T+A K8 Installation Manual

Also see for K8: User manual User guide Service information

T+A K8 Installation Manual Manual pdf 56 page image

56Network TerminologyGeneral information The Switch ensures that the individual components within a network areconnected correctly. This is only possible if it can identify each device within thenetwork unambiguously; this is the reason why every component is assigned aform of “house number” (IP address). The IP address consists of four blocks ofdigits with numbers in the range 0 to 255, separated by dots (e.g. 192.168.1.1).Each of the individual number blocks may contain values between 1 and 254(the values 0 and 255 are reserved for certain special functions, and shouldtherefore not be used). However, if the network is to operate reliably, thenetwork owner should only select addresses designed for home network use -i.e.: the first two number blocks should always be 192.168.xxx.xxx; the thirdblock can be selected without restriction within the above limits (but should bethe same for all devices on the network), and the fourth block must distinguisheach device uniquely (e.g.: K8 192.168.001.001, NAS: 192.186.001.002, PC:192.168.001.003, ...).If this local network is to include Internet music sources (Internet radio) as wellas physical devices, then the  K8 must have access to the Internet. Thisfacility is provided by a device such as a router with connection to the DSLnetwork. This router is also a constituent part of the network, and is assigned itsown IP address. The  K8 must also be informed of the address of therouter (Gateway) to enable it to gain access to the outside world. Please ensure that the first three blocks of the Device IP, Gateway IP and DNS1 share the same address space (e.g. 192.168.0.xxx). The fourth block assignsa unique address (house number) to the components in the local network. Thisnumber must not be present more than once in the local network.The Device IP mask should always be assigned the address 255.255.255.0.DNS The Domain Name System (DNS) is one of the most important services on theInternet. Its primary task is to convert “Internet addresses”, such aswww.taelektroakustik.de, into the associated IP address. In most homenetworks the router carries out the DNS function.If you decide to configure your network manually (without DHCP), then simplyenter the address of your router as the DNS address when configuring thenetwork.Ethernet-LAN Wired network. Interference-free network technology, with the drawback ofhaving to deploy a network cable.Gateway The computer or router in your network which is responsible for managing datatraffic between your home network and the outside world (i.e. the Internet).Client Network device which obtains data from the network, decodes it and converts itinto, for example, analogue music signals which can then be reproduced via anamplifier and loudspeakers. Streaming Clients also contain functions fordisplaying media content, and for navigating on the Internet or servers.DHCP DHCP is an abbreviation of Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. The primarypurpose of DHCP is to enable Clients to obtain your network configurationautomatically from a server or router.IP-Adress Network address. Each device in the network requires an IP address at which itcan be accessed, and by which it is unambiguously identifiable. No individualnetwork address may be present more than once. This is important if you areentering network addresses manually. If the addresses in your network areassigned by DHCP, you do not need to worry about IP addresses at all, as theDHCP server manages the addresses automatically without your intervention.