Locally Networked Devices

grandMA3 User Manual » System Overview » Locally Networked Devices

Version 2.0

When more stations are connected with each other in a session, then it is a networked system. Local networked systems are sessions running in the same network. This might be a big network spanning a big area, but if it is a closed system without contact with the rest of the world (for instance, through the internet), then it is considered a local networked system. 

The smallest networked system is two stations running in a session together where one is the master of the session and the other is connected running as a backup. A single station that outputs DMX locally is considered a standalone system.

Most systems have one console with one backup console or onPC and some networked devices to output the DMX.

If the devices that translate Ethernet data to DMX are MA nodes, then the DMX output is in sync, no matter where the DMX is output. So, a blackout cue on LED fixtures is in sync when some LEDs get a signal from the console and some LEDs from a node somewhere in the system.

Besides the stations, there are a lot of different devices that can be added to the system. Read more about the different devices in the Device Overview topics.

In all networked systems, there is one station that is the session master - this is the GlobalMaster. This is the one that is in charge of the communication and the one that executes commands triggered by remote inputs or from a command in a sequence.

Other stations in the system are in a Connected status. They are connected to the master station.

Traditionally, we often recommend creating local networks with good quality switches, cables, and equipment. Most systems are local systems without any connection to the outside world.