How to Configure NETGEAR Managed Switches for ProLink Integration

Jun 24, 2024

Learn how to configure NETGEAR managed switches for ProLink Remote Control Integration.

Introduction

To successfully setup your DiGiCo console with SuperRack to use the ProLink Remote Control protocol using a NETGEAR managed switch (NETGEAR M4300 or M4250) specific configurations are required.

Please note that the instructions below are only relevant if you are managing multiple VLANs on your switch.
If your system does not utilize multiple VLANs, or if you are using the Legacy Remote Control functionality, these instructions are not relevant.

Please note that the configurations mentioned below are port specific and only apply to the switch port you are configuring. Make sure you apply the configuration to the port used to connect your DiGiCo network. If a different port is used, these settings will not be applied to it. Therefore, it is crucial to consistently use the designated port for your DiGiCo network connection.

Set your DiGiCo Console and SuperRack to ProLink Mode

First, make sure your system is configured for ProLink.
For detailed instructions, please refer to the How to Update to SuperRack with ProLink Integration Support.

Apply the SoundGrid Profile on your NETGEAR M4250 or M4300 switch

Apply the SoundGrid profile on all relevant switch ports and enter a VLAN ID that will represent your SoundGrid port group. Make sure to remember this VLAN ID as it will be required later in the configuration.

Comprehensive setup instructions can be found in the How to Apply SoundGrid Profile on NETGEAR M4250 & M4300 Network Switches article.

Configure Multicast Settings for DiGiCo Network Port

Enable Advanced Management Features:

  1. Log out of the AV UI menu.
  2. Login to the Advanced Management interface.
  3. Navigate to Switching > Multicast > MLD Snooping > Configuration.
  4. Make sure all options are enabled, if any options are disabled, enable them.

Enable Interface Configuration:

  1. Go to Switching > Multicast > MLD Snooping > Interface Configuration.
  2. Select your designated SoundGrid port (that is connected to the console's network port).
  3. Under Admin Mode, select ‘Enable’ and click Apply.

Configure VLAN:

  1. Navigate to Switching > Multicast > MLD Snooping > VLAN Configuration.
  2. Enter the VLAN ID of the designated SoundGrid port.
  3. Verify that all other fields are set to the same values as the default VLAN and click Add.

Enable Querier Configuration:

  1. Navigate to Switching > Multicast > MLD Snooping > Querier Configuration.
  2. Set Querier Admin Mode to ‘Enable’ and click Apply.
  3. Set Query Interval to 10 and click Apply.

Set Querier VLAN Configuration:

  1. Navigate to Switching > Multicast > MLD Snooping > Querier VLAN Configuration.
  2. Enter the VLAN ID of your designated SoundGrid port.
  3. Set Querier Election Participate Mode to ‘Enable’ and click Add.

Once done, save the settings by clicking the Save button on the top right section.

Lastly, verify settings:

  1. Go to Switching > Multicast > MFDB > MFDB Table.
  2. Look for the row representing the new MLD multicast groups assigned with your SoundGrid VLAN: 33:33:00:00:77:76 2 MLD DYNAMIC Network Assist <Your console port>

If the MLD multicast group appears differently it means that the MLD was not set correctly, and the configuration should be reapplied.

Once the configuration is complete, your DiGiCo console should become available in the ProLink Remote Control window in SuperRack.

Note for NETGEAR GS110TP users: If you have not set up any VLANs, ProLink integration should work out of the box without the need to manually configure it.
If you wish to assign a new VLAN to the SoundGrid ports, access the Advanced Management interface, create your VLAN, and assign the relevant ports.
After the VLAN is set-up, follow the steps above, in the ‘Configure Multicast Settings for DiGiCo Network Port’ section and once done, proceed to follow these additional steps:

Assign the PVID for your SoundGrid VLAN ports:

  1. Go to the NETGEAR Advanced Management interface.
  2. Navigate to Switching > VLAN > Port PVID Configuration.
  3. Checkmark all the relevant ports that are part of your SoundGrid VLAN.
  4. Under PVID, type in the VLAN ID that you gave to your SoundGrid VLAN (match the PVID with your VLAN ID) and click Apply.

Need any further assistance? Contact our Technical Support team.