USB Network
USB Network gives your computer an additional network adapter over USB. The same USB-C cable that carries MIDI then also gives you the web interface, OSC and updates.
The connection is passed through to the Ethernet port. With an RJ45 cable plugged in, your computer can also reach the attached show network.
Connect your computer to the show network either through USB Network or through its own LAN or WiFi adapter, not both. Two parallel paths make connections unreliable. An additional network bridge on the computer can create a loop. This is why USB Network is off by default.
Enabling
- Open Settings → USB Network.
- Turn on Enable USB Network. Connection guide & risks opens the connection help in the web interface if you need it.
- Choose Save & Reboot. FrenschPress restarts.
- The computer now sees MIDI and a network adapter together; in HID Mode, keyboard/mouse and a network adapter.
- Set up the adapter's address as described in With and without Ethernet.
On the Stream Deck, switch it with NET → USB NET ON / USB NET OFF. Confirm REBOOT? with a second press within a few seconds. FrenschPress restarts here too.
Networking does not replace the other USB function. An operating system with CDC-NCM support recognises the adapter without an additional driver.
With and without Ethernet
| Setup | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Ethernet connected to the show network | The computer's USB adapter gets its address from the show network's DHCP server or needs a suitable fixed address. Reach FrenschPress at its Ethernet address. |
| No Ethernet cable | The direct USB connection to FrenschPress still works. 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. You don't need a gateway for this. 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 and does not get an extra device address for USB.
Other computer networks
Rule 1: One path at a time
If the computer's WiFi or LAN port is on the same show network, disconnect that path before you use USB Network. A second connection is not automatic redundancy.
Rule 2: Separate networks are fine
A separate internet or office network can stay connected. Use distinct address ranges and check the network routes: internet traffic should still go through the appropriate router.
Rule 3: Two paths into one network only when bundled
If a computer really needs two paths into the same network, it needs a deliberately configured active/passive connection with a shared logical address. A simple bridge or two independent adapters are no substitute. Have someone with networking experience check this setup before the show. FrenschPress does not detect or break network loops.
Limits
- USB Network connects USB and Ethernet, not WiFi.
- It is meant for control traffic. Under high network load, forwarded packets may be dropped so that show control, MIDI and timecode keep priority.
- 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 | Without a DHCP server, enter a suitable fixed address |
| FrenschPress reachable, rest of the network not | Check the Ethernet cable and link. Without Ethernet, this is a direct connection only. |
| Connection keeps switching between working and failing | Disconnect the additional LAN or WiFi path to the same network, see Rule 1 |