XSWITCH OVERVIEW
xSwitch is the world’s only zero-configuration Ethernet switch optimized for Livewire® IP-Audio applications. Fast setup requires only IP address assignment via front-panel OLED display or Axia® iProbe software. Features 8 10/100MBit Ethernet ports — 4 with Power-over-Ethernet to power Axia xNodes, Telos® VSet phones, and other networked devices compatible with the IEEE 802.1af PoE standard. Two Gigabit ports are provided for trunking, both with RJ-45 (copper) and SFP (fiber) connections; supports redundant copper/SFP Gigabit connections with auto-switching. Supports 2,000 Multicast groups and 2,000 ARP table entries (8x more than other small-form Ethernet switches). Web-based management interface uses built-in HTTP server. 9.5” x 11” half-rack form factor allows two xSwitches to be racked side-by-side, or placed in a rackmount with Axia xNode IP-Audio interfaces. Noiseless and fan-free; can be conveniently placed adjacent to your audio devices, rack-mounted using included hardware, or wall-mounted (with an accessory kit available separately).
XSWITCH IN DEPTH
Your radio station needs programming. Your network switch shouldn’t.
We invented Livewire in 2003, with the idea of saving money in broadcast studio construction by using off-the-shelf Ethernet switches to power networks that distribute broadcast-quality audio nearly anywhere — across the hall, across the building, or across town. Some said it would never work! But 10 years later, Axia is the #1 brand of IP consoles, networks and routing equipment to broadcasters worldwide. Maybe it’s because Livewire IP-Audio is so flexible and easy to use that clients regularly tell us of days – even weeks – shaved off of studio installation time with components that simply click together using Cat-5 cables. Not to mention the money they’ve saved with Axia, compared to old- fashioned hard-wired studio builds.
But Axia fans told us there was one thing that could make Livewire even easier to install: A network switch that doesn’t require setup or programming. So our engineers went to work. The result: xSwitch, the world’s only zero-configuration network switch designed specifically for the needs of IP-Audio broadcasting.
xSwitch is different from any other Ethernet switch, because it’s custom-tailored to the needs of Axia Livewire users. You see, third-party switches – even those certified for use with Axia – require programming to correctly configure them with the QoS settings Axia networks demand. Which generally means connecting a PC to the switch with a special cable, downloading a terminal emulation program, and entering lines of parameters and instructions.
Perhaps you’ve already got an Axia network installed (thank you!). Will an xSwitch work with the Axia gear you already have? Naturally! xNodes speak Livewire, the AoIP protocol that powers more than 50,000 networked pro audio devices at radio and TV stations around the world. One click to hook up, and they’re ready to go.
xSwitch does away with switch programming. Our experts have already pre-configured xSwitch with all the instructions needed to run Livewire perfectly, flawlessly, out of the box. All you have to do is plug it in, perform a quick one-button setup, and start connecting Livewire devices. Easy, yes?
On the xSwitch’s connection panel, you’ll find two SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable) Gigabit ports, in addition to dual 1000BASE-T copper ports. Use the SFP ports for copper or fiber connections to your Livewire network. The adjacent 1000BT copper ports provide a dual-redundant network interface; if the primary network link is interrupted, the secondary backup connection is automatically activated. You’ll also find 8 100-BaseT Livewire ports, 4 with PoE (Power over Ethernet) to power xNodes audio adapters, Telos VSet telephones, or any other network device that uses the IEEE 802.3af standard. Speaking of power, note the internal, auto-ranging power supply with professional IEC connector: you’ll never find wall-warts powering Axia gear.
xSwitch is built using the chassis developed for our award-winning xNode family of AoIP audio adapters, the latest generation of half-rack, high-performance IP-Audio interfaces. They’re fanless, which means they’re noiseless too; you can put them in any studio. They have a versatile mounting arrangement that lets you deploy two xSwitches into just 1RU of rack space (or rack an xSwitch alongside an xNode). This allows you the flexibility to do things impossible before — like combine an xSwitch with xNodes to create a “Supernode”. An xSwitch connecting 8 analog xNodes creates a 32×32 stereo router – or a 64×64 mono router – in the space of just 4RU. Great for making an audio snake, for adding I/O to that add-on studio on the next floor, or even as the heart of a standalone studio.
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