Specifications

24
DIGITAL | NETWORK
Q-Sys
™
Networking with Q-LAN
One of the major strengths of a Q-Sys
™
system is Q-LAN, our IT-friendly third-
generation networked media distribution
technology. Instead of reinventing the wheel,
we designed Q-LAN around off-the-shelf
networking components, enabling Q-Sys to
operate over standard Gigabit Ethernet with
no proprietary network equipment required.
That means that many existing facilities
are already equipped to run Q-Sys without
network upgrades, and new networks can
take advantage of lower costs and broader
equipment choices by using standard
hardware. It also means that your IT staff
will already be familiar with the networking
required for Q-Sys operation, allowing you to
leverage existing tools and training in support
of your new advanced audio capabilities.
Q-LAN advantages
Q-LAN enables the following Q-Sys
advantages:
• Existing network hardware — Q-LAN
passes audio through standard Gigabit
Ethernet switches. We don’t rely on
uncommon switches with costly
proprietary features.
• Familiar IP-standard protocols —
Q-LAN transports audio-stream packets
using the same Layer 3 networking
protocols (UDP/IP) that IT staff
everywhere already implement and
troubleshoot on a daily basis.
• Wide area access — Q-LAN’s
compatibility with standard protocols
and networking hardware allows
remote connection of user interface and
control components through standard
network segments (e.g. fast Ethernet,
Wi-Fi, or WAN), extending control
beyond the confines of the local area.
• Infrastructure sharing — Q-LAN uses
Layer 3 DiffServ QoS to categorize
and prioritize network traffic, thereby
allowing Q-Sys to run over a shared
network without segregating audio
traffic via tedious VLAN configuration.
• Low, fixed latency — Q-LAN audio
latency is less than 0.66 ms, allowing
overall system latency to be fixed at
a low 2.5 ms from any input, through
the Core to any output. With fixed
latency, the complex calculations
and adjustments required for typical
distributed DSP systems are a thing of
the past.
• Precise timing — Q-LAN uses the IEEE
1588 Precision time protocol (PTP) to
establish and distribute a master clock
for audio packet synchronization.
• Fault tolerance — For maximum
protection against failure, Q-Sys accom-
modates a fully redundant networking
configuration, and Q-LAN supports all
standard Ethernet and Layer 3 fault
tolerance strategies (spanning tree, link
aggregation, IP routing, vendor-specific
meshing and fail-over, self-monitoring,
and redundant power supplies).
Networking for Amplifiers
While Q-Sys works well with any standard
power amplifier, the full benefit of
an integrated solution is realized
when Q-Sys is used with DataPort-
equipped QSC amplifiers. QSC was
first to commercialize Ethernet-enabled
amplifier control and monitoring,
and Q-Sys reflects that long-standing
expertise. Using a standard VGA-style
connector that simplifies wiring and
speeds installation, a DataPort makes
the amplifier part of a smart, centrally
controlled system that enables efficient
system supervision and control.
System management via DataPort
Keeping track of the condition of each
amp and loudspeaker in a complex,
facility-wide system can be a daunting,
labor-intensive task. DataPort allows Q-Sys
to handle this for you by monitoring the
performance of every component in the
system. Information passed between
Q-Sys and the amplifier via DataPort
enables far more effective management
oftheoverallinstalledsoundsystem:
• Real time performance metrics —
DataPort enables real-time reporting
on the status of each amplifier channel
and its attached loads, including speaker
fault detection. Status and events are
logged in the Q-Sys Event Log.
• Reduced downtime — Component
metrics reported via DataPort allow the
system manager to pick up on changes