Weekly Distribution:
- Lecture: 2 hours/week
- Lab: 2 hours/week
Students will receive a combination of lecture and lab-based learning, including hands-on practical experience working with network and control equipment.
Data Communication
- Numbering systems (binary, decimal, hexadecimal)
- Character encoding
- Data rate and bandwidth
- Error detection
Network Systems
- Network layers and topologies
- Transfer Control Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), Internet Protocol (IP)
- IP addresses and subnets
- Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
- Local Area Networks (LAN) and Virtual Local Area Networks (VLAN)
- Physical networking (routers, switches, and hubs)
- Cabling (category cable and fibre optic)
- Wireless networks
Entertainment Networks
- Serial data networks (e.g. RS-232, RS-485)
- DMX 512 lighting protocol
- DMX over IP protocols (e.g. Artnet, sACN)
- Audio over IP protocols (e.g. Dante, AES67)
- Video over IP protocols (e.g. NDI, SMPTE 2110)
- Control networks
- System design principles
- Redundancy and backup systems
- Managing multiple systems within the same network
Show Control Systems
- Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI)
- MIDI Show Control
- Open Sound Control (OSC)
- Timecode (e.g. MIDI and SMPTE)
Live Streaming
- Navigating the advantages and disadvantages of various streaming platforms
- Optimizing audio and video systems for streaming
- Streaming hardware and software
- Managing network bandwidth
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand the principles of data communication and computer networking;
- Design, configure, and manage a small-scale entertainment networking system;
- Apply industry best practices when setting up show control networks;
- Collaborate effectively when designing interdependent systems;
- Choose the best method to solve real-world networking and control system challenges;
- Setup and operate audio and video systems for live streaming.
Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. An evaluation schedule will be presented at the beginning of the course. This is a graded course.
Students are expected to be self-motivated and to demonstrate professionalism, which includes active participation, good attendance, punctuality, effective collaboration, and ability to meet deadlines.
Instructors may use a student’s record of attendance and/or level of active participation in the course as part of the student’s graded performance. Where this occurs, expectations and grade calculations regarding class attendance and participation will be clearly defined in the instructor’s course outline.
Sample Grading Scheme:
| Research Project | 15% |
| Collaborative Show Control Exercise | 15% |
| Quizzes and Exams | 30% |
| Network Design Project | 20% |
| Attendance and Professionalism | 20% |
| 100% |
A list of recommended textbooks and materials is provided on the Instructor’s Course Outline, which is available to students at the beginning of each semester. For example:
Huntington, John. Show Networks & Control Systems. 2nd Edition, Zircon Designs Press, 2017.
Completion of one of the following programs or permission of the instructor:
- Stagecraft and Event Technology Diploma
- Music Technology Diploma
None
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