The DNA system utilises "home run" cable technology. This means that cables will run from each of the locations where the distributed signals are required back to a central location generally the Bio box or an equipment room. The backbone for the DNA systems is STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) Cat5/6 cabing, so the first easy decision is to install this cabling into your venue running from the "home" location to each of the remote locations and terminate each end of the cables with standard RJ45 connectors.

Each run of Cat5/6 cable can carry either one Ethernet port or 1 or 2 universes of DMX512 data so using this knowledge it is simple to calculate how many cables runs are required to each remote location. At the central location (home), one or more 1RU patch panels, as shown above, are used. The Cat 5/6 RJ45 connectors are plugged into the DMX512 or Ethernet connector modules as required and these connector modules are then fixed into the 1RU panel. More 1RU panels can be added as required depending on the size of the installation and the types and quantities of connector modules fitted to any given panel is up to the designer. These patch panels then allow the remote locations to be patched to Ethernet switches or DMX Splitters, depending on the technology chosen. At the remote locations, the Cat 5/6 RJ45 connector are plugged into the opposite sex DMX512 connector modules or Ethernet connector modules as required and fitted into wall plates.

The DNA system offers wall plates for 1, 2 or 4 connectors in Australian or UK style dimensions. For simplicity the Connector Modules are sold in matching pairs, one for each end of the cable. In the case of the DMX512 modules, there is one of each gender and for Ethernet two Ethercon (female) connectors are provided.