to clear the configuration file.
22 INSTALLATION CONFIGURATION OPERATION FURTHERINFORMATION INDEX In operation, many ALIF installations require no intervention once configured. The TX and RX units take care of all connection control behind the scenes so that you can continue to work unhindered. FRONT PANEL INDICATORS The six front panel indicators on each unit provide a useful guide to operation: Operation Indicators These six indicators clearly show the key aspects of operation: • NET On when valid network link is present. • SER On when the AUX (serial) port is enabled and active. • AUD On when audio is enabled and active. • USB On when USB is enabled and active. • DV I On when the DVI Video channel is enabled. • PWR Power indicator. HT
23 INSTALLATION CONFIGURATION OPERATION FURTHERINFORMATION INDEX This chapter contains a variety of information, including the following: • Getting assistance - see right • Appendix A - Transmitter (TX) unit configuration pages • Appendix B - Receiver (TX) unit configuration pages • Appendix C - Tips for success when networking ALIF units • Appendix D - Troubleshooting • Appendix E - Glossary • Appendix F - RS232 ‘null-modem’ cable, General specifications. • Safety information • Warranty • Radio frequency energy statements GETTING ASSISTANCE If you are still experiencing problems after checking the information contained within this guide, then we provide a number of other solutions: • Online solutions and updates – www.adder.com/support Check the Support section of the adder.com website for the latest solutions and firmware updates. • Adder Forum – forum.adder.com Use our forum to access FAQs and discussions. • Technical support – www.adder.com/contact-support-form For technical support, use the contact form in the Support section of the adder.com website - your regional office will then get in contact with you. Further information HT
24 INSTALLATION CONFIGURATION OPERATION FURTHERINFORMATION INDEX APPENDIX A - Transmitter (TX) unit configuration pages This section covers the browser-based configuration utility for the AdderLink Infinity TX (transmitter) unit. The TX utility has ten pages, titled as follows: • System Configuration • System Messages • Video Configuration • Statistics • USB Settings • Firmware Upgrade • Security • Reboot • AIM Manager • About
25 INSTALLATION CONFIGURATION OPERATION FURTHERINFORMATION INDEX Unit NameName details that you can alter to distinguish this unit from all others. The name entered here will be read by A.I.M. units (if used) for administration purposes. Unit DescriptionAllows you to optionally add a description of the unit, such as its location. Useful when many ALIF units are being used. System IP AddressEnter the address that you wish to use for this transmitter. The default is 169.254.1.33 which is the zero config IP address that allows the unit to work immediately in point-to-point mode. You are recommended to change this to an appropriate address in the private IP range 192.168.xxx.xxx System NetmaskEnter the netmask that you wish to use for this transmitter. The default is 255.255.0.0. If you change the IP address to the private range, you are recommended to change this to 255.255.255.0 System GatewayNecessary when receiver units may be placed on a different network. Enable optionsThese checkboxes allow you to determine which peripheral options will be used: Video, audio, USB and serial. Serial port optionsThese allow you to match the serial configuration being used by the attached PC host. Identify unitWhen clicked, these buttons cause the front panel indicators to flash to assist with identifying the ALIF unit within a rack. • The Identify Unit (short) button flashes the indicators for five seconds. • The Identify Unit (long) button flashes the indicators for one hour but can be overridden by clicking the Identify Unit (short) button. Target Multicast ConfigurationThe items within this section are required if a multicast group is being arranged i.e. many receivers connected to the one transmitter. For the video port and/or audio channel, you need to enter the multicast IP addresses. ThumbnailThe Thumbnail shows a snap shot of the video that is connected and reports the video resolution/color depth that has been detected. Click the Refresh Thumbnail button to update. To get here1 If not already connected, temporarily connect the AdderLink Infinity unit and a PC via a network.2 Run a web browser and enter the IP address of the TX unit. Default: http://169.254.1.33 If the address is unknown, perform a manual factory reset.3 If necessary, click the System Configuration link. TX System Configuration
26 INSTALLATION CONFIGURATION OPERATION FURTHERINFORMATION INDEX TX Video Configuration Peak bandwidth limiter percentageThe TX unit will employ a ‘best effort’ strategy in sending video and other data over the IP network. This means it will use as much of the available network bandwidth as necessary to achieve optimal data quality, although typically the TX unit will use considerably less than the maximum available. In order to prevent the TX unit from ‘hogging’ too much of the network capacity, you can reduce this setting to place a tighter limit on the maximum bandwidth permissible to the TX unit. Range: 0 to 95%. Background RefreshThe TX unit sends portions of the video image only when they change. In order to give the best user experience, the TX unit also sends the whole video image, at a lower frame rate, in the background. The Background Refresh parameter controls the rate at which this background image is sent. The default value is ‘every 32 frames’, meaning that a full frame is sent in the background every 32 frames. Reducing this to ‘every 64 frames’ or more will reduce the amount of bandwidth that the TX unit consumes. On a high-traffic network this parameter should be reduced in this way to improve overall system performance. Options: every 32 frames, every 64 frames, every 128 frames, every 256 frames or disabled. Use Default DDC and Choose Default DDC When the Use Default DDC option is unticked, AdderLink Infinity will use the EDID that is reported by the monitor connected to the receiver unit. However, if you tick the Use Default DDC option, you can then select from a range of preset video resolutions from the Choose Default DDC drop down box. Once selected, the TX will report itself capable of only supporting this one video resolution. Please note that all of the listed video resolutions are single link DVI with a maximum pixel clock of 165MHz and a 60Hz refresh rate. Enable Hot Plug Detect...When this option is ticked, every time the monitor is changed at the receiver unit, a hot plug detect message will be sent to the graphics card of the PC attached to the TX unit. Period of Hot Plug Detect signalThis is the length of time that a hot-plug detect signal is applied. The default of 25mS is sufficient for the majority of graphics cards, however, a small minority may need to be given a longer a period. Frame skipping percentageFrame Skipping involves ‘missing out’ video frames between those captured by the TX unit. For video sources that update only infrequently or for those that update very frequently but where high fidelity is not required, frame skipping is a good strategy for reducing the overall bandwidth consumed by the system. Range: 0 to 100%. To get here1 If not already connected, temporarily connect the AdderLink Infinity unit and a PC via a network.2 Run a web browser and enter the IP address of the TX unit. Default: http://169.254.1.33 If the address is unknown, perform a manual factory reset.3 If necessary, click the Video Configuration link.
27 INSTALLATION CONFIGURATION OPERATION FURTHERINFORMATION INDEX TX USB Settings Enable Dummy Boot KeyboardWhen ticked, the TX unit reports a virtual dummy boot keyboard to the attached PC to ensure that a keyboard is always reported when the PC boots up. The dummy boot keyboard uses one of the 13 USB endpoints, therefore if all 13 endpoints are required elsewhere for USB devices (or a KVM switch only supports two HID devices) then it can be disabled by deselecting this option. See also Reserved Port Range below. Disable Hi-Speed This option allows you to force the system to run at the low/full USB speed of 12Mb/s, thus forcing USB 2.0 Hi-Speed devices to adapt to the lower rate. Hub Size Using this option you can select whether the transmitter should report itself as a 13 or a 7 port USB hub. Some USB hosts are only able to support 7 port USB hubs. If this option is set to 7, then only 7 USB devices are supported by the PC. Reserved Port Range For some devices, e.g. touch screens, you may wish to ensure that they are always reported to the same USB port number so that the USB driver will always find the device. This option allows you reserve up to 8 ports for certain devices. At the RX unit, the devices are assigned to the reserved ports. If a port reservation is to be applied, then the dummy boot keyboard should be disabled. The default value for this option is ‘0’, i.e. disabled. See Port Reservation on RX unit for further details. TX Security To get here1 If not already connected, temporarily connect the AdderLink Infinity unit and a PC via a network.2 Run a web browser and enter the IP address of the TX unit. Default: http://169.254.1.33 If the address is unknown, perform a manual factory reset.3 Click either the USB Settings or Security links, as appropriate. USB EncryptionThis setting determines whether encryption should be applied to the USB data passed across the link. Note that video data is never encrypted. Control Encryption This setting determines whether encryption should be applied to the control data passed across the link. Note that video data is never encrypted. Secure Web pages with password When ticked, this option enables https security so that the configuration pages are only accessible to the admin user with a password. Change/confirm passwordThese options allow you to change the admin password for the system.
28 INSTALLATION CONFIGURATION OPERATION FURTHERINFORMATION INDEX TX AIM Manager Enable AIM ControlClick this button to allow an A.I.M. (Adder Infinity Manager) box to take control of this TX. When the button is clicked, the TX unit will be rebooted to allow the A.I.M. box to discover and control it. TX System Messages Enable system messagesTick to allow the creation of status and error messages by the unit. Send system messages to remote Log ServerChoose this option to send the system messages to a remote server via the network. Provide the IP address of a suitable server here also. Store system messages in unitWhen ticked, this option will store system messages within the memory of the unit. Click the View messages button to view the list or the Clear messages button to delete the list. Update NowClick to save and implement any changes that you make. To get here1 If not already connected, temporarily connect the AdderLink Infinity unit and a PC via a network.2 Run a web browser and enter the IP address of the TX unit. Default: http://169.254.1.33 If the address is unknown, perform a manual factory reset.3 Click either the AIM Manager or System Messages links, as appropriate.
29 INSTALLATION CONFIGURATION OPERATION FURTHERINFORMATION INDEX TX Statistics TX Firmware Upgrade TX Reboot UpgradeUse this page to upgrade the main or backup firmware image on the unit. Please see the section Performing an upgrade for details. Reboot Use this page to perform a reboot or a factory reset. Please see the section Manual factory reset for details. To get here1 If not already connected, temporarily connect the AdderLink Infinity unit and a PC via a network.2 Run a web browser and enter the IP address of the TX unit. Default: http://169.254.1.33 If the address is unknown, perform a manual factory reset.3 Click either the Statistics , Firmware Upgrade or Reboot links, as appropriate. Enable collection of bandwidth statisticsThe ALIF unit can record data transfer statistics and plot them on a graph for troubleshooting and optimization purposes. When you enable this option, you will first be presented with a pop up from which you can choose which aspects you would like to graph: Data throughput, various packet rates and/or frame rates. SubmitClick this button after ticking the above checkbox to plot the chosen statistics on a pop up graph.