[Feature Request] DHCP, Access Controls, Port Control

[plusone]

I've just started testing a Madrix Stella, and thought I send out a couple feature requests. These features are available in other similar products.

• DHCP and/or BOOTP for IP Address configuration. Bonus points for DHCP Option 12 support.
• Some type of access control on the web interface, even if that access control is just disabling the web interface. Again, bonus points for local authentication or all the way up to LDAP/AD or PKI style security (see: Pathway). Also great if enabling security features make configuration read-only via other methods (i.e. ArtNet). Obviously it can be difficult to balance usability versus security, however security features are more and more being required.
• The ability to software-disable the second network port if an installation does not require it.

Thanks!

[Schulze]

Hi plusone,

Thank you very much for your requests.

1) "DHCP and/or BOOTP for IP Address configuration. Bonus points for DHCP Option 12 support."
- Unfortunately this is not planned, since this would render the STELLA to have a different IP everytime. This would infere with easy plug & play functionality of the device.

2) "Some type of access control on the web interface[...]"
- Our developers will evaluate this option, but we won't use LDAP or similar as this would be way too complex.

3) "The ability to software-disable the second network port if an installation does not require it."
- This is not planned, sorry. Could you please elaborate why you need this option?

[plusone]

1) "DHCP and/or BOOTP for IP Address configuration. Bonus points for DHCP Option 12 support."
- Unfortunately this is not planned, since this would render the STELLA to have a different IP everytime. This would infere with easy plug & play functionality of the device.

While that is one outcome, that would not be the only outcome -- obviously DHCP assignments can be made via MAC Address, switch port, or even hostname. Large installations require network-standard tools for management.

3) "The ability to software-disable the second network port if an installation does not require it."
- This is not planned, sorry. Could you please elaborate why you need this option?

Some installation environments restrict unused network ports for network security and do not permit devices that hang a new switch port off of the larger network.

[Schulze]

Hi plusone,

Thank you for your reply.

While that is one outcome, that would not be the only outcome -- obviously DHCP assignments can be made via MAC Address, switch port, or even hostname. Large installations require network-standard tools for management.

- If you want to change the IP, you would either have to log-in into the device and set the IP or in the DHCP management tool.
- If you want to set up a device, you have to enter the IP address in the DHCP tool, but all other settings on the STELLA website. The result would be a double effort, since you would have to apply the settings both for the STELLA and the DHCP tool.
- Furthermore, a "simple" change of the IP address in the DHCP tool would effort a configuration of the DMX control software (MADRIX), which has a disadvantageous effect.
- DHCP requests generate additional network traffic, which can be particularly critical in large installations.
- A failure of the DHCP service inevitably leads to a complete failure of the entire DMX network, in contrast to a static IP. Due to the disadvantages of DHCP, it is not advisable to use DHCP in large DMX networks / lighting networks. Nevertheless, we will evaluate your concerns within our team.

Some installation environments restrict unused network ports for network security and do not permit devices that hang a new switch port off of the larger network.

- That is a good idea in general, but disabling the network port software-wise would not prevent people from unplugging the networkcable from the other (not disabled) port and therefore gain access to the network/device. A "hardware" solution would be more effective, for example there are "RJ45" hardware port locks on the market.