Zero Configuration Is Here!

Greatly Simplifying Configuration and Installation of AMX Products

 

In our ongoing commitment to support our AMX integrators with simplified, timesaving installation and programming technologies, the Zero Configuration Networking Protocol or Zeroconfig has been adopted by AMX.

 

What Is Zeroconfig?
Zeroconfig automatically creates a usable IP network, by leveraging standard IP protocols like Dynamic Host Control Protocol (DHCP), Dynamic Name Server (DNS) and Link-Local Addressing (IPv4LL).  In a typical network environment, devices automatically obtain a valid IP address, gateway address and network mask from DHCP/DNS servers.  In networks without DHCP/DNS, the device can find its own valid address using Link-Local Addressing, a standard technique supported by most PCs and network printers.

The deployment challenge for installers is being able to quickly determine the IP settings that were automatically configured.  That’s where Bonjour, the final key component to Zeroconfig, excels.  Bonjour allows users to easily locate networked computers, printers, and other equipment without knowing their IP address settings and without special serial cables or product-specific PC software.

 

How Does It Work?
Bonjour-enabled products regularly broadcast a beacon, identifiable by free plug-ins that are available for Internet browsers. In effect, this beacon tells the browser, "I am connected to the network and ready to be utilized."  A free downloadable Bonjour plug-in for Internet Explorer (IE) is available through Apple's website.

 

Why Is This Great News For AMX Integrators?
Now, AMX products that feature Zeroconfig, need only be connected to the network via a standard Ethernet connection. Once the integrator launches a Bonjour-enabled browser, the device can be immediately identified in the browser's Bonjour Window Pane.

 

View of Bonjour Window Pane (at left) on IE Start Page
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View of Bonjour Window Pane (at left) and
Bonjour-enabled device's NetLinx Configuration Manager Page
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The integrator can then click on that device to launch the device's web server and access its network parameters. That's it - no serial cables required! The time it takes to locate and identify the product has been greatly reduced.

 

Which AMX Products Feature Zeroconfig?
Currently, the new Metreau Entry Communicator, KNX Gateway and PosiTrack Pan/Tilt Head all feature Zeroconfig but many more AMX products will feature the protocol in the future. We will update you as additional Zeroconfig products become available.