The dmXLAN SwitchGBx 10 Network Switch¶
The ELC dmXLAN SwitchGBx 10 is a programmable Gigabit network switch designed specifically for live entertainment applications where mixed data protocols such as lighting, audio and video would overload commercially available network switches.
The switch allows you to configure virtual LANs, redundant network links and trunking connections through the integrated colour touch screen and rotary encoder, or via the free dmXLAN software. By creating loops between devices, the SwitchGBx 10 provides real-time backup paths and helps maintain communication when a connection in the loop is interrupted.
The dmXLAN SwitchGBx 10 features 8 front Gigabit Ethercon ports with PoE, 8 rear Gigabit Ethercon ports without PoE, and 2 SFP cages for fibre optic modules up to 2.5 Gbps. The switch is also Dante compatible and can act as master for the dmXLAN NodeGBx 8 slave units.
The dmXLAN SwitchGBx 10 comes in multiple variations:
- DLS10GBX - standard version with 2 SFP cages
- DLS10GBXOPT - version with 2 Neutrik OpticalCON DUO Multimode connectors on the front instead of the rear SFP cages
- DLS10GBXFF - version with 2 FIBERFOX EBC1502 Multimode connectors on the front instead of the rear SFP cages
The User Interface¶
Menu¶
Setup Menu Structure
Main menu layout¶
The main menu shows an overview of all 8 Ethernet ports and the 2 SFP cages. On the home screen, each port is shown in a colour that indicates its currently assigned mode. In addition, every front port has an RGB LED indicator that mirrors the port status.
An X beneath a port number indicates that there is currently no linked device. When a link is established, this field shows the communication speed, for example 100 for 100 Mbps or 1G for 1 Gbps.
Turning the Encoder to the right cycles through additional views showing the status of each port, including VLAN ID, mode and link status. The final screen shows general switch information such as device name, serial number and IP address.
Default VLAN mode colours¶
| VLAN ID | Mode | Colour |
|---|---|---|
| VLAN 1 | Normal | Light blue |
| VLAN 2 | Audio | Dark blue |
| VLAN 3 | AudioBackup | Teal |
| VLAN 4 | GreenGo | Lime green |
| VLAN 5 | Video | Yellow |
| VLAN 6 | DMX | Pink |
| VLAN 7 | sACN | Pink |
| VLAN 8 | Lighting | Orange |
| VLAN 9 | Internet | Purple |
| VLAN 10 | Security | Red |
| VLAN 11 | Intercom | Light green |
Creating a virtual LAN¶
To create a virtual LAN, open the Settings Menu and select Create Virtual LAN.
In the VLAN setup menu, the default VLAN type is set to VLAN 1 Normal. To choose a different VLAN type, select the VLAN field and rotate the Encoder to scroll through the available VLAN modes. Press the Encoder to confirm the selected type.
Once the VLAN type has been selected, one or more ports can be added to the VLAN. Highlight a port and press the Encoder to include it. Included ports are highlighted in yellow.
By selecting Setup, the VLAN is configured according to the chosen settings. After returning to the main screen, the selected ports and their RGB LED indicators will change colour to show that they have been assigned successfully.
Creating a loop¶
To create a loop for VLAN trunking, open the Settings Menu and select Create Loop.
First select the Port field and choose the port that will be included in the loop. Next select the Partner field and choose the partner port that will be linked to the first port. By default, the switch chooses the next available port as the partner, but this can be changed to any front, rear or fibre port.
To confirm the loop setup, scroll to Set Loop Now and press the Encoder.
On return to the main screen, ports included in the loop are highlighted white to show that the loop has been set up successfully. When the ports blink red, the loop is not linked to another switch and VLAN trunking is not possible.
Setting up ports¶
To configure an individual port, open the Settings Menu and choose Front Port Setup, Rear Port Setup or Fiber Port Setup, depending on the port type you want to modify.
In the port selection menu, choose the required port number and press the Encoder to enter the configuration options.
Each port can be configured in one of the following modes:
| mode | description |
|---|---|
| Normal | The port operates as a standard port and requires a VLAN type to be assigned. |
| Trunk/Loop | The port operates as part of a trunk or loop and requires a partner port to be selected. |
| Disabled | The port is disabled. |
When all settings are completed, choose Save and Exit to store the configuration and leave the setup menu.
Setting the device ID¶
Changing the device ID is done by selecting the Set ID option and then alternately rotating and pressing the Encoder to set the 3-digit ID for the switch.
Renaming the device¶
The Rename option lets you assign a custom name to the switch. To enter a new device name, select Rename and alternately rotate and press the Encoder to set the new name.
Configuring network settings¶
To modify the network settings, go to the Settings Menu and select Network Settings.
In this menu, the switch can be configured to use either a dynamic IP or a static IP. To do this, highlight the Dynamic setting and press the Encoder to turn dynamic IP on or off.
Under VLAN ID, you can assign the switch itself to a specific VLAN. Select the VLAN ID option, rotate the Encoder to choose the required VLAN ID and press the Encoder again to confirm.
The Network Settings menu also allows you to set the IP address and Netmask of the switch. Highlight the required field, press the Encoder to edit it, rotate to change the values and press again to confirm.
Once the network settings have been modified, select Save to store the settings.
Configuring display settings¶
To modify the display settings, go to the Settings Menu and select Display Settings.
In this menu, both the brightness of the screen and the brightness of the front port LEDs can be adjusted. Highlight the relevant option, press the Encoder to edit it, and rotate the Encoder to change the value.
The brightness can be adjusted from low to high, or switched off completely.
Factory default¶
Resetting the device to factory default restores all settings to their original configuration and removes any changes that have been made.
To proceed, select Factory Default from the Settings Menu and press the Encoder. The device will ask for confirmation before performing the reset, since this action is irreversible.
Maintenance & Safety¶
Before operating the product, read the user manual thoroughly and pay special attention to all safety requirements.
Cleaning¶
Disconnect all connected supply and signal cables before cleaning the unit. Clean with a dry cloth. Do not use any liquids or aerosols on the unit.
Usage¶
- Do not use the unit near water or moisture.
- Keep all ventilation openings unobstructed.
- Install the unit in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Do not insert objects through ventilation slots, as this may cause short circuits, electric shock or fire.
- Do not install the unit near heat sources such as radiators, stoves or amplifiers.
- Unplug the unit during lightning storms or when not in use for extended periods.
- Place the unit only on stable surfaces.
- Do not place objects on the power cord. Protect the cord from being walked on or pinched.
- If the power cord or mains plug is damaged, have it replaced immediately by a qualified technician.
- Never defeat the safety function of the grounding plug.
Servicing¶
All servicing must be performed by qualified service personnel. Servicing is required if the apparatus has been damaged in any way, including:
- Damage to the power supply cord or plug
- Liquid spillage
- Objects falling into the apparatus
- Exposure to rain or moisture
- Abnormal operation
- Impact or fall damage
In any of these situations, disconnect the mains plug immediately and contact your distributor or technical support.
Warning: Maintenance and service may only be carried out by qualified personnel. Opening or removing covers may expose live parts, creating a serious risk of electric shock.