Overview
Networks create an environment allowing attributes to be distributed to media players attached to the network. Information is passed to the media player configs which can be used to manage smart content.
Bouquets manage content – Screen Layouts – Play lists (Think of this as your channels)
Networks are not a compulsory component when publishing content to your network but can be helpful when navigating a complicated network.
Networks are usually setup when managing large scale networks requiring dynamic or geographical content . An nfinityX consultant or high level administrators assist in designing. Networks are used to attach meta data to hardware players, like geographical position and attributes like LSM, language etc.
The Main function of a Network is to manage content using attributes and dynamic content. A network will not automatically manage “Screen layouts” but it will dynamically manage the content attached to screens.
Note: screens need to be manually attached to the network structure. The network structure has the following components and screens can only be added at Branch Level
Example of a simple network
As you can see from the entry relationship this simple network consists of one bouquet with three screens attached to it.
Creating a network
Click on new network
Add meta data
- Give the network a name
- Select the country it will operate in – (This is a very simple meta data structure and this is configured to suit the customer requirements when creating the network object.
- Time constraints do not function on a network level – do not add information
- Add permissions
- Add Rights – (contracts)
- Click save
The network will open, allowing you to begin building your network.
Click on the Entry Icon, you will be given options to append bouquets, rule sets and province.
Note: these options are standard and can be modified to suit customers by a nfinityX consultant.
We will begin by adding bouquets to the retail network. In this example we will use a bouquet we have create earlier, there are 5 screens in the bouquet. (You may add unlimited screens)
Note: You may use the append bouquet button and create a new one from this interface.
You would have created the bouquet before attaching it to the network.
Search for the bouquet you wish to attach to the Network in this case we will search for – Retail Network_Gondola ends. – Drag the bouquet onto your clipboard.
Remember to use your clipboard!
The retail bouquet can be seen in the clipboard.
You can only add a “Bouquet” to your network using the “Drag and Drop function”
Click and Drag onto the Network panel
Bouquet is now attached to the Network
- Close the Network tab
- Reload the network tab, double click on the network in your clip board.
Entry relationships – button appears in the left panel under the network
Click on “Entry relationship”
The Bouquet is now attached to the Retail network
Note: Although the screens are attached, you will still need to attach the following before they will present content.
- Screen layout
- Content lists to screen layout
We will now build the network infrastructure which will include the following:
- Province/State
- City/Town
- Suburb/Area
- Branch
Please note: above data set can be modified on your nfinityX to suit your company requirements.
Adding Province
- Click on “Entry”
- Mouse over “Append New”
- Click on “Append Province”
- Add province Name
- Select province from drop down – If the province is not visible use the a “pencil” to add a new field. 4
- Click “Save”
The province appears in the Network structure. Continue to use the method above to add all the Provinces/States
Adding additional fields
- Click the Add button
- Type in the field Name
- Save
The new field will be visible in the “Drop Down”
All the States/Provinces have now been added.
Region
City / Town
Surburb / Area
Branch