At last - a network switch that understands lighting - designed by a leader in lighting network technology. 

The VIA is a 10 port + 1 layer 2/3 gigabit network switch with a host of industry specific features. The front panel LCD and encoder knob  - a feature not found even on enterprise switches - provide easy configuration and status review, without need of a computer link or a web browser.  

 The Pathport VIA ships with a base configuration known to work with the vast majority of lighting systems.  Initially shipping as a lightly managed switch, the VIA is easily upgraded to the fully-managed feature set.  In the event of a management processor failure, the VIA will still function as an unmanaged switch.

A front panel LCD and encoder knob - something not found even on enterprise switches - allow the user to quickly review status information and to set configuration.  IP address parameters are  quickly set without need of a serial connection or web browser, removing a common stumbling  block when setting up a network.  A rear-mounted SFP port supports use as a 1GB fiber port, using user-selected mini-GBIC connectors.

Industry-specific features include recognition of lighting protocols such as ArtNet, E1.31 sACN (aka ETC Net3), Shownet and Pathport.  Support for E1.17 ACN and the new Audio Visual Bridge (AVB) standard are native.  A simple VLAN interface allows user with limited networking knowledge access to powerful routing tools.  Link mode allows a user to force a slower connection speed - a useful workaround for poor wiring.  And PoE can be disabled port-by-port - meeting a compatibility concern when connecting to older lighting nodes.

All connected Pathport devices can be reviewed from the LCD, including the device name, IP settings, MAC address and serial number, and operating firmware version.  Switch configuration and logging can be saved to external media via integrated SD and USB ports. 

Firmware version 3.3.0.1 fixes some LCD and PoE reporting bugs, and front panel recognition of the rear SFP port.  

Users of firmware 3.4.0.2 should download version 3.4.0.4 here  and upgrade, to  correct PoE management problems.  DO NOT upgrade if you are using version 3.3.x.x, as there is currently no downgrade method.

The VIA fills a long-standing need in the industry and, for the first time, allows the sourcing of a complete Ethernet-based lighting data distribution system from a single supplier.

Features

• Front panel LCD and encoder knob allow easy status review and configuration

• IP settings configurable from front panel

• Link speed, duplex, PoE status including power draw and more are reported

• Force link mode allows user to determine communication speed

• Display all connected Pathport devices, including each device's name, IP settings, MAC address, and firmware version

Q2 - 2011 Fully-Managed Feature Set

• Audio Visual Bridge (AVB) support

• Lighting protocol recognition of E1.31 sACN (aka ETC Net3), ArtNet, Shownet, and Pathport

• E1.17 ACN support

• Simple VLAN interface allows routing based on protocol type 

• Packet filtering based on protocol type and universe

• DHCP/bootp server

• Port mirroring

• Port-by-port packet-capture logging to external media

• Line quality monitoring/cable testing

• Configuration and logging to external media via SD and USB ports
• Rapid Spanning Tree