Rane Mongoose Design Manual - Page 47

MONGOOSE Design Manual Connecting the Mongoose to a Network - Best Practices As previously mentioned, the Mongoose connects to two types of networks - a control network and a CobraNet network. Both networks use Ethernet, but one sends and receives control data while the other sends and receives audio data. Each of these networks is described in detail below, along with recommendations for designing and implementing the networks. Note: As a general rule, it is usually best to separate the control network and the CobraNet network. This is due to the different behaviors, needs, and requirements of the two networks. About the Control Network The control network is needed for configuring and managing the Mongoose. You use the Mongoose Ethernet port to connect the device to a computer running the Mongoose Tracker software. You can connect this port (via CAT 5 or fiber) to an Ethernet network switch, or you can use a standard Ethernet patch cable to connect the port directly to a computer. Because this port contains auto-MDIX functionality, you do not need to use a crossover cable - although it will also work. Zero Configuration Networking You probably know that when setting up networks, you typically need to configure IP addresses or enable dynamic assignment of IP addresses to the devices on the network. The Mongoose system is no exception. After all, the computer has to have some way of finding the Mongoose devices on the network. You'll be glad to know, however, that the engineers at Rane designed the Mongoose to greatly simplify this process. We are even willing to say that as long as all your control network connections are working properly, the Mongoose software will magically find all the Mongoose devices on the network - without any additional configuration. The Mongoose software uses a technology called Zero Configuration Networking (or Zeroconf ), which is a set of techniques that automatically creates a usable IP network without configuration or special servers. In other words, you won't need to mess with IP addresses when setting up your Mongoose control network. Although rare, there may be a few exceptions to this. For example, if your control network needs to send data through a router, you may need to configure one or more static IP addresses. In such situations or in any large or complex network, we recommend working with the organization's IT department. About the CobraNet Network The CobraNet network is needed for transmission and reception of audio data between the Mongoose and other audio processing equipment. You use the CobraNet port to provide a network path for audio data to and from the Mongoose. There are two CobraNet ports on the back of the Mongoose - Primary and Secondary. Use the Primary port for your main CobraNet network. Use the Secondary port only if your system includes a backup CobraNet network. The Secondary port provides automatic redundancy should your primary network fail. Note that the CobraNet port does not contain auto-MDIX functionality, therefore you must use a crossover cable when connecting the Mongoose directly to another CobraNet device. Note: Although you perform most of the management and configuration tasks for Mongoose via the control network, you can manage some aspects of CobraNet via the CobraNet network. This requires the use of an SNMP MIB browser or CobraNet Disco software. 47