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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

 

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  • 0

    Andrew,

    First of all never ever install anything, that does not come from ETC on your console. Second of all, never ever turn over control of your physical network to some IT Guru who works 9-5 and won't be there if things go wrong five minutes before the show goes up.
    If you have cat 5 you can put the RFR receiver on your network anywhere, the same as any other AP. If you use the App just stick a few more AP in your building and if you are concerned about security power them via a relay that you switch on and of if and when needed....

    Just my 2p 

  • 0 in reply to FloBaeumler
    Hi Florian.
    that's why I'm asking ETC about this first. I had hoped the solution to my drop outs wouldn't go that far.

    What do you mean by "AP?" Access point?
    There is only 1 ethernet network in the building: and that's the building system. It seems you're suggesting the same as Richard: If I move the ETC emitter (access point) to somewhere else, and patch into an ethernet port, I still need to have the console and ETC emitter find each other in the building network.

    and that's where I involve the gurus, since that's out of my area and control. I don't want to piggyback on the building infrustructure, but that's where this seems to be heading.

    Andrew
  • 0 in reply to Andrew Riter
    One other option for getting additional WiFi or RFR coverage is to use some unused or spare building infrastructure (network wiring) but install separate switch(es) and access points (AP's) that are exclusively for the lighting network. This avoids the VLAN issue and would only involve the University's IT folks on the initial install (to physically patch the installed cable runs into your equipment).

    This way, you are in control of your own equipment (which typically requires little ongoing configuration once it is up and running) and the lighting network is completely separate from the building network.

    -Todd
  • 0 in reply to tdrga
    Lots of threads in this conversation, so I'm replying to this one:

    I moved the USB RFR base station from the console into the house, and plugged an ethernet line into the jack. Into the console I plugged a 10/100 Workgroup switch, and then the ethernet line also went into the switch. (normally the switch lives with my RPU for the designer's remote. I just moved the switch to the booth end of the ethernet cable.)
    No joy. The switch sees the console, but there is no power to the base station. Is Power over Ethernet required for the basestation? what does it take to achieve that?

    thoughts anyone?
  • 0 in reply to Andrew Riter
    Power is from POE or USB.

    A USB power source is pretty easy get these days, much more so than a POE injector. I'd go for one with a detachable cord so you use whatever cord is needed at the time. (I think the RFR uses a printer type connector.)
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