Below are some words you may encounter when setting up and using DDP/E1.31 pixel controllers and other Ethernet devices.
Small form factor network switches are typically available in 5 and 8-port models. Larger switches with 16, 24 or more ports are also an option.
Home networks use reserved IP addresses for local communications. Possible reserved ranges are:
Generally for simple networks setting this to 255.255.255.0 is best practice. This allows 255 IP addresses from the same block to communicate with each other. For example 192.168.1.1 could speak to 192.168.1.254 but not 192.168.2.1.
Router
PlaceholderNetwork switch
An essential piece of networking equipment to allow more than two devices to communicate with each other. For the purposes of Christmas lighting, an inexpensive fast Ethernet (100mbps) switch will do just fine, although gigabit (1gbps) may cost only a little bit more.Small form factor network switches are typically available in 5 and 8-port models. Larger switches with 16, 24 or more ports are also an option.
IP address
A unique number that allows an Ethernet device like a computer, router or pixel controller to be identified.Home networks use reserved IP addresses for local communications. Possible reserved ranges are:
- 192.168.0.0 - 192.168.255.255
- 10.0.0.0 - 10.255.255.255
- 172.16.0.0 - 172.31.255.255
Subnet mask (Netmask)
A binary mask that limits the IP address range that Ethernet devices can contact.Generally for simple networks setting this to 255.255.255.0 is best practice. This allows 255 IP addresses from the same block to communicate with each other. For example 192.168.1.1 could speak to 192.168.1.254 but not 192.168.2.1.