Networking amps wirelessly might still be a new idea for our industry, but it is definitely worth exploring. Connecting professional audio amplifiers to a local area network (LAN) opens the door for integrators to unlock the full potential of their products. Before the smart amps of today, that meant integrators had to run extra Cat 5 or Cat 6 cable throughout the venue. But now, networking amps wirelessly is a viable option.
There are a few different ways you could connect your amp to a network. With our CONNECTSERIES, we wanted to give installers the flexibility to choose how they connect their amps to the network. That’s why we included three ways to connect – through a traditional wired connection via Cat5 or Cat6 cable or networking amps wirelessly with a Wi-Fi amplifier connection over the venue’s Wi-Fi, or using a built-in Wi-Fi Access Point.
This begs the question…Why would you need two Wi-Fi connection options in an amp?
Let’s dive in!
Wi-Fi Vs. Wi-Fi Access Point
Wi-Fi Mode vs. AP Mode: Networking Amps Wirelessly
A WI-FI station is what you typically think of when you have a phone or a computer that has Wi-Fi. It basically means that the device is capable of joining an existing Wi-Fi network which allows for networking amps wirelessly. The user can connect to the amp with a device that is also on the existing network.
With a Wi-Fi Access Point (WAP), the amp becomes the Wi-Fi network that other devices (phones and PCs) can connect to. This mode is a direct connection between the amp and the device. Think of it like your phone’s Wi-Fi hotspot setting.
Benefits of Wi-Fi Amplifier Connectivity
Wi-Fi Mode vs. AP Mode: Networking Amps Wirelessly
Wi-Fi amplifier connectivity is beneficial in the case where the end-user would like to be able to monitor the amplifier but doesn’t have the existing infrastructure in place to put the amp on a wired network.
For instance, in an older building, power is usually available, but network cabling usually isn’t.
Benefits of WAP in an Amp
Wi-Fi Mode vs. AP Mode: Networking Amps Wirelessly
WAP mode is beneficial if there is no existing network of any kind (wired or wireless). In this case, the amplifier is capable of creating a Wi-Fi network for users to connect to and monitor the amp. WAP mode will also speed up the process of networking amps wirelessly to existing Wi-Fi networks.
How Does Wi-Fi Amplifier Connection Work?
Wi-Fi Mode vs. AP Mode: Networking Amps Wirelessly
Wi-Fi amplifier connectivity is accomplished with a pre-certified Wi-Fi module inside the amp. There’s a Wi-Fi antenna mounted inside the amp. This module takes direction from the amplifier microprocessor to establish a wireless link to an existing Wi-Fi network. To connect in station mode, the user will need to first connect the amp directly to a PC with a network cable, through a router, or in WAP mode and enter the Wi-Fi details. Once the details are entered, the amp will establish the link, and the user can connect to the amp Web UI by typing in the IP address shown on the display on the front of the amp.
How Does WAP Work?
Wi-Fi Mode vs. AP Mode: Networking Amps Wirelessly
WAP mode works in a similar fashion. When the user presses the AP mode button located on the rear panel of the CONNECTSERIES amplifier, the microprocessor configures the Wi-Fi module to run in WAP mode. The Wi-Fi module manages the Wi-Fi radio and the microprocessor manages all of the network configuration (DHCP, etc.). The amp creates its own unique SSID (wireless network name) for users to connect to. Once connected, users can access the Web UI by entering the IP address shown on the display on the front of the amp.
Safe and Sound
Wi-Fi Mode vs. AP Mode: Networking Amps Wirelessly
Networking amps wirelessly does come with concern though, and that’s security. Wireless devices broadcast their data into the air, in every direction, for anyone that’s listening to hear. To overcome this concern, Wi-Fi networks have security protocols to protect the data and control who can listen in or join the network. Our amplifier supports the following security protocols: OPEN, WEP, WPA, and WPA2. If you think of network security like the front door of your house, OPEN is like leaving the door open and letting anyone in. WEP is like closing the door, so only people who are curious can get in. WAP is like locking the doorknob, and WPA2 is like locking the deadbolt. Setting up the correct security protocol is critical to protecting the data and devices on your wireless network.
Who benefits from these features?
Wi-Fi Mode vs. AP Mode: Networking Amps Wirelessly
Wi-Fi amplifier connectivity is targeted at small installations where there’s no existing network infrastructure. It’s a few amps in a place where it would be difficult or expensive to run network cable.
WAP mode allows the single-amp user to access the Web UI with no extra equipment. It’s also a quick way to onboard amps to an existing Wi-Fi network.
Why did LEA choose to include both in the CONNECTSERIES?
Wi-Fi Mode vs. AP Mode: Networking Amps Wirelessly
We added station and WAP mode (along with wired) to the LEA CONNECTSERIES to give installers the freedom to connect to the amps no matter what sort of network infrastructure they encounter. It’s all about empowering our customers with the tools that they can count on – no matter what the job.
In conclusion, we understand that every audio installation project is different. There is no cookie-cutter method for building a professional audio system. That’s why we designed our CONNECTSERIES to be the most flexible amp on the market.
If you have any questions about networking amps wirelessly, please leave a comment below or connect with us on our social media channels.
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