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Dante Modes: Redundant vs Daisy-Chainable

Some Dante enabled units are also capable of employing Dante Redundancy. This requires at least two Dante NICs and is a fail-safe that simultaneously runs two separate Dante networks that will continue to pass audio if one of these networks goes down for any reason. Daisy-chained mode does not take advantage of this fail-safe and will only use on Dante network to pass audio. All Symetrix equipment comes in daisy-chain mode by default.

If Dante units are cabled for Redundant Mode while the units are still set to Switched Mode, problems such as failure to change modes and loss of audio may occur. Use the procedure below any time a device is switched from Redundant to Switched Mode or vice versa.

  • Cable the Dante network as if it were in Switched Mode, not Redundant Mode. In other words, if using an external switch or a direct connection between two units, make connections only to the Primary jack. If more than two devices are used without an external switch, daisy chain from one unit’s Primary to the next unit’s Secondary. Do not “complete the loop” from the last unit back to the first unit.
  • In Composer, go to Tools -> Network I/O Manager -> Configure Dante. Select Redundant Network or Switched Port as appropriate.
  • Push to the Hardware to Go On-line with the system. This will take slightly longer than usual as the Dante ports change their mode.
  • Power down the system.
  • Cable the Dante network as appropriate for the new mode. If switching to Redundant Mode, you may now connect the Primary and Secondary between two units or separate switches.
  • Power on the system.
  • Again Push to the Hardware to Go On-line with the system.

For more information, there is a Dante Redundancy Tech Tip on the Symetrix website.