System information

Reference Guide Crestron 2-Series Control System
32 • 2-Series Control Systems Reference Guide – DOC. 6256A
Master-Slave Modes
Introduction
Master-Slave mode is a network configuration that allows a Crestron 2-Series control
system to access ports on other Crestron 2-Series control systems over Cresnet or
Ethernet. By attaching a “slave” control system to a “master” control system, the
master control system can use ports it may not normally have (I/O, IR, RF, etc.).
In a master-slave environment, the master control system contains the SIMPL
Windows program that controls all Cresnet and Ethernet devices attached to it. The
slave control system turns off its processing capabilities and behaves exactly like any
other Cresnet or Ethernet device. It obeys the program in the master control system,
making its ports available for control by the master. By using slave systems, only
one master program has to be written to control multiple slave systems.
NOTE: If there is a need for a control system to run its own program but be able to
communicate with other control systems, use the Intersystem Communications
symbol for peer-to-peer communications between control systems over Ethernet or
serial communications. For more information on the Intersystem Communications
symbol, refer to the SIMPL Windows help file.
Depending on a control system’s communications capabilities, a control system may
function as a Cresnet master, a Cresnet slave, an Ethernet master, or an Ethernet
slave.
Definitions
Cresnet Master
When in the Cresnet master mode (the default mode for most control systems), a
master control system can control Cresnet and Ethernet devices (if equipped with
Ethernet capabilities) as well as control systems operating in the Cresnet slave mode.
Control systems with Cresnet and Ethernet capabilities can function as a Cresnet
master and Ethernet master simultaneously.
Cresnet Slave
A control system operating in the Cresnet slave mode operates as a Cresnet device
and makes its built-in ports (except for Cresnet and Ethernet) available to a master
control system. While operating in the Cresnet slave mode, any program that is
loaded into the control system will not run. When operating in Cresnet slave mode, a
control system can address any installed hardware, but it cannot address Cresnet or
Ethernet network devices.
Slave control systems with Cresnet and Ethernet abilities can be configured to
operate as either Cresnet or Ethernet slaves, not both. If a slave system is
accidentally configured as both, it will operate in the Cresnet slave mode.
Ethernet Master
When operating as an Ethernet master, a master control system can control Ethernet
and Cresnet devices (if equipped with Cresnet capabilities) as well as control
systems operating in the Ethernet slave mode.