Network Connections

General Network Considerations

By default, AIXpressor has DHCP enabled and will automatically retrieve an IP address if connected to a network with an active DHCP server.

After connecting the LAN 1 CTRL RJ45 port, a DHCP-assigned IP configuration, if available, will be displayed on the front panel. If no DHCP server is available, a static IPv4 IP address can be configured using the front panel, or the unit may be reached via zeroconf (mDNS/Bonjour) technology.

Note - If you are not familiar with basic networking and IP-related tasks, we highly recommend consulting your IT department for assistance.

The remote GUI is web-based using TCP/IP over Ethernet. While any web browser may be used, the interface is optimized for use with Google Chrome V90.x or higher. Browsers on mobile devices running iOS or Android may also be used.

An SNMP v2 agent is available for use with an external SNMP monitoring system.

For 3rd party remote control, we highly recommend the use of the widely-available LAWO Ember+ protocol, which is in wide use in the broadcast industry and enjoys a robust user community. Please visit https://github.com/Lawo/ember-plus to learn more.

LAN CTRL 1 Setup

Setting the IP Address and Subnet Mask via a Web Browser

Enter the unit's IP address (as assigned via DCHP or manually entered via the front panel) into a web browser in the following format: http://<IP-address>.

Alternatively, if your computer supports zeroconf, take the device name (as displayed on the front panel), add the serial number separated by a hyphen, and add the suffix ".local" in the following format: <AIXpressor-00080.local>.

Important - Web socket protocol must be enabled in your firewall settings as the browser uses both HTTP and web sockets to communicate with the AIXpressor.

Once connected, the main Menu page will appear.

Note - Clicking on the button with three horizontal lines at the top of the interface works as a toggle to hide and reveal the main Menu items.

Using the menu to the left side of the screen, navigate to System > Interfaces > LAN 1 CTRL > IP (A).

In Figure 2 below, DHCP is enabled and the assigned IP address is displayed. To assign a static IP address, click on the Add IP Address button (B), choose the address type (C), enter the address (D), choose an appropriate Subnet mask (E), then press the OK button (F) to save.

Setting a Static IP Address and Subnet Mask via the Front Panel

A static IP address can be set via the touch-enabled front panel to make an initial connection with the AIXpressor. Referencing Figure 4 below:

Touch the Menu button (A) to enter the main menu.
Touch the Network button (B) to show the LAN 1 settings.
Touch the Edit Static IP Address button (C).
Scroll up and down on slot machine-style wheels to set an IP Address (D) and Subnet mask (E).
Touch the Apply button (F) to save and apply the changes.

Figure 4 - Setting a static IP address from the front panel

Setting Up a Gateway

Navigate to System > Interfaces > LAN 1 CTRL > Gateway (A).

In Figure 3 below, DHCP is enabled and the assigned Gateway is displayed. A static Gateway may be added by clicking on the Add Gateway button (B), entering an address in the IP Address field (C), then clicking the OK button (D) to save.

Configuring PTP

The LAN CTRL 1 interface can be used as a PTP (Precision Time Protocol) clock sync source and supports PTPv2 per IEEE 1588-2008.

Navigate to System > Interfaces > LAN 1 CTRL > PTP (A) and use the PTP Mode dropbown (B) to disable PTP or enable PTP in slave mode.

Note - AIXpressor cannot be used in master mode. It assumes a PTP Grand Master is present on the media network that is synchronized to all available inputs supporting clock sync, including SDI, AoIP, and all digital formats.

Once PTP is enabled, navigate to the Sync menu (A). Use the Choice 1 dropdown menu (B) to choose the primary sync source. While not required, specifying a second failover source using the Choice 2 dropdown menu (C) is recommended.

Note - The interface slots are counted from left to right when looking at the AIXpresor's rear panel. Refer to the main Interfaces menu to view all available interfaces.