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VideoNet Connectivity Solutions
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VideoNet Overview VideoNet is HP’s communication protocol used between the print server software (Including HP RIP SW, ColorSpan ColorMark Legacy and third parties) and the printer (excluding DisplayMaker Professional Legacy). A networking protocol is a specific software method that packages up information for transmission over a medium, such as a cable. In this regard, VideoNet is no different from AppleTalk, TCP/IP, or Microsoft Windows Networking. Most network protocols, including VideoNet, require a physical medium for transmission. VideoNet uses industry-standard 10/100baseT Ethernet hardware, including Category 5 cabling and hubs, to physically link the printer and server. All HP VideoNet-equipped printers communicate at 100Mbs except for DisplayMaker Express Legacy and PressMate-FS Legacy, which operate at 10Mbs only. Each new HP printer includes a crossover VideoNet (ethernet) cable. This cable is appropriate for use if the printer will be connected directly to the Ethernet port on the computer that is acting as the print server. If you connect more than one VideoNet printer to a print server, or have multiple servers that will connect to a single printer, you will need additional networking hardware to make the connection. Note: The Legacy Personal Software RIP and RIPStation™ each support only up to 2 PressMate-FS, or any 1 (one) of the other supported VideoNet printers; consequently, the information provided in this document has limited application to those products.
VideoNet must be Physically Segregated In the sections that follow, VideoNet network configurations are described that involve the use of hubs and other network hardware. It is important to emphasize, however, that VideoNet must be on a physically separate network from you normal network. VideoNet requires all available network bandwidth and both printer/server performance and general network performance are severely degraded if VideoNet attempts to communicate alongside any other network protocols. This is why your print server must have a regular network interface and a second, VideoNet-only interface.
Required Hardware and Cabling When there is only one VideoNet printer connected to your print server, use the crossover VideoNet cable supplied with your equipment. When connecting multiple VideoNet devices to your print server, you will need additional networking hardware in order to make the connections (see diagram, next page). Fast 100Base-Tx hubs, 10Base-T hubs, 10/100 bridges, and “Smart” Hubs are readily available at any reputable reseller of networking hardware. If more than one VideoNet printer is connected to the server, use standard Unshielded Twisted Pair Category 5 cables and a hub to connect the print server with the printers. Category 5 cable is the only twisted pair cable rated for 100 Base-T and has 5 twists per foot. These cables may be called “straight-through” to distinguish them from the crossover cable used to connect the printer directly to the server.
Adding the Printers to the Server’s User Interface In most cases, you should be able to connect all of the VideoNet devices to the hub with straightthrough cables, power them on, and add the printer(s) to the print server interface. If this is not successful at first, troubleshoot by connecting just one printer directly to the server with the supplied crossover cable. If the server is now able to add that device, then you have an issue with the hub and/or other cables. If you are still not successful, there may be a configuration problem with VideoNet on the print server. Ensure that both the regular network interface and the VideoNet-only interface are appropriately configured.
Supported Configurations Below is a sample chart of some supported configurations. See your Print Server User Guide or Quick Start Guide for detailed information on the maximum number of printers and configurations supported with your print server. 2
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© Copyright 2007 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.
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