ArcoNet: A Proposal for a Standard Network for Communication and Control in Real-Time Performance

The authors propose that a standard local-area network (LAN) be developed for real-time control and communication among performance systems, such as music synthesizers, tape players, lighting equipment, slide projectors, laser projectors, video projectors and live performers. The existing MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) standard, although useful, is too limited for such applications, and most commercial LANs are not designed for the requirements of demanding, real-time control. Hence a new network standard is proposed, provisionally called ArcoNet (Artist’s Computer Network).