Architecture for Control Networks
– ACN defines a common protocol architecture
– ACN has two major network protocols: SDT and DMP
– ACN includes a device description language (DDL)
– ACN has interoperability profiles (EPIs) for achieving interoperability
– ACN’s modular architecture allows for easy replacement or revision of components
– ACN’s common architecture specification defines a nested protocol data unit format
– The Root Layer Protocol is used to splice higher level protocols into lower level transport
– The Root Layer Protocol is used on UDP/IP
– ACN uses a TLV encoding format for its protocol data units
– ACN’s common architecture allows for efficient communication between different protocols
Session Data Transport (SDT)
– SDT is a reliable multicast transport protocol
– SDT operates over UDP/IP
– SDT can group peers into sessions for message delivery
– SDT provides ordered message delivery
– SDT allows for selective reliable or unreliable message transmission
Device Management Protocol (DMP)
– DMP represents devices as addressable properties
– Monitoring or control is achieved by setting or examining property values
– DMP provides a subscription mechanism for asynchronous event messages
– DMP can operate over TCP for reliable connections
– DMP relies on device descriptions written in DDL for property information
Device Description Language (DDL)
– DDL allows for machine parsable descriptions of device interfaces and capabilities
– DDL is an XML-based language
– DDL provides address and property mapping information for DMP
– DDL contains information on device functionality and semantics
– DDL allows for automatic configuration of controllers for specific devices
Lighting Control Systems
– Used to regulate and manage lighting in buildings or residential spaces
– Can include features like dimming, scheduling, and occupancy sensing
– Helps reduce energy consumption and optimize lighting levels
– Can be integrated with other building automation systems
– Examples of lighting control systems include DALI and Zigbee
– Used in theatrical and entertainment industries to control stage lighting
– Allow for precise control of individual fixtures and lighting effects
– Often include features like scene programming and live control options
– Can communicate with DMX-512 devices using the DMX protocol
– Examples of lighting control consoles include MA Lighting GrandMA and ETC Eos Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture_for_Control_Networks
This article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2012) |
Architecture for Control Networks (ACN) is a suite of network protocols for control of entertainment technology equipment, particularly as used in live performance or large-scale installations. For example, lighting, audio or special effects equipment. ACN is maintained by Entertainment Services and Technology Association and its first official release was ANSI Standard E1.17-2006 - Entertainment Technology - Architecture for Control Networks. The standard was subsequently revised and released as ANSI E1.17-2010.
| International standard | ANSI Standard E1.17-2006 |
|---|
ACN was initially designed to be layered on top of UDP/IP and therefore will run over most IP transports including standard, inexpensive Ethernet and 802.11 (Wi-Fi) networks.
