Architecture for Control Networks: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 18:09, 10 December 2006

Revision as of 20:45, 18 December 2006

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{{IPstack}}

'''Architecture for Control Networks''' ('''ACN''') is a suite of [[network protocol]]s for theatrical control being developed by [[ESTA (Entertainment Services and Technology Association)]]. The first official release is formally referred to as ANSI E1.17 - 2006 - Entertainment Technology - Architecture for Control Networks.

It may replace [[DMX (lighting)|DMX]] as the control protocol for lighting systems and will be used for controlling more complex devices like video playback servers (media servers) and [[audio mixer]]s. The protocol is designed to be layered on top of [[User_Datagram_Protocol|UDP/IP]] and therefore will run over standard, inexpensive [[Ethernet]] and [[802.11]] (Wi-Fi) network links.

ACN relys on [[User Datagram Protocol|UDP]] in order to pass its messages. Where reliability is required, the Session Data Transport sub protocol allows semi-reliability of only the latest value for a particular "channel".

==ACN In Practice==

ACN will require a number of new technologies in order to implement it compared to the [[Digital_Multiplex|DMX]] standard. ACN requires the use of [[multicast]] ethernet, so in larger networks, a switch that is [[Internet Group Management Protocol||IGMP]] snooping compatible will greatly improve performance.

==Protocol Architecture==

ACN defines a number of sub protocols. These protocols all follow the [[Type-length-value|TLV]] style '''Protocol Data Units''' ('''PDU'''). These can be nested in predefined hierarchy.

The Protocols defined in ANSI E1.17 are:

* Root Layer Protocol for [[UDP/IP|UDP]]

* Session Data Transport Protocol (SDT)

* Device Management Protocol (DMP)

There is also an XML description language which defines properties of the devices which is called the Device Description Language.

==Interoperability Profiles==

ACN is not closed in application. The protocol may be further defined via interoperability profiles which will extend various layers of the ACN stack.

==External links==

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[[Category:Stage lighting]]

[[Category:Internet protocols]]

[[Category:Internet standards]]

[[Category:Application layer protocols]]