HippoNet

Setting up a solid HippoNet Network is perhaps the most important aspect of a system design.

A malfunctioning network can result in slow user interfaces in Zookeeper, delayed or slow media uploads and many other undesirable behaviors.

What should be on HippoNet?

• All Hippotizer systems
• Remote Zookeeper systems
• Network Storage for watchfolders

HippoNet uses a mixture of UDP and TCP data to communicate with all Hippotizers and Zookeepers on the network.

Requirements

• Switched gigabit network
• Cat5e or better network cable
• Switching capable of handling high UDP loads (eg. Cisco SG series, Netgear or Luminex 1Gb switches).
• Static IP addresses for each system. (IPV4, Class C, eg. 192.168.0.xxx with a sub net of 255.255.255.0)
• Disable IGMP snooping on all managed switches

Recommendations and best practice

• HippoNet should only contain Hippotizer systems
• Physically separate HippoNet and other networks where possible avoiding virtual networks.
• Do not connect HippoNet network to the internet
• Avoid Cat5e cable run lengths greater than 90m (300ft) as packet loss can occur. For longer runs use fibre optic network cable.
• Where large media synchronizations are going to occur, consider using 10Gb networking.