How does the Dante Controller discover a device when it is plugged into a network?

The discovery of a device in a Dante network primarily occurs through the use of Multicast DNS (mDNS). When a new device is connected to the network, it announces its presence by broadcasting these announcements to the local network using mDNS. This method allows other devices on the same network to detect it without the need for manual configuration or prior knowledge of the device.

The mDNS protocol operates by sending multicast packets that contain information about the device, such as its type, capabilities, and unique identifiers. Consequently, the Dante Controller listens for these multicast announcements, which contain essential details that enable it to recognize and integrate the new device into the network seamlessly.

This process is efficient and convenient because it means that the controller can automatically discover devices that are added or removed from the network in real-time, facilitating a dynamic and flexible audio networking environment.