NetworkNetwork basics
What you need to know so that LJ Link finds every device.
Tip
Short version: everything on one switch or router by cable, Wi-Fi off on the computer, every player its own number. That works almost always. The rest of this page explains why, so you can fix it when it does not.
Why the network matters
DJ players do not wait to be asked. They announce themselves several times a second on the network (broadcast) and send their status, beats and position the same way. LJ Link listens to these packets. That is why you cannot simply type in a player’s address: LJ Link has to be in the same network to hear it.
Broadcasts do not cross a router into another network and get lost easily over Wi-Fi. Hence the three rules below.
The three rules
One network. Computer, players and mixer hang on the same switch or router, or on switches connected to each other.
One connection. The computer uses only one connection into this network. Wi-Fi and cable in the same network at once means every packet arrives twice.
Same address range. All devices need addresses from the same range, for example all
192.168.1.xor all169.254.x.x.
IP addresses in one minute
Every device in a network has an address such as 192.168.1.20. With the usual subnet mask 255.255.255.0 the first three numbers name the network and must be equal; the last number names the device and must differ.
| Computer | Device | Result |
|---|---|---|
192.168.1.10 | 192.168.1.50 | same network |
192.168.1.10 | 192.168.0.50 | different network |
169.254.12.7 | 169.254.201.3 | same network (mask 255.255.0.0) |
169.254.12.7 | 192.168.1.50 | different network |
Where the addresses come from
- With a router (DHCP): the router hands out addresses like
192.168.1.x. Nothing to set up. - Without a router (only a switch or a direct cable): every device gives itself an address
169.254.x.xafter a short while (self-assigned, also called link-local). Players, Mac and Windows all do this, so they find each other. - Fixed by hand: needed when a device has a fixed address, for example many light desks. See set an IP address.
Warning
Self-assigned addresses take a moment. After plugging in, wait up to a minute before you search. If a router comes into the network later, devices may keep their old 169.254 address: then restart the players or plug their cable out and in.
Switch, router, hub
| Device | What it does | For LJ Link |
|---|---|---|
| Switch (unmanaged) | connects cables to one network, passes broadcasts | Recommended |
| Router with DHCP | like a switch plus addresses, often Wi-Fi | Recommended |
| DJM LINK sockets | small built-in switch in many DJM mixers | Works |
| Managed switch | can filter broadcasts or split VLANs | works if DJ gear is in one VLAN |
| Wi-Fi repeater, mesh, guest network | often blocks or delays broadcasts | Avoid |
Cable or Wi-Fi
| Source | Cable | Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|
| Pioneer Pro DJ Link | Recommended | avoid: packets get lost |
| Denon StageLinQ | Recommended | works, like Engine DJ |
| Tablet with the interface | Works | normal case |
| Light desk link | Recommended | works, cable is steadier |
Which setup fits your gig is compared on setups compared.
Something missing or wrong?
Ask in our Discord or report a problem. Reports from real gear help most, also when something does not work.