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    Andrew Riter
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RFR, Ions, VPN and VRFs

Hi ETC.

I've always had issues with the RFR dropping its WIFI signal consistently at various focus points in the Concert Hall, especially where the "line of sight" is more of a bounce shot to the booth under the balcony.

 

The solution (maybe is) to connect the Ion to building's ethernet system, in its own private VPN, just of the lighting system, so that a new phone or tablet can connect to the console through the venue's WIFI emitters (which are in the catwalk level).

 

However, the Ion I have is running with Windows XP Service Pack 2, but the University suggests that Sevice Pack 3 is required to run the Cisco Any Connect VPN (which would need to be installed).

 

The University WIFI and IT gurus are proposing to create a VLAN network inside a VRF for the lighting "network" for the better WIFI access.

 

I expect that purchasing my own WIFI emitter won't be any better than the ETC one, since the Line of Sight issue still exists (the FOH Cove is above and forward of the booth, and the booth is in the "shade" of the lower balcony.  The reception is much better when on stage, and in sight of the booth.

 

Thoughts? 

Can I improve the remote so it is actually functional, and not dropping signal every lamp up/down, or every 4 button presses?

(most frequencies listed on the remote show as *** strenght, until it drops out)

 

thanks. Andrew

 

Parents Reply Children
  • 0 in reply to ueliriegg

    I you have a NET3 RFR then you could place the base station on the network with a VLAN. But I doubt you can install anything on the console...

    If you are talking about the app and regular wifi, I suggest getting a second/third/fourth access point to act as a repeater/extender. Put it in the catwalks, pit or backstage somewhere. Much easier than messing with VLANs and building networks.

  • 0 in reply to ueliriegg
    Yep, I've got the Net3 RFR. I'm trying to solve the drop outs by going to an iApp or aApp on a "new" device by using the building (university) wifi system.
  • 0 in reply to RickR
    Richard: so move the ETC base station out of the booth, and connect it to the network via Ethernet elsewhere in the venue, and connect the console to the network as well. But I think that would still require the Service Pack 3 upgrade and installing Cisco, so the console can work with the building network.

    Your second idea: I buy a phone and my own personal wifi emitter for the booth, and a second wifi emitter for somewhere else in the venue. That will bounce/boost the signal into the booth. I take it that doesn't actually require interfacing with the building network. (wifi newbie question: how do I get the 2nd emitter to link with the first, and not the building system?)

    Interesting. Thanks.
  • 0 in reply to Andrew Riter

    "Your second idea: I buy a phone and my own personal wifi emitter for the booth, and a second wifi emitter for somewhere else in the venue. That will bounce/boost the signal into the booth. I take it that doesn't actually require interfacing with the building network. (wifi newbie question: how do I get the 2nd emitter to link with the first, and not the building system?)"

    Yes you can skip the building network completely by using just wireless access points.The one by the console plugs into the network port but all the others just need power. (Thus the relay suggestion above. Some devices have a wireless disable button, or you unplug the one by the console at show time.)

    Many full routers can become access points with a menu setting, and they are so cheap that it's often done. Or you can buy one for the purpose. This one is cheap $20! http://www.bestbuy.com/site/tp-link-wireless-n300-wi-fi-range-extender-with-ethernet-port-white/2080012.p?id=1219528556820&skuId=2080012

    Each device will have it's own settings procedure, but generally you would connect a computer to it to and make any changes. Set the two the same except for their own IP. You will need to select a "SSID" (name) and password for the network, just like every WiFi network you've logged into. Instructions in the box should be enough or the IT guys can take an hour to do a 15 min job. [:)]

    A variation on the 'move the emitter' option: Ask the network guys if they can patch two jacks to each other - skipping the switch. Back in the IT closet they would use a jumper to join the two wires. At least most major set ups can do that, but no guarantees! Now you have a really long cat5 between two jacks and no building network issues.

    I hope that helps!

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