USB Network
USB Network adds a network adapter on your computer. The same USB-C cable can then carry web interface access, OSC and updates alongside MIDI.
The connection is forwarded to the Ethernet port: with an RJ45 cable connected, your computer can also reach the attached show network.
Connect your computer to the same show network through USB Network or its own LAN/WiFi adapter. Two parallel paths can make connections unreliable; an additional network bridge on the computer can create a loop. USB Network is disabled by default.
Enabling
Under Settings → USB Network, turn on Enable USB Network and choose Save & Reboot. Connection guide & risks opens the connection help in the web interface.
Alternatively, use NET → USB NET ON / USB NET OFF on the Stream Deck. Confirm REBOOT? with another press within a few seconds. Both routes require a restart.
After restarting, the computer sees MIDI and a network adapter together; in HID Mode, keyboard/mouse and a network adapter. Networking preserves the other USB function. An operating system with CDC-NCM support recognises the adapter without an additional device driver.
With and without Ethernet
| Setup | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Ethernet connected to the show network | The computer’s USB adapter gets an address from the show network’s DHCP server or needs a suitable fixed address. Reach FrenschPress at its Ethernet address. |
| No Ethernet cable | A direct USB connection to FrenschPress remains possible. Without a DHCP server, give the computer a fixed address in the same subnet as the static device address. |
Example for a direct connection: FrenschPress 192.168.1.10, computer 192.168.1.20, both with subnet mask 255.255.255.0. This direct route needs no gateway. Open http://192.168.1.10 or, where name resolution works, http://frenschpress.local.
The USB adapter has its own MAC address. FrenschPress keeps its Ethernet IP; it does not acquire an extra device address for USB.
Other computer networks
Rule 1 — One path at a time
If the computer’s WiFi or LAN port leads to the same show network, disconnect that path before using USB Network. A second connection does not automatically provide redundancy.
Rule 2 — Separate networks are fine
A separate internet or office network can remain connected. Check network routes so internet traffic still uses the appropriate router. Use distinct address ranges.
Rule 3 — Two paths in one network only when bundled
If a computer really needs two paths into one network, it needs a deliberately configured active/passive connection with a shared logical address. Have someone with networking experience check this setup before the show. A simple bridge or two independent adapters cannot substitute for that configuration. FrenschPress does not detect or break network loops.
Limits
- USB Network connects USB and Ethernet, not WiFi.
- It is intended for control traffic. Under high network load, forwarded packets may be dropped to keep show control, MIDI and timecode responsive.
- Very large fragmented packets addressed to FrenschPress itself are not reassembled. An oversized ping is therefore not a useful connection test.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Check |
|---|---|
| No network adapter on the computer | Restarted after enabling? Data-capable USB cable and CDC-NCM support available? |
| Adapter reports no connection | Disconnect and reconnect the USB cable |
| Adapter has no usable address | Enter a suitable fixed address if there is no DHCP server |
| FrenschPress reachable, rest of the network unavailable | Check Ethernet cable and link; without Ethernet this is a direct connection only |
| Connection works intermittently | Disconnect the additional LAN/WiFi path to the same network; see Rule 1 |