Essential things to know before you start

Essential Things to Know Before You Start

Learning computer networking is not difficult, but it does require a basic understanding of the hardware used to connect devices. This article introduces the networking concepts most commonly encountered in animated lighting displays.

Wire

The most common network cable used today is **Category 5e (Cat5e)** or **Category 6 (Cat6)** Ethernet cable. These cables are specifically designed to carry low-voltage digital data between network devices.

Ethernet cable contains eight conductors arranged as four twisted pairs. Each pair is twisted at a different rate to reduce electrical interference and improve signal integrity. Cat5e and Cat6 cable are available with either solid or stranded conductors, typically 24 AWG.

Because these cables are designed for data communication, they are **not** intended to carry high current or high voltage.

Ethernet cables typically use RJ45 connectors, making it easy to connect network devices.

Important: Just because a cable has an RJ45 connector, or a device has an RJ45 jack, does **not** mean it is an Ethernet network connection. In the animated lighting hobby, RJ45 connectors are also commonly used for serial communications, DMX, Renard, and other low-voltage signaling. Always verify what a connector is used for before plugging equipment together.

Older Ethernet installations sometimes used coaxial cable (10Base2), but modern lighting networks almost exclusively use Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cable.

Switches, Hubs, and Routers

To connect multiple devices together, a network typically uses switches and routers. These devices usually receive power from an external power supply or wall adapter.

Switch

A network switch is the preferred device for connecting multiple Ethernet devices. Switches intelligently direct traffic only to the intended destination, improving network performance and reducing unnecessary traffic.

Hub

Network hubs perform a similar function but simply repeat all incoming traffic to every connected device. Hubs have largely been replaced by switches and are rarely used today.

Router

A router connects different networks together and manages communication between them. In most home installations, the router connects the local network (LAN) to the Internet (WAN), assigns IP addresses, and directs network traffic.

Many home routers also include a built-in Ethernet switch, allowing several local devices to be connected directly.

Wireless Networking

A local area network (LAN) does not have to be wired. Many lighting controllers communicate using Wi-Fi, providing greater installation flexibility.

Wireless communication is extremely convenient but can be more susceptible to interference than wired Ethernet connections.

Common wireless devices include:

Wireless Router

A router that also provides Wi-Fi connectivity.

Wireless Access Point

Extends an existing wired network by allowing wireless devices to connect.

Many holiday lighting displays successfully use both wired and wireless networking, depending on the requirements of each controller.

Holiday Lighting Networks

Many hobbyists choose to operate their lighting controllers on a dedicated network separate from their home network. This can simplify controller configuration, reduce unnecessary network traffic, and make troubleshooting easier.

Whether using wired Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or a combination of both, careful network planning contributes to a reliable lighting display.

Getting Things Working

Networking problems are almost always configuration problems rather than hardware failures. If something doesn't work, carefully verify every network setting before assuming equipment is defective.

Some helpful troubleshooting suggestions include:

• Keep your network configuration as simple as possible while testing.
• If DHCP is available, use it initially to verify that devices communicate correctly before assigning static IP addresses.
• Test Ethernet cables with an inexpensive network cable tester to verify all eight conductors are correctly connected.
• For wireless networks, verify that a laptop, tablet, or smartphone can successfully connect to the wireless network.
• If you are new to networking, spending a little time learning the basics through books, online tutorials, or videos will make troubleshooting much easier.

If you've verified your settings and still encounter problems, don't hesitate to ask for assistance on the forum. Many community members have extensive networking experience and are happy to help.