Network setup

Network setup in relation to LightNet consists of 2 steps:

1. Setting up the LightNetProjects folder: The most crucial step is to establish proper sharing using the Windows sharing mechanism.

2. Setting up LightNet Network Properties: This includes configuring multicast addresses and ports and assigning each communication channel to a NIC.

Setting up LightNetProjects folder

Same Network

For LightNet to function, all machines must be on the same network. Additionally, the IPs and subnet masks of the machines should ensure they can see and communicate with each other.

LightNetProjects Folder

To transfer project files between machines, we need to create the correct folder structure and enable the appropriate sharing permissions on each machine in the network. This is achieved through the LightNetProjects folder—a dedicated folder on all non-primary machines where the Primary machine will transfer all project files.

Good to know: Technically, you don't need to create a LightNetProject folder on the Primary, nor must you place your LightAct Projects into it. This is because no machine copies files to the Primary; instead, the Primary always copies files from its Project folder.

However, it is still recommended as a good practice.

Create a LightNetProjects Folder

Create a folder called LightNetProjects on every machine you would like to include in your LightNet cluster.

This will be the project folder where all the project files including the assets will be transfered to on all non-Primary machines. Make sure there is enough space and that the speed of the drive is sufficient.

Share LightNetProjects folder

For LightAct to transfer local files from one machine to another, it first needs to have the right permissions. In our case, LightAct will transfer files from the Primary machine to the LightNetProjects folder of each non-Primary machine in its cluster.

Because of this, we need to share the recently created LightNetProjects folder with all machines in our network, so that it appears directly in the root of each Network machine.

It should be possible to access and write in LightNetProject folders on all the non-Primary machines from the Primary machine. If this doesn't work, LightNet will not operate properly.

It should also be possible to access this folder using both:

• computer shared name. For example LA5\\LightNetProjects\

• But even more imporatntly, its IP IP address. For example \\192.168.0.160\LightNetProjects\

Please note, LightNetProjects needs to be shared directly. If path to the folder is, say, \\192.168.0.160\anotherFolder\LightNetProjects\, LightAct won't be able to transfer the files.

Good to know: please make sure you check the Save my credentials if you are asked by Windows to provide a username and password.

Do that for both types of network access, using computer shared name and its IP address (see above)

LightNetProjects Path

To choose the LightNetProjects folder as the directory where all LightNet projects will be transferred, click on Edit and choose Preferences.

Select LightNet and under LightNet project path choose the LightNet projects path location.

Assign Network Interface Cards

In Preferences window in the LightNet tab, you should also set up:

• Multicast address and port: all machines that you want to have in the same cluster should have the same Multicast address and port.

• Assigning NICs: you can assign different NIC to LightNet and LightSync communication channels.

Good to know: if you want to create multiple LightAct clusters in the network, then each cluster should have a different set of Multicast address and port.