User Manual

Step 3 Bidirectional Loop Settings
10
Bidirectional Loops
A bidirectional loop is a segment of the network where data may be transferred in both
upstream and downstream directions. In most cases, it is desirable for the network to be
bidirectional. However there are some cases where data transfer must be mono
directional. (See the side notes on the Tree Topology.) EtherSound allows the user to
specify which segments of the network are bidirectional.
The starting point of a bidirectional loop is the primary master device, unless another
device has its Start Loop parameter set to ON. (See the side notes on The Start Loop
parameter). The end of a bidirectional loop is a device called the Loopback device. The
Loop Back device is a device having its End Loop parameter set to ON. If there are
several devices with End Loop set to ON, the Loopback device will be the one furthest
from the Primary Master. At the Loop Back device, downstream channels will be looped
back onto upstream channels.
Note: When using End Loop, downstream channels will still be transmitted beyond the
loopback device. Setting a device as the end of the loop does not prevent data from being
transmitted further downstream.
Downstream
Upstream
Loopback Device
Primary
Master
End Loop ON
(ignored)
End Loop
ON
End Loop
OFF
End Loop
OFF