NX-100 Network Audio Overview

Introduction

The NX-100 Network Audio Adapter converts an analog audio signal to digital packets for transport over
IP-based networks to other network-connected NX-100’s for conversion back to analog. The NX-100
significantly reduces installation and operational costs when distributing audio signals to multiple remote
locations by allowing the use of existing data networks (LAN, WAN and the Internet). Applications include
paging, messaging and background music distribution in airports, corporate campuses, transit systems
and many others.

The NX-100 can simultaneously send and receive audio to/from single or multiple NX-100’s at remote
locations. In addition to the audio stream, the NX-100 can simultaneously transport RS-232 serial data
and contact closures for remote control of peripheral equipment.

Transmission Method

Each NX-100 has a fixed MAC address and requires a static IP address. Each NX-100 communicates
with single or multiple NX-100’s in Unicast or Multicast modes. In Unicast mode, the NX-100 can send up
to four identical streams to up to four NX-100’s over LAN, WAN or the Internet. In Multicast mode, the NX-
100 can send a single stream to up to sixty-four NX-100’s within a multicast-capable LAN or WAN.

Front and Rear Panel Features

The NX-100 front panel includes Link/Activity, Full-Duplex/Collision, Status, Error and Run LED indicators
plus a recessed hardware Reset button.

The NX-100 rear panel includes a balanced mic/line input with adjustable volume control and a balanced
line output. A standard Ethernet port (10/100BaseT) allows connection to Ethernet-based network hubs or
switches. An RS-232 serial port is configurable as a TCP client/server or for UDP data transport with
adjustable baud rate up to 115200 bps. Eight programmable contact inputs can be used to trigger
Broadcast Patterns (described below) as well as activate single or multiple contact outputs on remote NX-
100’s. The NX-100 is powered with the AD-246 AC adapter or external 24 VDC power supply. Alternative
versions of the AD-246 are available for worldwide use.
Sampling Rates and Audio Quality

The NX-100 provides three audio quality modes: 50 Hz to 14 kHz (32 kHz sampling), 50 Hz to 8 kHz (16
kHz sampling) and 50 Hz to 4 kHz (8 kHz sampling) — analogous to FM radio, AM radio and telephone
quality respectively. The network bandwidth for each mode depends on packet size, compression on/off
and packet loss recovery settings. Please refer to NX-100 Specifications for more details.

Delay Time

The delay time (latency) of a point-to-point NX-100 transmission depends on several factors including
sampling frequency (audio quality), packet size, compression and packet loss recovery settings. The
minimum delay possible is 20 milliseconds. Because of this, the NX-100 is not intended for use in live
sound or similar applications but is instead well-suited for paging, messaging or background music
distribution over existing data networks.

Broadcast Patterns

You can store up to twenty Broadcast Patterns or “audio distribution presets” in each NX-100. A
broadcast pattern can be configured to transmit audio to single or multiple units or to receive audio from a
specific unit. Patterns can be activated using the eight contact inputs, or with the included Operation
software as described below.

Contact Inputs and Outputs

Eight contact inputs are assignable to activate broadcast patterns and/or contact outputs on other units.
The eight contact outputs are open collector type with adjustable contact off delay time from 0 to 60 sec.
Each contact input and output is individually configurable as momentary/latch and normally open/closed.

Direct Cable Connection

In the absence of any network hardware, an individual NX-100 can be configured with a direct PC
connection using a “crossover” cable. Once configured, two units can be directly connected together
using standard network cabling (typically Cat 5) for basic point-to-point audio transmission. Note: You can
activate a broadcast pattern transmission with a contact input configured as “normally closed” (open to
activate) allowing streaming to start automatically upon power-up.

Configuration Software

Each NX-100 includes a CD-ROM with Java-based Scanning, Configuration, Management and Operating
software tools plus electronic manuals and Network Terminology glossary.

The Scanning tool allows you to easily scan the Local Area Network to find all connected NX-100’s and to
set each unit’s IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, web port and name.

The Configuration tool allows you to set the following for each NX-100: TCP and UDP ports, audio quality,
packet size, compression, packet loss recovery mode, multicast, broadcast patterns, contact I/O, and
serial port settings. Bandwidth and delay for each unit is displayed and automatically updated during
parameter adjustment.

The Management tool allows you to set broadcast patterns, contact I/O, and serial port settings only.

The Operation tool consists of 50 programmable buttons, each assignable to activate a broadcast pattern
and/or single or multiple contact outputs. Ten programmable Groups allow simultaneous activation of
multiple buttons.

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Each NX-100 has a built-in web server allowing configuration and monitoring via common web browsers
such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Communicator from any network-connected PC.

Transmission Data Format

The NX-100’s audio stream uses the User Datagram Protocol (UDP). The serial RS-232 and contact
closure data are transported using the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP).

Packet Loss Modes

There are three user-adjustable packet loss modes including Standard, Error Correction and Resend
described below:

Standard: Corrects for lost packets with a silent gap. This method helps reduce delay times and
bandwidth but is not well-suited to networks in which many packet losses may occur.

Error Correction: Sends redundant packets. Since only short time losses can be corrected, this method is
not appropriate for networks in which many packet losses may occur. It is, however, appropriate for
applications such as a LAN, which has lower chances of packet loss.

Resend: Corrects by automatically resending lost packets. All packet losses that occur within a preset
delay time (up to 30 seconds) can be corrected. This method is appropriate for the Internet, which may
experience many lost packets.

Sampling Frequency Correction

The sampling frequencies of all NX-100’s connected within a LAN are automatically synchronized and no
user adjustment is required. For WAN or Internet applications, units can be designated to transmit or
receive sampling frequency correction data.

Operation Status and Logs

With the browser-based software, you can log into the NX-100, view and save Operation Log data and
view Operation Status of connected unit(s).

Security Settings

Both the Java and browser-based software have customizable user name and password protection.

Firmware

The NX-100 internal Flash-based firmware is easily upgraded with the NX-100 Configuration software or
web browser.

Accessories

The NX-100’s compact enclosure (1 RU) can be rack-mounted in a standard 19” rack using optional rack-
mount kits, model MB-15B-BK (1 NX-100), MB-15B-J (2 NX-100, side-by-side)

Warranty and Technical Support

The NX-100 is covered with a five year warranty and free technical support.

For more information, including specifications, manuals, software, CAD and high-resolution images visit
www.toaelectronics.com.

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