NG2S855 - Lighting Control and Network Technology 01 Jul 2017 - 31 Aug 2024 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: NG2S855
Module Title: Lighting Control and Network Technology
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Information and Electronics
Faculty Sub Group: Electronics
Module Leader: Jack Elderfield
Module Team: Rob Locke, Philip Hughes, Ian Williams
First Intended Intake: JUL 2017 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 5
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100163 - electrical and electronic engineering
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Jul 2017
Valid To 31 Aug 2024

Module Aims

To gain a thorough understanding of networks, datalinks and control systems used in the lighting and /or live event industry.

Provide a thorough understanding of control devices and systems. You will be introduced to a range of technologies, systems and practices used to automate the control of various elements for a live performance or in the built environment.

Opportunities will be provided to develop programming skills and apply them at an appropriate level.
Consideration will be given to the differing benefits of the range of technologies available and the challenge of appropriately matching them to the requirements of a given brief.

Content Summary

Purpose of networks and communication links

Quality and quantity of information

Reliability and suitability of networks and associated equipment

Ethernet- based networks

Optical fibre based networks

Bandwidth limitations

Industry uses and applications

Safety issues

Remote access (VNC / RDP etc.)

Principles of ethernet layers

Transporting signals as IP traffic

Single direction, half duplex and full duplex systems for control, the requirement for feedback for effective control.

Understanding WAN connectivity: Copper / Fibre, WiFi, mobile data and bonded connections

Specific networks for particular areas of the industry.

The relationship between technologies and needs through case studies and laboratory projects.

Control communication protocols and technologies.

Control equipment considering installation identifying the benefits and shortfalls of each type.

Temporary and permanent installations.

History and development of control interfaces.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 16
Practical classes and workshops 32
Independent Study 72
Directed Study 80
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Understanding the theoretical and practical issues of network design and maintenance, in the context of existing and emerging network technologies and standards.
LO2 Evaluate and justify the selection of lighting, sound or media control hardware and software to meet given design requirements

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Project 2 Written assignment exploring lighting control and networking technology 0 2500 50 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Project 1 Project demonstrating student knowledge of lighting control and networking technology 0 2500 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Project 2
Project 1

Reading List

Huntington, J (2012) Show Networks and Control Systems: Formerly \\\"Control Systems for Live Entertainment\\\", Zircon Designs Press.

Howells, W (2004) Rock Solid Ethernet, Entertainment Technology Press.

Howells, W (2008) Control Freak: A Real World Guide to DMX512 and Remote Device Management, Entertainment Technology Press Ltd. 

Mansfield, N (2011) Practical TCP/IP: Designing, Using, and Troubleshooting TCP/IP Networks on Linux and Windows, 2nd edn, UIT.

Rumsey, F and Watkinson, J (2003) Digital Interface Handbook Francis Rumsey, 3rd edn, Focal Press.

Simpson, R. (2003) Lighting Control: Technology and Applications, Focal Press 

Schiller, B. (2010) The Automated Lighting Programmer's Handbook, Focal Press; 2 edition

Claiborne, C. (2014) Media Servers for Lighting Programmers, Focal Press

Cadena, R. (2010) Automated Lighting, Focal Press; 2 edition

USA. ANSI (2010) E1.20 - 2010, Entertainment Technology-RDM-Remote Device Management over USITT DMX512 Networks, ANSI

USA. (2013) ANSI E1.11-2008, Entertainment Technology - USITT DMX512-A - Asynchronous Serial Digital Data Transmission Standard for Controlling Lighting Equipment and Accessories, ANSI

USA. (2010) ANSI E1.17 - 2010, Entertainment Technology - Architecture for Control Networks (ACN), ANSI