Switchable configurations for an audio conferencing system can be useful for divisible rooms with movable dividers, partitions or walls. This article outlines how to use three HDL300 systems configured in different combinations for use with divisible rooms.
When setting up a switchable configuration Ethernet switches are added to the HDL300 system installations. The switches are used to route the audio signal from the microphone and speaker bars to each connect module.
Choosing a switch
When choosing an Ethernet switch the following specifications should be considered.
- Two-way A/B switch
- Minimum of 100 Mbps data rate
- Be able to pass PoE power
- 2 - RJ45 input ports
- 2 - RJ45 output ports
- Network connection
- For switching remotely via telnet, web browser or SNMP
- Latching and non-latching switches are suitable
In most cases, an Ethernet A/B switch that meets these specifications will be suitable for setting up HDL300 systems into switchable configurations. Examples of some suitable switches are below.
Brand of switch |
Product webpage |
Cables Online |
|
L-Com |
|
Black Box (North America) |
|
Black Box (Europe) |
Firmware requirements
HDL300 systems should have firmware version 2.0 or higher installed. Earlier firmware versions do not support using two microphone and speaker bars with a single connect module.
Room size considerations
Room size is an important consideration when choosing how to configure the systems for a divisible room. The divisible room should meet the size requirements for HDL300 systems when divided into smaller spaces and should meet the size requirements for a Dual HDL300 system when combined into a large space.
- HDL300 - spaces up to 25' x 25' (7.6 x 7.6 m)
- Dual HDL300 - spaces up to 30' x 50' (9.1 x 15.2 m)
HDL300 - combinations using three systems
Install the HDL300 systems according to the installation instructions, with the addition of the Ethernet switches as shown in the diagrams below.
Configuration 1 |
Small room = 3 |
Large room = 0 |
 | ||
| Switch - 1 is set to "A" | Switch - 2 is set to "A" | Switch - 3 is set to "A" |
Configuration 2 |
Small room = 1 |
Large room = 1 |
 | ||
Switch - 1 is set to "B" |
Switch - 2 is set to "A" |
Switch - 3 is set to "A" |
Configuration 3 |
Small room = 1 |
Large room = 1 |
 | ||
Switch - 1 is set to "A" |
Switch - 2 is set to "B" |
Switch - 3 is set to "A" |
Configuration 4 |
Small room = 1 | Large room = 1 |
 | ||
| Switch - 1 is set to "A" | Switch - 2 is set to "A" | Switch - 3 is set to "B" |
Large room divisible into two smaller rooms
When a large room is divisible into two smaller rooms a switchable configuration is possible using a Dual HDL300 system. When setting up this switchable configuration an Ethernet switch is added during installation. The switch is used to route the audio signal from one microphone and speaker bar to an additional connect module. An article is available that outlines setting up a Dual HDL300 system for this configuration.