Overview
In an AMP Standardized Configuration, audio and video sources are routed using VLAN Switching. Each Encoder is assigned a dedicated source VLAN. To select a source, the switch changes the VLAN membership of the port connected to the Decoder so that it matches the VLAN assigned to the desired Encoder.
Audio and video always switch together in a VLAN Switching system. A device-facing network connection carries one active source at a time, while trunk or stack connections between switches can carry multiple VLANs.
How VLAN Switching Works
Each Encoder port has a permanent source VLAN assignment. Decoder ports retain their shared system VLAN membership while moving between source VLANs as different Encoders are selected.
A source switch consists of two actions:
- Select the switch port connected to the Decoder.
- Change its source VLAN membership to match the VLAN assigned to the desired Encoder.
Switching Example
Encoder 1 is assigned to VLAN 101, Encoder 2 is assigned to VLAN 102, and Encoder 3 is assigned to VLAN 103. A Decoder watching Encoder 1 is therefore a member of VLAN 101.
To switch that Decoder to Encoder 3, its switchport is removed from VLAN 101 and added to VLAN 103. Its permanent membership in VLAN 100 does not change.
AMP Standardized Configuration
Advanced Matrix Programmer (AMP) configures supported network switches and Just Add Power devices for VLAN Switching.
By default, AMP configures the Just Add Power Network as 172.27.0.0/16 and creates VLANs 100–201 for device communication and source distribution.
| VLAN | Purpose | Membership |
|---|---|---|
| VLAN 100 | Shared communication between devices and the system | All Encoder and Decoder ports remain members of this VLAN. |
| VLAN 101 | Audio and video from Encoder 1 | Encoder 1 remains assigned to this VLAN. Decoder ports join it when watching Encoder 1. |
| VLAN 102 | Audio and video from Encoder 2 | Encoder 2 remains assigned to this VLAN. Decoder ports join it when watching Encoder 2. |
| VLAN 103 | Audio and video from Encoder 3 | Encoder 3 remains assigned to this VLAN. Decoder ports join it when watching Encoder 3. |
| VLANs 104–201 | Additional Encoder sources | The same pattern continues sequentially for the remaining Encoders. |
Important: The VLAN and device-port settings created by AMP are required for audio and video distribution. Do not manually modify these settings on an AMP Standardized switch. See Switch Configuration Guidelines for AMP Standardized Systems for information about which settings may be changed.
Audio and Video Multicast Address
All Encoders and Decoders in a VLAN Switching system use the same audio and video multicast address:
239.92.0.0
The source VLANs isolate the signals from one another, allowing multiple Encoders to use the same multicast address without their audio and video streams overlapping.
Device Management Addresses
Each Encoder and Decoder also receives a management IP address on the Just Add Power Network. These addresses provide Layer 3 access to device features such as video walls, RS232, IR, CEC, on-screen display, Image Pull, and Tiling Encoder layout control.
The management IP address does not determine which source a Decoder is watching. Source selection is controlled by the VLAN membership of the Decoder switchport. See the IPv4 Address Table for AMP Standardized Systems for the default addressing scheme.
Matrix Control
Switch Sources with AMP
Installers can use AMP to change the source displayed by one or more Decoders during setup, testing, or troubleshooting. See How to Switch Sources Using AMP for Established Standardized Systems for instructions.
Control Sources with JPSW
Control systems use the JPSW API to route sources in an AMP Standardized system. JPSW commands are sent to any Encoder or Decoder in the system rather than directly to the network switch. This provides a consistent switching protocol that does not depend on the switch manufacturer or model.
See How to Switch Sources Using the JPSW API for Established Standardized Systems for commands and integration instructions.
