Overview
A third-party network device can share a Decoder Switchport by connecting both the Decoder and the third-party device to the same unmanaged gigabit network switch.
This is useful when only one network cable is available between the rack location and the display location, but both Just Add Power audio/video traffic and network access are needed at the display location.
Common third-party devices include displays, control processors, touch panels, streaming devices, and other network-enabled equipment.
Supported Use Cases
| Use Case | Description |
|---|---|
| Internet Access | Allows supported third-party devices, such as Smart TVs or streaming devices, to reach external network services when proper routing is configured. |
| Direct IP Control | Allows a control system to communicate with a third-party device using the device IP address. For Direct IP Control, a static IP address is recommended. |
Unsupported or Limited Use Cases
| Use Case | Limitation |
|---|---|
| Discovery-Based Communication | Discovery protocols may not identify or control devices across routed network boundaries. Examples include device discovery apps, IP scanners, and systems that require devices to be on the same subnet. |
| Wireless Access Points | Wireless access points may function, but connected wireless clients will be placed on the Just Add Power Device Network instead of the regular data network. |
| Control System Interfaces | Control interfaces may require additional network planning if the interface and processor are not on the same subnet. |
| Encoder Switchports | Encoder Switchports cannot provide network access to third-party devices and should only be connected to Encoders. |
Note: Third-party devices connected through a Decoder Switchport should support Gigabit Ethernet. Devices limited to 10/100 Mbps may experience reduced performance or intermittent connectivity.
Connection Setup
Connect an unmanaged gigabit network switch to the Decoder Switchport on the Just Add Power network switch.
Connect the Decoder to the unmanaged gigabit network switch.
Connect the third-party network device to the same unmanaged gigabit network switch.
Assign network settings to the third-party device using a supported static IP address, or enable the Decoder DHCP Server to assign an address automatically.
Network Configuration
Third-party devices connected through a Decoder Switchport must use network settings that are valid for the Just Add Power Device Network.
For DHCP and static addressing information, refer to Using the Built-In DHCP Server on Just Add Power Decoders.
Devices connected to the Just Add Power Device Network require routing to communicate with external networks or the internet. For most installations, this requires configuring a static route on the router.
For static route instructions, refer to Setting Up a Static Route.
