User Guide

Model 354 User Guide Issue Preliminary 1, August 2021
Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 17
Model 354
TALK STATION
be assigned using the link-local protocol. This protocol
is known in the Microsoft® world as Automatic Private
IP Addressing (APIPA). It is also sometimes referred to
as auto-IP (PIPPA). Link-local will randomly assign a
unique IP address in the IPv4 range of 169.254.0.1 to
169.254.255.254. In this way, multiple Dante-enabled
devices can be connected together and automatically
function, whether or not a DHCP server is active on
the LAN. Even two Dante-enabled devices that are
directly interconnected using an RJ45 patch cord will,
in most cases, correctly acquire IP addresses and be
able to communicate with each other.
An exception does arise when trying to directly inter
-
connect two Dante-enabled devices that use Ultimo
integrated circuits to implement Dante. The Model 354
uses an UltimoX4 “chip” and, as such, a direct one-to-
one interconnection between it and another Ultimo-
based product would typically not be supported. An
Ethernet switch linking these units would be required
to successfully interconnect the two Ultimo-based
devices. The technical reason that a switch is required
relates to the need for a slight latency (delay) in the
data flow; an Ethernet switch will provide this. This
wouldn’t typically prove to be an issue as the Model
354 uses Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) to provide
its operating power. As such, in most cases a PoE-
enabled Ethernet switch would be utilized to support
Model 354 units.
Using the Dante Controller software application,
the Model 354’s IP address and related network
parameters can be set for a manual (fixed or static)
configuration. While this is a more-involved process
than simply letting DHCP or link-local “do their thing,”
if fixed addressing is necessary then this capability is
available. But in this case, it’s highly recommended
that every unit be physically marked, e.g., directly
using a permanent marker or “console tape,” with its
specific static IP address. If knowledge of a Model
354’s IP address has been misplaced there is no reset
button or other method to easily restore the unit to a
default IP setting.
In the unfortunate event that a device’s IP address
is “lost,” the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) net
-
working command can be used to “probe” devices on
a network for this information. For example, in Win-
dows OS the arp –a command can be used to display
a list of LAN information that includes MAC addresses
and corresponding IP addresses. The simplest means
of identifying an unknown IP address is to create a
“mini” LAN with a small PoE-enabled Ethernet switch
connecting a personal computer to the Model 354.
Then by using the appropriate ARP command the
required “clues” can be obtained.
Optimizing Network Performance
For best Dante audio-over-Ethernet performance a
network that supports VoIP QoS capability is recom-
mended. In applications that utilize multicast Ethernet
traffic enabling IGMP snooping can be valuable.
(Ensure that support for PTP timing messages is
maintained.) These protocols can be implemented on
virtually all contemporary managed Ethernet switches.
There are even specialized switches that are opti-
mized for entertainment-associated applications. Re-
fer to the Audinate website (audinate.com) for details
on optimizing networks for Dante applications.
Application Firmware Version
Display
A selection in the STcontroller software application
allows the Model 354’s application firmware version
to be identified. This can be useful when working with
factory personnel on application support and trouble-
shooting. To identify the firmware version, begin by
connecting the Model 354 unit to the network (via
Ethernet with PoE) and wait until the unit starts to
function. Then, after starting STcontroller, review the
list of identified devices and select the specific Model
354 for which you want to determine its application
firmware version. Then select Version and Informa-
tion under the Device tab. A page will then display
that will provide lots of useful information, including
the application firmware version and well as details
on the Dante interface firmware.
Application Firmware Update
Procedure
It’s possible that updated versions of the application
firmware (embedded software) that is utilized by the
Model 354’s microcontroller (MCU) integrated circuit
will be released to add features or correct issues.
Refer to the Studio Technologies’ website for the
latest application firmware file. The unit has the abil-
ity to load a revised file into its MCU’s non-volatile
memory by way of a USB interface. The Model 354
implements a USB host function that directly supports
connection of a USB flash drive. The Model 354’s