|
|
This topic comprises 2 pages: 1 2
|
|
Author
|
Topic: creating a projector ethernet network
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marcel Birgelen
Film God
Posts: 3357
From: Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands
Registered: Feb 2012
|
posted 11-19-2013 04:37 AM
You only need fiber if you have to span more than 100m or 325 feet between Ethernet devices (switch to device, switch to switch). NEVER go beyond this with copper, because it won't work (collisions and extremely bad performance if it works at all). If you need to span more than that, you can choose between either single mode or multimode fiber. Multimode fiber runs up to 500m or about 1600ft and singlemode can run up to hundred of miles, but with normal optics up to about 10km/60 miles. The price between multimode and single mode fiber usually doesn't differ very much, but the optics for your switch for multimode fiber are usually cheaper. As an alternative for fiber, you could also run copper and put a switch somewhere halfway.
If possible, I would go for one central switch or switch stack in a central location with UPS and break out from there. Like Dave said, if possible you should use separate links for your management and "media" network and make sure that your media network is capable of handling gigabit connections. Your management network is fine with 100MBit/s, but if you put it on the same gigabit switch, it won't matter too much.
Don't cheap out on the switch either. If possible, go with something reliable and preferably manageable like Cisco or HP ProCurve, not some no-name brand. The higher end switches usually allow you to create Virtual LANs. That way, you can run multiple, separated LANs on the same physical infrastructure.
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
Justin Hamaker
Film God
Posts: 2253
From: Lakeport, CA USA
Registered: Jan 2004
|
posted 11-24-2013 07:34 PM
A couple other points I would consider.
1. Since you are going to be running 2 ethernet cables from each projector to the central switch, I would recommend running a third so you have a redundant backup. It will be much simpler to do this at install, than to run a new cable later if something fails.
2. If you're able to do so, buy bulk cable, rather than pre-made. Terminate the cable at a tombstone in the projector base, and a tombstone or patch panel at the central switch.
3. Consider purchasing sets of color coded cables so you can use the same color to make the same connection at each projector (example: white for server to projector, yellow for server to switch, green for automation to switch, etc).
4. Include hidden wireless access points which provide coverage to all of your auditoriums. This will make it much easier to use a laptop in the auditorium for configuring screen files. Just make sure the SSID is not broadcast and that you change the default password.
5. Be sure to tie your office computer into the management network. This will enable to access the various devices for configuration and programming schedules.
6. Depending on your equipment and having wireless access, consider purchasing an android table which can be used to access the equipment for each auditorium. This will allow you to do things like adjust sound or trigger automation when doing auditorium checks. You may need to purchase an android VNC client or other specific apps to access some of the devices. Others can be access using the browser.
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
Marcel Birgelen
Film God
Posts: 3357
From: Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands
Registered: Feb 2012
|
posted 11-25-2013 07:42 AM
Although you didn't ask me, I do have a strong opinion about wireless access points. I've burned my hands on a lot of cheap stuff out there.
Although there are lots of similarly featured products out there, if possible, I always use Cisco Aironet APs, usually the stand-alone versions, not the "managed" solution with a central controller (which is only useful for very large deployments, like hotels, conference centers, etc.). They aren't cheap, but very reliable and if you choose the right antennas, you will need less of them to cover the same area.
They also support Power over Ethernet, so you need just a single Cat5e/Cat6 wire. You either plug them in on a PoE switch directly or put a power injector somewhere on the Ethernet line. That way, you can also power them via UPS if you want to.
They also support multiple SSIDs with different forms of authentication and encryption on each SSID. You can also map SSIDs to a certain VLAN. If you want, you can even implement a different Quality of Service profile per SSID. This way, you can run your management network, public hotspot, PoS network, etc. on the same infrastructure and also keep the ether clear of too much overlapping channels.
I would never entirely rely on wireless although, you should always have a hard-wired backup for business critical stuff.
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
Dennis Benjamin
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1445
From: Denton, MD
Registered: Feb 2002
|
posted 11-25-2013 09:47 AM
I do not think a movie theatre having a WI-FI "hotspot" for any reason is a good idea. For some businesses, yes, for Movie Theatres - no. We don't want to give another reason for people to be on their phones or tablets while in the auditorium.
Temporary wireless for technical reasons makes sense. For volume, sound checks, and setting lenses etc.
Overall wireless for operational purposes can vary at some locations. Some managers can verify credit cards, or check seating capacities etc. But the important thing, more than hardware, is security. Use the highest encryption possible for your business wireless (and your home for that matter). if it's always on, chances are there is some bored teenager trying to crack it (and the tools are out there). Even if you have the highest encryption possible, turn that signal off when it's not in use.
| IP: Logged
|
|
Marcel Birgelen
Film God
Posts: 3357
From: Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands
Registered: Feb 2012
|
posted 11-25-2013 11:24 AM
Maybe you do not want to operate an open wifi hotspot, but if you use your theater for more than just movies, like e.g. business presentations, conferences, etc. a closed hotspot is a service you probably should consider. What you should try to avoid is a hodgepodge off different, badly managed cheapo access points all on different networks throughout the building with a mixture of authentication and security protocols. Some of them probably nicely interfering with each other all the time.
It all depends on your needs and the services you want/need to offer. If you only use this network for some convenient access to your management network, you could go for the cheapest off-the-shelf access points, make the SSID hidden and put WPA2-PSK with AES on it and it. And yes, just unplug it if you do not need it, that's the most secure option.
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
|
|
All times are Central (GMT -6:00)
|
This topic comprises 2 pages: 1 2
|
Powered by Infopop Corporation
UBB.classicTM
6.3.1.2
The Film-Tech Forums are designed for various members related to the cinema industry to express their opinions, viewpoints and testimonials on various products, services and events based upon speculation, personal knowledge and factual information through use, therefore all views represented here allow no liability upon the publishers of this web site and the owners of said views assume no liability for any ill will resulting from these postings. The posts made here are for educational as well as entertainment purposes and as such anyone viewing this portion of the website must accept these views as statements of the author of that opinion
and agrees to release the authors from any and all liability.
|
Home
![[beer]](graemlins/beer.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic