Control several Ethernet to DMX controlers (Art-Net) devices from a different network

[cvz28008]

Dear All,

We are implementing a light control for a building, and the idea is to control everything from the reception.

We have started with a single Enttec ODE MK2, and everything is working fine (we are using ArNet Plugin).

But, as the building is huge, we'd like to add a second Enttec ODE MK2 to control some other DMX lights.
The control PC which is located in reception belongs to network 192.168.0.0/24
Both Ethernet to DMX controllers will be located in a specific network 192.168.2.0/24 for example), so communication is made through a router.

I have read that Art-Net is supporting Multi-casting, so it would work fine to address to 192.168.0.255 if the PC and the Enttec ODE MK2 were located in the same network.
But it's not or case due to network design considerations.

How would you solve such a situation?
-Can we duplicate ArNet Plugin in Q Light Controller+ in order to communicated with both Ethernet to DMX controlers? Plugin?
-Should we add a second network card in the control PC (So we would have two interfaces in 192.168.0.0/24 network)
-???

Thanks in advance for your help
Best
D.

[GGGss]

-Can we duplicate ArNet Plugin in Q Light Controller+ in order to communicated with both Ethernet to DMX controlers? Plugin?
-Should we add a second network card in the control PC (So we would have two interfaces in 192.168.0.0/24 network)

Artnet by design is not meant to be used through a router. You could opt to use unicast (this will be routable). Or you start using sACN.
I personally would add a 2nd network interface to the computer and have it talk to the 192.168.2.x segment. (I even would isolate the network traffic by using VLAN's on the switches)
As a note: you cannot have 2 interfaces connected with the same ip-range assigned. (You actually can but makes this rather complex.)

[cvz28008]

Hi GGGss,

Thanks for your quick reply.
We will buy a new Enttec ODE MK2, and add a 2nd network interface as you recommend!
Thanks
Best
Damien

[kenact]

Another solution is to adjust your network scheme to 192.168.0.0/23 or Subnet Mask 255.255.254.0

If you need more than 512 addresses, go to 192.168.0.0/22 or 255.255.253.0

You can also use a private Class B address scheme like 172.16.0.0/16 or 255.255.0.0

Unless there's a specific need to segregate network segments. This would eliminate the need for a router.