A switchable configuration for an audio conferencing system may be useful in divisible rooms with movable dividers, partitions or walls. This article outlines how to configure a Dual HDL300 system for use with divisible rooms.
When setting up a switchable configuration an Ethernet switch and an extra connect module are added to the system installation. The switch is 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 Dual HDL300 systems into switchable configurations. Examples of some switches are below.
Brand of switch |
Product webpage |
Cables Online |
|
L-Com |
|
Black Box (North America) |
|
Black Box (Europe) |
Firmware requirements
Dual HDL300 systems should have the latest firmware version installed for an optimum audio conferencing experience.
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)
Dual HDL300 - Large room divided into two small rooms
Install the Dual HDL300 system according to the installation instructions, with the addition of an Ethernet switch and a second connect module as shown in the diagrams below.
Configuring for two small rooms |
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Selecting position "A" on the Ethernet switch divides the system into small rooms. |
Configuring for a large room |
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Selecting position "B" on the Ethernet switch combines the system into a large room. |
Large room divisible into three smaller rooms
When a large room is divisible into three smaller rooms a switchable configuration is possible using three HDL300 systems. When setting up a switchable configuration Ethernet switches are added to each HDL300 system installation. The switches are used to route the audio signal from the microphone and speaker bars to each connect module. An article is available that outlines combining HDL300 systems for this configuration.