Network setup

It would be helpful to have a bit more information about what you are trying to accomplish, but I will answer your question in generalities. The console is set up with a static ip address that is set to work on a network. If you have nodes, typically these would be pre-programmed with an ip, get an ip from the console, or get an ip from NCE (network configuration editor). Some of the nodes need POE (power over ethernet) which if you buy a switch from ETC with a system, that is what you will get. They are also becoming more common now, so you could probably find one at your local computer store or online. The Sensor+ racks would be preconfigured to work on the network as well. It is usually recommended that the lighting network be on its own, and not connected up with say your companies network which has the internet on it and various other traffic. The console and other accessories would probably work, but why take that risk?

I hope this answers your question, let me know and I will try and answer more specific questions. 

I suppose more info would be helpful. Sorry about that.

We've got an Ion console and I'm trying to hook my laptop up as a client. I've got the dongle and both the software on my computer and the board are version 1.42. Nothing else would be on the network. We've got a DMX line running to our dimmers as our first universe and another DMX line running to one Robe ColorSpot 250AT and from there going to the power distribution pack for 6 Apollo Smart Color 5.25 scrollers. Currently, I only need to use an ethernet cable but would eventually like to switch to a wireless network.

A few thoughts:

Generally ETC products talk to each other over the network without much setup.

Are you running via an ethernet switch or directly between your Ion and your PC. If so you'll probably need a crossover cable.

Is your PC set to automatically assign itself an IP address. If so I believe you need to set your Ion DHCP setting to ON in the shell. Although I don't have a console in front of me at the moment so I can't remember all the settings.

Alternatively set your PC to have an IP address of 10.101.1.101 and Subnet to 255.255.0.0.

That should do the trick, it works for me! 

A few thoughts:

Generally ETC products talk to each other over the network without much setup.

Are you running via an ethernet switch or directly between your Ion and your PC. If so you'll probably need a crossover cable.

Is your PC set to automatically assign itself an IP address. If so I believe you need to set your Ion DHCP setting to ON in the shell. Although I don't have a console in front of me at the moment so I can't remember all the settings.

Alternatively set your PC to have an IP address of 10.101.1.101 and Subnet to 255.255.0.0.

That should do the trick, it works for me!