Yamaha launches switches with Dante optimization and network visibility

SWP1 series network switches enable optimized Dante configuration and recovery of default VLANs by simply flipping DIP switches.

The complex configuration of a network switch, which previously had to be done by a computer technician, can now be carried out by anyone. The simple adjustment of a switch is all it takes to optimize the new switches with Dante optimization and network visibility.

Yamaha first entered the network devices market in 1995 and has grown to achieve a significant share of the networking market in small and medium-sized businesses, as well as small office installations and home work environments.

Yamaha L2 gigabit switches that could be linked to Yamaha routers/firewalls were launched on the market in 2011, with features that significantly reduced the work of network configuration, maintenance and management.

Twenty years after that first time, network audio has become one of the fastest growing and most valued technologies in the fields of live sound and professional audio. And Yamaha continues to lead the way with an expanding range of Dante-enabled products, including the prestigious CL Series digital mixing consoles. The SWP1 series network switches are the solution that the professional audio market was waiting for, providing that ideal balance between computing and professional audio know-how that only Yamaha can offer.

The SWP1 series makes working with, monitoring and configuring an audio network easier and more convenient than ever.

Dante Optimization

Dante networks are not difficult to configure or work with, but as the complexity of the network increases, it is necessary to optimize the switches used in order to achieve maximum stability. Configuring QoS, IGMP Snooping or other parameters of a smart switch can be a complex task that requires specialization and knowledge more typical of computer technicians than audio engineers. The SWP1 series allows you to recall an optimized Dante configuration by simply flipping a DIP switch. No experience or specific training is required.

A truly efficient network must be able to handle multiple services simultaneously: Dante communication, StageMix and other smart device functions, computer software that allows control of digital mixers and amplifiers, and perhaps more. But the more communication is combined into a single network, the greater the likelihood of interference and problems.

Using virtual VLAN domains to isolate different types of data is the ideal solution, but this type of setup also requires some IT experience. The SWP1 series includes three default VLAN presets that can be selected using a simple DIP switch. There is also a user mode (USER) that allows full customization of the VLAN configuration.

Reliability is essential when it comes to live sound applications. We can't let anything interrupt the performance. Conventional network switches typically have RJ45 connectors to match the connectors on the computers they are connected to, but the SWP1 series has etherCON connectors that are directly compatible with the etherCON connectors on Yamaha CL/QL series consoles and other Dante-capable devices.

The SWP1-8MMF and SWP1-16MMF include opticalCON connectors for multimode fiber optics. Both models allow transmission distances of up to 300 meters. The MMF-SWP1 fiber optic module (optional) can be added to use two fiber optic cables for a redundant connection. It also supports RSTP (Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol) support for redundant connections.

Advantages of network visibility

Yamaha SWP1 series network switches have been specifically created so that users can get the maximum benefit with the greatest ease of use and configuration. They enable advanced network visibility and Dante optimization with a simple touch while taking full advantage of Dante audio stream management capabilities.

Effective management of a Dante network revolves around a series of parameters such as network traffic, switch status, and information from each individual Dante device. The Yamaha Audio Network Monitor application, specially dedicated for monitoring audio networks in Windows environments, provides a comprehensive view on a single screen of all the necessary parameters when used with the SWP1 series switches. We call this type of graphical overview “network visibility”.

You can even “take a snapshot” (Snapshot function) of the normal state of the network and set a warning alarm in case any of the parameters change, so that problems can be identified and resolved quickly and easily. From the Yamaha Audio Network Monitor software you can also launch the Dante Controller application with a single click, providing a complete Dante networking solution on a single computer.
LAN mapping to get an overview of the entire network

Understanding how multiple switches installed in different locations are connected, as well as how network devices are connected to those switches, can be a difficult and time-consuming task. The Yamaha Audio Network Monitor app makes the overall network topology clearly visible, giving the user a comprehensive overview of how Dante network devices are interconnected. Simply connect a Windows computer to the nearest SPW1 switch and launch the Yamaha Audio Network Monitor software.