Networking multiple Mac Pros via Network switch

[MacintoshDude24]

Hi All,
I'm trying to network 4 Macs' (3 Mac Pros, 1 Mac Mini) via ethernet for music production purposes. Is there an ethernet multiple port option similar to a patchbay that will allow the macs to see each other and allow data transfer through apps like Vienna Ensemble Pro etc? I've tried by just using the ethernet ports and have been successful with 3 mac's but only two can see each other at the same time.

Thanks in advacnce

MD

 

[pmiles]

What are you really trying to accomplish here?

Remote login?
Shared data over a network?
RAID setup?
Multi-boot environment?
Sharing a single peripheral device with multiple computers?

You need to be a little more specific as to what exactly you are attempting to do.

 

[Darth.Titan]

What you need is a router with at least a 4 port switch.

A switch alone won't cut it as you need the DHCP functions of the router.

 

[glenthompson]

A switch could work but you would need to make one of the Macs a DHCP server.

 

[phrehdd]

A switch could work but you would need to make one of the Macs a DHCP server.

DHCP server? Hmmm, seems that a simple quality router would be a simpler choice given that it can do DHCP and also reserve IP addresses per each device. Once reserved, each device when logging in will only get that IP. After that, with some set up, all the computers should be able to see each other and that set up should include "shared" designation.

Alternatively, if sharing files created from an application is the goal. A NAS unit on a network might be a plan. Finish the file and simply store it on the NAS (network attached storage) and others can then access it. Thoughts?

 

[MacintoshDude24]

Hi All,
Many thanks for all of your replies.
As stated above, my main purpose of networking the 4 macs is so i can run Vienna Ensemble Pro on three of them. VEP lets me offset a processor intensive uses to another machine so in affect, i can run one master and three slaves. As the Mac Pro's only have 2 ethernet ports, i've not found it possible to link more than 3 (1 master, 2 slaves) so i'm hoping there is something out there which can assign IP address and allow all four of the mac's to see each other over the network and if need be transfer files.
Hope that explains the end use a bit more?

 

[chrfr]

Hi All,
Many thanks for all of your replies.
As stated above, my main purpose of networking the 4 macs is so i can run Vienna Ensemble Pro on three of them. VEP lets me offset a processor intensive uses to another machine so in affect, i can run one master and three slaves. As the Mac Pro's only have 2 ethernet ports, i've not found it possible to link more than 3 (1 master, 2 slaves) so i'm hoping there is something out there which can assign IP address and allow all four of the mac's to see each other over the network and if need be transfer files.
Hope that explains the end use a bit more?

You don't actually need anything to act as a DHCP server; you can always assign IP addresses manually. If you want all of these computers connected to the internet, you would need a router, or run internet sharing through one of the Mac Pros to the rest of them.

 

[hobowankenobi]

You don't actually need anything to act as a DHCP server; you can always assign IP addresses manually. If you want all of these computers connected to the internet, you would need a router, or run internet sharing through one of the Mac Pros to the rest of them.

Was going to add the same. One could set up a LAN with no router, no DHCP, just manual IPs. But...most would not do this, as any normal network would include internet access, and a router of some sort, and typically wifi, which means devices coming and going, which means IP conflicts.

But...no router, no device changes...and yes, direct connections via static IPs would work. And yes, with a switch, one could add more computers. Just have to keep the IP addresses and settings squared away.

 

[iluvmacs99]

Hi All,
Many thanks for all of your replies.
As stated above, my main purpose of networking the 4 macs is so i can run Vienna Ensemble Pro on three of them. VEP lets me offset a processor intensive uses to another machine so in affect, i can run one master and three slaves. As the Mac Pro's only have 2 ethernet ports, i've not found it possible to link more than 3 (1 master, 2 slaves) so i'm hoping there is something out there which can assign IP address and allow all four of the mac's to see each other over the network and if need be transfer files.
Hope that explains the end use a bit more?

It's easier to just get a 4 port internet gigabit router to create a private LAN, which allows you to connect 4 macs together and the router acting as a DHCP server and it is MUCH easier way to get all things you want working right away rather than assigning IP address, then bridge 1 IP address to another IP address and then resolve that bridge and then bridge again to another IP address on another Mac and so forth as so on. I have a setup doing this with Davinci Resolve on all my Macs and 1 PC doing roughly the same thing as you plan to achieve.

The 2 Ethernet ports on the Mac Pro are used for mainly for network redundancy, though you can for network switching, but it's not efficient and you need to bridge to another Mac Pro and Mac Mini to allow you to see more than 2 Macs. Even while I had it setup for bridging on my Mac Mini using the Thunderbolt gigabit ethernet hub as my 2nd port, it's a hit and miss with my PC and my macs. I got so fed with up with the unreliability of it (network goes up and then down for no reasons) using it for video and music probably due to network lag I think, that I finally used the router.

Using a well built gigabit router would allow faster switching and better traffic flow management and then allowing all your Mac Pros and Mini only for music use and processing.

In my case, I use the Mini with an Asus gigabit router as my network server for my PC, Mac Pro, Macbook Air and my Powerbook G4; editing movies, bouncing music, processing photos and working on Office plus doing AI stuff on the Mac Pro and my PC recording my Zoom calls all on that one server Mini. Not a single hiccup with my network gigabit router with shared processes and copying files and backing up via Carbon Copy Cloner.

Hope this helps.

 

[theluggage]

As stated above, my main purpose of networking the 4 macs is so i can run Vienna Ensemble Pro on three of them.

How are you connected to the Internet? If you've got broadband, chances are that you already have a router (maybe also providing WiFi) and those usually include a few downstream Ethernet ports.

If your existing router doesn't have enough Ethernet ports, or they're the old, slow 100Mb variety, you can still daisy-chain a Gigabit Ethernet Switch to it effectively add ports:

NETGEAR GS305v3 5-Port Desktop Gigabit Switch

www.broadbandbuyer.com

...just run one ethernet cable back to your Internet router and that should magically handle DHCP and DNS, so everything will talk to each other and be able to see the Internet. Devices connected to the switch should be able to connect at GBit speeds even if you're router is slower. You need to be able to run a cable to your Internet router, but you don't need to run four.

Or, as suggested by others, if you want to keep it separate from Internet, just get a switch like the one above and manually configure the IP addresses (in fact, it might even Just Work with self-assigned addresses).

 

[MacintoshDude24]

Thank you all for the additional info. I'm sure it's quite a straight forward process but to be honest Mac networking has always proved a bit of a head scratcher tbh.

So if i understand the advice correctly, could i use for testing purposes a BT homehub5 router for example? Apologies if this device isn't know to you, it's a router supplied by BT which allows connection to broadband and has 4 spare ethernet ports. If need be, i'm ok to give each machine a static IP for ease of use so could disable dynamic IP allocation on the BT router i'm assuming? Or do i need to set up a network system preference on each mac in the network?

As long as all the macs can see each other and can communicate via ethernet (using Vienna Ensemble Pro, Synergy keyboard and mouse sharing etc.) and also share files such as sample libraries.

Again, thank you for taking the time and effort to explain this alchemy to a newbie!

MD

 

[MacintoshDude24]

How are you connected to the Internet? If you've got broadband, chances are that you already have a router (maybe also providing WiFi) and those usually include a few downstream Ethernet ports.

If your existing router doesn't have enough Ethernet ports, or they're the old, slow 100Mb variety, you can still daisy-chain a Gigabit Ethernet Switch to it effectively add ports:

NETGEAR GS305v3 5-Port Desktop Gigabit Switch

www.broadbandbuyer.com

...just run one ethernet cable back to your Internet router and that should magically handle DHCP and DNS, so everything will talk to each other and be able to see the Internet. Devices connected to the switch should be able to connect at GBit speeds even if you're router is slower. You need to be able to run a cable to your Internet router, but you don't need to run four.

Or, as suggested by others, if you want to keep it separate from Internet, just get a switch like the one above and manually configure the IP addresses (in fact, it might even Just Work with self-assigned addresses).

Hi the Luggage,

Ordinarily i don't access the internet on the music macs. If i need to access the www i'll use my laptop. I suppose i'd like to have the fastest gigabit connection possible that the macs can handle and i'm assuming the BT HH5 router isn't really going to offer great speeds?

Thanks,

MD

 

[iluvmacs99]

Thank you all for the additional info. I'm sure it's quite a straight forward process but to be honest Mac networking has always proved a bit of a head scratcher tbh.

So if i understand the advice correctly, could i use for testing purposes a BT homehub5 router for example? Apologies if this device isn't know to you, it's a router supplied by BT which allows connection to broadband and has 4 spare ethernet ports. If need be, i'm ok to give each machine a static IP for ease of use so could disable dynamic IP allocation on the BT router i'm assuming? Or do i need to set up a network system preference on each mac in the network?

As long as all the macs can see each other and can communicate via ethernet (using Vienna Ensemble Pro, Synergy keyboard and mouse sharing etc.) and also share files such as sample libraries.

Again, thank you for taking the time and effort to explain this alchemy to a newbie!

MD

I checked the specs of your BT homehub 5 router and it does have 4 GigE ports (gigabit) and has a fast processor (up to 3 times faster than a common router) for better traffic management flow. So in essence, you've got it right there. Just plug 4 of the macs into those 4 ports and the DHCP server will assign each macs an IP address. And then your program should be able to see each other macs because they are all in the same address zone. Usually with sharing processes, you need to setup one mac as a main server (like a master or hub) and then other macs as clients (or slaves). Depending on how you set it up and how smart the server software is, it should all auto detect on the fly on the server side. The router does all the traffic management and switching for your macs. If you start getting network lag on your LAN side, then you need to consider a much faster router specifically designed for high data throughput like a gaming router, which I have on my network setup for my particular usage. I actually have 2 separate routers for 2 private LANs plus the modem router that came with my provider. It just depends on how much data you are moving constantly all the time. Try your BT router first and if that works, then leave it. If your router has a function to block internet on all 4 macs for security reasons, then block the IP addresses or ports from accessing the internet and only allow WIFI to get on the net.

Hope this helps.

 

[theluggage]

I suppose i'd like to have the fastest gigabit connection possible that the macs can handle and i'm assuming the BT HH5 router isn't really going to offer great speeds?

Your HH5 has 4 downstream 1GB ethernet ports which should make a perfectly good switch. That much won't be affected by the quality of it's WiFi or broadband connection. Just plug each or your Macs into one of those ports. Or, if you want to reduce cable runs, get a 5 port gigabit switch and just run one ethernet cable back to the HH5, which will just act as if it's gained 4 more ethernet ports.

...unless you actively don't want the Macs to have Internet access, in which case you just need the switch & static IP addresses (but as I said, just try it first because it might Just Work with self-assigned IP and Bonjour).

I've got a PlusNet hub - which I think is a rebadged Home Hub 3 - which has 2 Netgear switches hanging off it, one on my computer desk driving 2-3 computers, the other in the lounge with various TV-related boxes hanging of it. I'm actually running my own DHCP and DNS relay software because I create a zillion local IP addresses for virtual machines, but the Home Hub can do the basics.

 

[jeyf]

any router switch will do these days. I would use the ethernet ports on your cable modem all in one box (it has modem, wifi, firewall, routing, ethernet ... functions).
-there are usally 4 or more ethernet ports avalaible on that cable modem all in one box. Use these to avoide multiple levels of routing. Interent access is good more than bad and all this is why you should try for the all in one box. If no internet; than any swith box will work. I suggest a small fanless previously used HP which is a good cross between moderen design, low cost, online ebay avaliability.
-if for some odd reason you dont have access to an all in one box that has enoguh ethernet ports get a craigslist ebay used HP 18100-8G j9802A switch. Get one that comes with the original HP power supply. For your application i dont think speed matters but 1Gb (b=bit, B=byte) speed "1000base" is the normal fast end of things.
-connect all your computers to the switch. turn the all in one or switch on. If you have an all in one box it will take a longer time for your internet providor to do its thingy. All in one or switch stable than power up the coumputers.
-given a simple default situation everyone should fined eachother by gods default auto magic. Most all in one box and or switchs will have an internal web page built in for control trouble shooting. the HP one above does. Access this internal page via safari as http://192.168.0.1. verify you can access the all in one box or switch on all the computers. The internal web page, just use caution, maybe a read only effort up front. again i am assuming these devices are more or less in their default mode.

-on the newer macOS, Catalina 4example, review systemPreferences -> securityPrivacy pull down the filesFolder and or fullDiskAccess to allow your application permissions. again caution, read only effort up front.

 

[satcomer]

For those home networks just remember one rule, only One DHCP server on home network is steadfast rule!

 

[MacintoshDude24]

Thank you everyone! Lots to consider and work through. I'll set up the BTHH5 today and see if it all hangs together. I don't need internet access fo the macs and as for files transfer, they would be less than 1gb or so. Each mac has its own SSDs with sample library data so no need for large file transfers. As long as they can all see each other and connect to the master Mac which is running the DAW, then all is good 👍

Satcomer: When you say one DHCP server per network, does this mean have only one device that gives out or sets IP address for all connected devices, such as a Master as per iluvumac99's post?

Many thanks for all your time and assistance!!!

 

[hobowankenobi]

...does this mean have only one device that gives out or sets IP address for all connected devices, such as a Master as per iluvumac99's post?

Yep. In this case, it would be your BT homehub 5 router.

Using the router is the easiest solution, as long as you get acceptable performance with its integrated switch. No need to muck about with IPs, a separate switch, another/different DHCP server....plus you get internet access for software updates, etc.

 

[jeyf]

I was trying to suggest he use the all inn one box that your internet providor gives you.

 

[MacintoshDude24]

Quick update:

As suggested the BTHH5 worked straight away! Transfer speeds are much faster than direct connection between macs which is great. There's a few issues though, one is i can't seem to be able to use Synergy (Mouse and keyboard sharing app over ethernet) but i'm assuming that may have something to do with the BTHH5 controlling and setting IP's possibly, so will look at disabling that on the Hub or another workaround. Any pointers would be most welcome!

The next big problem is that one of the Mac Pros is now a dodo ;-( For some reason it powers up but doesn't get any further. The Diagnosis LEDs on the Logic Board show two lights when powered up (Trickle & EFI). I'll create another thread as it's a different problem and will post the link here incase anyone has an idea and/or suggestion.

Thanks again to all for your help!!

 

[MacintoshDude24]

HI,
Here is a link for the new problem of the MP 2,1 now not booting.

Mac Pro Not Booting

Hi, My Mac Pro 2,1 (upgraded from 1,1) decided not to fully boot up yesterday. It powers on but no chimes. The following Diagnosis LEDs light up on power up. LED 1 Trickle On (Yellow) LED 8 EFI (Green) All others are off. I've tried multiple reboots with the following. Swapped power...

forums.macrumors.com

Thanks!

 

[iluvmacs99]

Quick update:

As suggested the BTHH5 worked straight away! Transfer speeds are much faster than direct connection between macs which is great. There's a few issues though, one is i can't seem to be able to use Synergy (Mouse and keyboard sharing app over ethernet) but i'm assuming that may have something to do with the BTHH5 controlling and setting IP's possibly, so will look at disabling that on the Hub or another workaround. Any pointers would be most welcome!

The next big problem is that one of the Mac Pros is now a dodo ;-( For some reason it powers up but doesn't get any further. The Diagnosis LEDs on the Logic Board show two lights when powered up (Trickle & EFI). I'll create another thread as it's a different problem and will post the link here incase anyone has an idea and/or suggestion.

Thanks again to all for your help!!

I'm glad it worked for you and the xfer is faster. Should be faster with no lag, which was why I went the router path myself. While I can't help you with your Mac Pro 2,1, I use VNC (Windows 10) and Screen Share app on all my macs to share screens, keyboard and mouse among each other. And yes, you need to set the static addresses of your computers that you want to control on your BTHH5 router and then identify those IP addresses and then manually set them on all your computers under the network control and if Synergy has a panel for entering those static addresses, then enter them as well. Or just identify those IP addresses issued by the DHCP server of your BTHH5 router and then enter them into Synergy if it works somewhat similar to VNC/Screen Share app. Even all your machines reboot and or the router reboots after a power failure, more than likely these routers will likely issue the same IP addresses when the router sees the same MAC addresses registered on the ports.

 

[svanstrom]

Mac networking has always proved a bit of a head scratcher tbh.

Maybe this will help get your brain to not derail into unnecessary complications:

There's nothing special about "Mac networking" nowadays; the basic stuff is the same as it would be for any other device.

 

[jeyf]

Maybe this will help get your brain to not derail into unnecessary complications:
There's nothing special about "Mac networking" nowadays; the basic stuff is the same as it would be for any other device.

your keyboard is harsh but indeed the mac crowd is an odd gaggle of peeps:
-will wait in line to shop at a retail store for their technology, dripping in covid
-they keep a quater million of photos on thier iPhone
-hang odd sounding prapriaety cables and external junk off their computers
-every milla second of their lives reported back to Cupertino...

 

[svanstrom]

your keyboard is harsh but indeed the mac crowd is an odd gaggle of peeps:
-will wait in line to shop at a retail store for their technology, dripping in covid
-they keep a quater million of photos on thier iPhone
-hang odd sounding prapriaety cables and external junk off their computers
-every milla second of their lives reported back to Cupertino...

What the heck are you going on about?