ADDERLink INFINITY Manual

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AdderLink Infinity browser-based configuration utility
The browser-based configuration utility within all TX and RX units req\
uires 
a network connection between the ALIF unit and a computer on the same 
network. The configuration utility allows you to perform all of the fo\
llowing 
functions:
•	 View/edit	the	IP	network	address	and	netmask,
•	 Configure	separate	IP	network	addresses	for	video,	audio	and	USB,
•	 Configure	multicast...

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Performing an upgrade
ALIF units are flash upgradeable using the method outlined here. Howev\
er, for 
larger installations we recommend that you use the AdderLink Infinity \
Manager 
(AIM) to upgrade multiple ALIF units. When using the method below, the\
 ALIF 
unit will be upgraded in sequence.
Warning: During the upgrade process, ensure that power is not 
interrupted as this may leave the unit in an inoperable state.
To upgrade a single...

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Operation
In operation, many ALIF installations require no intervention once confi\
gured. 
The TX and RX units take care of all connection control behind the scene\
s so 
that you can continue to work unhindered. 
Front panel indicators
The six front panel indicators on each unit provide a useful guide to op\
eration:
NETSERAUDUSB DVIPWR
HT
IndicatorsThese six indicators clearly show the key aspects of operation:
•	NET	On	when	valid...

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Further information
This chapter contains a variety of information, including the following:\
•	 Getting	assistance	-	see	right
•	Appendix A - Tips for success when networking ALIF units
•	Appendix B - Troubleshooting
•	Appendix C	-	Glossary
•	Appendix D	-	RS232	‘null-modem’	cable,	 
	General	specifications.
•	Appendix E	-	Fibre	modules	and	cables	(ALIF	2000	units	only)
•	Appendix F	-	Additional	features	available	on	ALIF2002T	
•	Safety...

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Appendix A
Tips for success when networking ALIF units 
ALIF units use multiple strategies to minimise the amount of data that t\
hey send 
across networks. However, data overheads can be quite high, particularly\
 when 
very high resolution video is being transferred, so it is important to t\
ake steps to 
maximise network efficiency and help minimise data output. The tips gi\
ven in 
this section have been proven to produce very...

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Configuring the switches and devices
The layout is vital but so too is the configuration:
•	 Enable	IGMP Snooping	on	all	L2	switches.
•	 Ensure	that	IGMP Fast-Leave is enabled on all switches with ALIF units 
connected directly to them.
•	 Enable	the	L3	switch	as	an	IGMP Querier.
•	 Enable	Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) on all switches and importantly also 
enable portfast (only) on all switch ports that have ALIF units connec\
ted. 
•	 If...

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Appendix B
Troubleshooting
Problem: The video image of the ALIF receiver shows horizontal lines 
across the screen. 
This issue is known as Blinding because the resulting video image looks as 
though you’re viewing it through a venetian blind. 
When video is transmitted by ALIF units, the various lines of each scree\
n are 
divided up and transmitted as separate data packets. If the reception of\
 those 
packets is disturbed, then blinding...

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Problem: The mouse pointer of the ALIF receiver is slow or sluggish 
when moved across the screen.
This issue is often related to either using dithering on the video outpu\
t of one or 
more	transmitting	computers	or	using	VGA-to-DVI	video	converters.
Dithering is used to improve the perceived quality and colour depth of i\
mages 
by diffusing or altering the colour of pixels between video frames. This\
 practice 
is commonly used on Apple...

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Appendix C
Glossary
Internet Group Management Protocol
Where an ALIF transmitter is required to stream 
video to two or more receivers, multicasting is the 
method used. 
Multicasting involves the delivery of identical data 
to multiple receivers simultaneously without the 
need to maintain individual links. When multicast 
data packets enter a subnet, the natural reaction of 
the switches that bind all the hosts together within 
the...

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Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
In order to build a robust network, it is necessary 
to include certain levels of redundancy within the 
interconnections between switches. This will help to 
ensure that a failure of one link does not lead to a 
complete failure of the whole network.
The danger of multiple links is that data packets, 
especially multicast packets, become involved in 
continual loops as neighbouring switches use the 
duplicated...