Description
The CBOX is the system control component for an MXnet 1G ecosystem and is responsible for setup, control, diagnostics, troubleshooting, and endpoint updating. An AC-MXNET-CBOX-HA is a specially-equipped CBOX featuring a High Availability port tethered to a second, identical AC-MXNET-CBOX-HA. Configuration software in System Utilities provides naming conventions to designate one CBOX as being in a Main/Active operational state while the second CBOX remains in Backup/Standby status. The RJ45 communication interface connecting the two units enables RS-232 heartbeat monitoring, with the backup CBOX checking for the presence of the Active CBOX, launching the standby unit into active mode if, during the repetitive three-second status interval check, the main unit fails to deliver its active RS-232 ‘heartbeat’ acknowledgment.
AVPro Edge developed the AC-MXNET-CBOX-HA for large deployments, which are prohibited from experiencing a single moment of control absence. However, installed systems of any size may enjoy the backup control redundancy security provided. Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol software is pre-installed on every AC-MXNET-CBOX-HA device.
After configuration as a high availability system, each CBOX (active and standby) has a fixed IP address. An external service virtual IP manages all control requests for encoders and decoders to ensure seamless failover and service continuity regardless of which box is active.
APPLICATION NOTES:
- Two identical AC-MXNET-CBOX-HAs are required for High Availability to function. An AC-MXNET-CBOX-HA is NOT compatible with previous MXnet CBOX versions.
- For planning purposes, each AC-MXNET-CBOX-HA must connect to the network used by the control PC or automation controller, with each CBOX occupying a network switch port.