QSC CM16a Hardware Manual - page 9
9
NETWORK DESCRIPTION (CONTINUED)
The simplest network configuration is a single system controller
computer and a CM16a connected by a single Ethernet crossover
cable. A standard Ethernet cable would NOT work. The crossover-
type cable must be used when connecting the CM16a directly to the
system controller computer. This type of cable switches (or crosses
over) the transmit and receive signals from one end to the other
enabling connection without any intermediate devices. See page 37
for crossover cable pinouts.
For CAT-3 or CAT-5 distances longer than 100 meters (~300 feet) a
repeater must be used. An active hub or Ethernet switch may be
used as well. Active hubs “clean up” and retransmit the network
traffic, much as a repeater does, only with multiple ports. The active
hub or switch would allow for future expansion.
If there are two or more CM16a’s in the network (or other network
devices present) use a hub or switch to create a star topology.
Some networks have multiple system controller computers. This con-
figuration is essentially the same as the second example with the
addition of the second computer attached to the hub or switch.
To create the more complex distributed star topologies needed for
larger systems, use additional hubs or switches. Some have special
uplink ports for connecting to other hubs or switches via a standard
Ethernet cable. If the hubs or switches do not have uplink ports, then
the hub-to-hub or switch-to-switch connection should use a cross-
over-type Ethernet cable.