Strato, Alto, Disc Vault Networking

[rx7outkast]

In my current setup I have my Alto and my Disc Vault connected via a mesh point in my wifi, that is effectively serving as a network switch. The issue is that this mesh point only has 2 ports (one for the DV, and one for the Alto). I recently purchased a 12TB Strato and, now that I'm adding the Strato to my system, do I need to add a 3-port (or more) network switch to connect all 3 pieces of equipment to that they can "talk" to one another, or can I simply have the Strato's network connection replace the Alto and allow the Co-Star to tie them together? Please let me know if this makes sense. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[mpierson]

I recently set up a co-star pairing an M500 with a Strato. My understanding is that the Co-Star‘s job is to allow the Strato to control the ”slave” player - M500 for me, Alto in your case - over HDMI. But for this to be possible, the systems and specific players have to be paired and need to be connected separately on the same network for this to happen. I connect everything via Ethernet, so need a port on the switch for each component. If I remember rightly though, the Strato - my model anyway - can connect via WIFI (the Alto too if I remember rightly), so this might save you having to get a new switch. Though Ethernet is obviously preferable. This was my experience anyway...

 

[mpierson]

I recently set up a co-star pairing an M500 with a Strato. My understanding is that the Co-Star‘s job is to allow the Strato to control the ”slave” player - M500 for me, Alto in your case - over HDMI. But for this to be possible, the systems and specific players have to be paired and need to be connected separately on the same network for this to happen. I connect everything via Ethernet, so need a port on the switch for each component. If I remember rightly though, the Strato - my model anyway - can connect via WIFI (the Alto too if I remember rightly), so this might save you having to get a new switch. Though Ethernet is obviously preferable. This was my experience anyway...

Correction: just looking at the Strato installation guide. WiFi is only an option when the Strato is a standalone component in the system. Gigabit Ethernet is required when you have more than one component. So looks like you will need that extra port.

 

[J.Green]

To clarify; when Co-Starred the Alto/M-Class player is controlled by the Strato via IP (network) not HDMI.

All devices must have their own wired network connection in order to be grouped together. Devices cannot be grouped when connected to your network via Wi-Fi.

 

[rx7outkast]

Thanks for your help, guys! Despite my difficulty in clearly stating my conundrum, I think this "when Co-Starred, the Alto/M-Class player is controlled by the Strato via IP (network) not HDMI. All devices must have their own wired network connection in order to be grouped together" was the perfect answer. When all was said and done, I ended up buying a simple unmanaged 8 port network switch and connecting all units through that switch. Everything worked (and continues to) like an absolute charm.