Recently, we received technical questions from a customer regarding recurring network behavior:
When multiple RJ45 ports from a Lake LMX48 are connected to the same NETGEAR AV switch, the switch blocks one or more ports.

The customer assumed this occurred because the Lake LMX48’s Ethernet ports operate in some kind of “switch mode” — and that this mode could be disabled via Lake Controller.

We investigated this thoroughly, including reviewing the full official Lake LMX48 Operating Manual. This blog explains why the blocking occurs, how the LMX48’s network ports actually function, and what the manufacturer considers best practice.

1. The key fact: The Lake LMX48 does NOT contain an internal network switch

The Lake LMX48 includes several RJ45 connectors, but each of them has a fixed function:

• 5× Dante/AES67 RJ45 ports for audio networking and control [labgruppen.com]
• 2× AES50 RJ45 ports, which are not Ethernet, despite using RJ45 connectors [labgruppen.com]
• 1× RJ45 GPI port, a low‑voltage trigger input, not a data network interface [labgruppen.com]

The official operation manual contains no section whatsoever describing switch configuration, VLANs, spanning tree, port isolation, bridging, or any port‑mode settings.
The “Back Panel Interface” section lists only the physical functions of the ports, without any configurable network behavior. [cdn.mediavalet.com]

➡ Conclusion:
The LMX48 does not contain a switch, nor can its Ethernet ports be configured in any type of “switch mode.”

2. Why does a NETGEAR AV switch block ports when multiple RJ45 ports from the LMX48 are connected?

2.1 Dante uses dual‑redundant network interfaces (Primary + Secondary)

The LMX48 provides 8×8 Dante network I/O, implemented as dual‑redundant Dante interfaces:

• Primary → main Dante network
• Secondary → fully isolated redundant network

This redundancy design is clearly documented in the product’s official specification. [labgruppen.com]

2.2 Connecting both ports to the same switch creates a Layer 2 loop

Because the LMX48 has no internal switch, the Dante Primary and Secondary appear to the NETGEAR switch as two independent Ethernet interfaces generating similar Dante network traffic.

When both ports are connected to the same VLAN and the same switch, the network sees:

• Two paths between the same Dante device
• Identical multicast and control flows
• A Layer 2 loop

NETGEAR AV switches detect such a loop and, according to RSTP/MSTP, block one of the interfaces to protect the network.

➡ This behavior is normal, expected, and correct.
It is not a malfunction of the switch or the LMX48 — it is a direct result of incorrect cabling.

3. Can the Ethernet ports be taken “out of switch mode” using Lake Controller?

Short answer: No, this is impossible.

And this is based on the official documentation:

3.1 No port configuration options exist in the manual

The complete 49‑page operation manual contains:

• Yes: DSP processing, routing, modules, scenes, GPI
• No: network configuration, switching behavior, port modes, VLANs, spanning tree

The manual’s structure confirms this: the Back Panel section describes the ports but provides zero configurable Ethernet behavior. [cdn.mediavalet.com]

3.2 Dante Controller also does not offer switch-mode settings

Dante devices only have configurable switch functionality if the manufacturer intentionally adds it
(e.g. Yamaha QL/CL/DM7 mixers).

The Lake LMX48 does not implement any internal switch or switch‑related configuration.

➡ Therefore, such a setting does not exist — in Lake Controller or anywhere else.

4. Best Practice — According to the Manufacturer and Dante Network Design

Based on the product specification and manual, the intended connection strategy is crystal clear.

4.1 Correct connection method

• Dante Primary → NETGEAR AV Switch (Main Network)
• Dante Secondary → Separate NETGEAR AV Switch (Redundant Network)
  • Or leave Secondary disconnected if redundancy is not required
• AES50 → Direct point‑to‑point connection to a console or stagebox
  • Never via a network switch, because AES50 is not Ethernet [labgruppen.com]

4.2 Incorrect (and problematic) connection methods

❌ Connecting Primary + Secondary to the same switch
❌ Connecting multiple Dante ports from the LMX48 to the same switch
❌ Connecting AES50 to a network switch
❌ Expecting LMX48 RJ45 ports to behave like switch ports

Whenever these incorrect practices are used, NETGEAR AV switches will correctly detect a loop and block ports using RSTP/MSTP.

5. Visual overview

5.1 Correct (non‑redundant) configuration

+---------------------------+
|   NETGEAR AV Switch       |
+-------------+-------------+
              |
              | Dante Primary
              |
        +-----+------+
        |  LMX48     |
        +------------+

5.2 Correct (full redundancy) configuration

     Switch A (Primary)                Switch B (Secondary)
+-------------------------+       +---------------------------+
| NETGEAR AV Switch A     |       | NETGEAR AV Switch B       |
+-------------+-----------+       +-------------+-------------+
              |                                     |
              | Dante Primary                       | Dante Secondary
              |                                     |
         +----+----------------+             +------+----------------+
         |       LMX48         |             |       LMX48           |
         +----------------------+             +------------------------+

5.3 AES50 connection

[Midas Console / Stagebox]
            |
            | AES50 (not Ethernet)
            |
        +---+---+
        | LMX48 |
        +-------+

6. Final Conclusion

• The Lake LMX48 cannot operate as a switch and offers no configurable Ethernet port modes.
• NETGEAR AV switches block ports because Primary and Secondary Dante ports are being connected to the same switch, causing a loop.
• Manufacturer documentation confirms that Dante redundancy requires two separate network switches.
• AES50 must never be connected to an Ethernet switch.

When the LMX48 is connected according to the official design, no blocking will occur.