Overview

Multiple Just Add Power Decoders can share one connection to the Just Add Power network through an unmanaged gigabit switch. This is useful when several displays are in one location and only one network run is available to that location.

The Decoders share a single gigabit uplink. Their source switching behavior depends on the system configuration:

• AMP Standardized Configuration: VLAN Switching sends the same Encoder stream to every Decoder connected through the shared Decoder port.
• AMP Alternate Configuration: Multicast Switching allows Decoders to request different Encoder streams, but those streams must fit through the shared uplink.

Before You Begin

• Use an unmanaged switch with gigabit ports. The connection to the Just Add Power network switch and every Decoder connection must negotiate at 1 Gbps.
• Provide suitable power to every Decoder. If using a PoE unmanaged switch, confirm that it supports the required PoE type and has enough total power for all connected Decoders. Otherwise, use supported external power supplies.
• Plan for the Decoders to watch the same source when sharing a single gigabit uplink.

AMP Standardized Configuration

Configure and Connect the Decoders

1. During the initial AMP Build New workflow, include one Decoder port for the unmanaged switch. Complete the initial system configuration with that port physically empty. The port must be configured as a Decoder port; leaving it unassigned in AMP makes it a Data Network port.
2. Review the completed system’s AMP report. Identify unused IP addresses and output numbers for the additional Decoders.
3. Connect the additional Decoders to the network used for off-site configuration. In AMP, select Build & Expand → Add Devices → Off-Site and configure them using the established system’s settings and the unique assignments identified in the previous step.
4. Confirm that AMP has finished configuring the Decoders. Disconnect them from the off-site configuration network.
5. Connect the unmanaged gigabit switch to the prepared Decoder port. Then connect the configured Decoders to the unmanaged switch.
6. Verify that the shared uplink and each Decoder connection negotiate at 1 Gbps. Switch sources and confirm stable video on every display.

How Source Switching Works

AMP Standardized Configuration uses VLAN Switching. The Encoder selected for the shared Decoder port determines the video stream received by every Decoder connected through the unmanaged switch. Switching that port changes the source for all of them at once.

For example, four Decoders can serve a 2×2 video wall. Each Decoder displays its assigned portion of the picture, while all four receive the same Encoder stream. One source switch changes the content of the entire wall.

AMP Alternate Configuration

Configure and Connect the Decoders

1. Configure the managed network for Multicast Switching, including the port that will connect to the unmanaged switch. AMP Alternate Configuration does not configure the managed switch.
2. Connect the unmanaged gigabit switch to the prepared multicast-enabled port. Connect the Decoders to the unmanaged switch and provide power to each one.
3. Connect the AMP computer to the configured Just Add Power network using a wired Ethernet connection.
4. In AMP, select Alternate Configuration → Build & Expand → Build New. Confirm that AMP discovers every Decoder connected through the unmanaged switch.
5. Assign each Decoder a unique output number and IP address within the intended Just Add Power subnet. Complete the AMP configuration and save the project report.
6. Verify that the shared uplink and each Decoder connection negotiate at 1 Gbps. Select a source and confirm stable video on every display.

How Source Switching Works

AMP Alternate Configuration uses Multicast Switching. Each Decoder can be directed to an Encoder independently. However, every distinct video stream requested by the Decoders must travel over their shared gigabit uplink. Multiple streams can exceed its available bandwidth and cause interrupted or unstable video.

For reliable operation over one gigabit uplink, configure the connected Decoders to watch the same Encoder. If they must show different sources at the same time, provide separate network connections with sufficient bandwidth.

Troubleshooting

Decoders Are Not Discovered in AMP Alternate Configuration

Confirm that the managed switch port connected to the unmanaged switch has the required Just Add Power VLAN and multicast settings. Check power and link status for the unmanaged switch and each Decoder. Confirm that the AMP computer is connected to the configured network using its wired Ethernet adapter, then rescan.

All Decoders Show the Wrong Source

In an AMP Standardized system, confirm that the unmanaged switch is connected to the planned Decoder port and that the switching command selects the intended Encoder for that port. In an AMP Alternate system, check the source selected for each Decoder.

Video Is Unstable

• Confirm that the connection between the managed network switch and the unmanaged switch negotiates at 1 Gbps. If it negotiates at 10 or 100 Mbps, check the installed run and its terminations.
• Confirm that every Decoder connection to the unmanaged switch negotiates at 1 Gbps.
• In an AMP Alternate system, check whether the Decoders are requesting different Encoder streams. Set them to the same source or provide separate connections with sufficient bandwidth.
• Check the unmanaged switch’s power supply and, if applicable, its available PoE budget.

One Decoder Has No Video

If the other Decoders display video normally, check the affected Decoder’s power, network link, and cable connection to the unmanaged switch. Confirm that it has a unique IP address and output number.