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FNER Expandable (Modular) Routing Switches
Installation & Operation Manual
Although every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of this document it may be necessary, without notice, to make amendments or correct omissions.
Specications subject to change without notice.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
FLEXNET – FNER Expandable (Modular) Routing Switches – Installation & Operation Manual i
10. SERVICE & SUPPORT ............................................................................................................................ 10-1
10.1. Contact ATX Networks .....................................................................................................................10-1
10.2. Warranty Information ....................................................................................................................... 10-1
11. APPENDIX ............................................................................................................................................... 11-1
11.1. General Problems ............................................................................................................................ 11-1
11.2. Front Panel LEDs ............................................................................................................................ 11-1
11.3. Problems with Crosspoint Connections ........................................................................................... 11-2
11.4. Serial Port Problems........................................................................................................................ 11-2
11.5. Ethernet Problems ........................................................................................................................... 11-3
ii FLEXNET – FNER Expandable (Modular) Routing Switches – Installation & Operation Manual
SYSTEM OVERVIEW
1. System Overview
Thank you for purchasing an FNER Expandable Routing Switch. FLEXNET’s FNER series switches are based on the same technology as our popular FNEM Series Modular Programmable RF Switches. They were developed to address the increasing need for expandable RF switching in telecommunication network signal processing centers and are equally suitable for audio/ video, baseband, data, IF, and RF switching requirements.
The FNER is perfect for centralized test and measurement applications in networks that are monitoring large numbers of RF signals. Each FNER system is compatible with most monitoring and control systems and can be expanded in 16x1 modules up to a maximum capacity of 128x1. Control of the FNER occurs from a front panel keypad or remotely via computer (serial or TCP/IP). The excellent RF performance of the FNER is achieved through proprietary technology.
Each system is supplied with a control unit. From this unit, an operator may make RF signal routing changes or check to see
the input currently dened. The control unit is also supplied with serial (RS-232 and RS-422/485) and Ethernet (10BaseT
TCP/IP) control ports to allow remote control of the FNER system. This operating manual attempts to familiarize you with the different capabilities and features of FNER systems.
1.1 System Features
FLEXNET systems are equipped with many standard features that make the system highly congurable for our customers.
CHAPTER 1: SYSTEM OVERVIEW
1.2 User Permission Feature
The FNER system features user permissions. This is congured by setting up user accounts with names, passwords, and
permissions. These accounts set limits to what system setting users can change. After an account is set up by the administrator, the user logs into the system and the settings in their account determine if they can change the output or not.
The primary benet of our access control feature is users are protected from the unintentional or accidental RF connection
change. This system is much more robust in a larger system with multiple inputs and outputs, but access control for an FNER still gives the option to require login before the output can be changed.
1.3 Access Control Feature
The FLEXNET matrix system also features access control. The control module in our system has four ports of access that are available for user interface. These are a front panel keypad, Ethernet port, Telnet port, and a Control In port. Users can control the system from any one of these access ports.
Access control can be turned on or off for each one of these ports. This feature enables or disables the login requirements before a user may make a change to the output.
If access control is enabled for a port, the user must rst log in with a user name and password before any changes can be
made. With different access control settings, a user could change the connections from a serial port but be required to log in with permissions from the keypad or the Ethernet port.
1.4 System Upgrades
You can even upgrade your system later to increase the number of inputs available to you. Each FNER system can be
congured for up to 128 inputs. Contact us at ATX Networks and we can help you with your growing communication needs.
1.5 Modules
Two types of modules comprise an FNER system: an MCP 128 (8x1) controller and a 16x1 switching module. Every FNER system consists of one MPC 128 and 1 or more switching modules. A minimal FNER switching system consists of a single MPC 128 and one switching module.
1.5.1 MPC 128
The MCP 128 provides master control capability via the front panel keypad/LCD display or computer interface (serial or TCP/ IP). The unit receives commands from the keypad or computer and controls the individual switching modules. From this unit,
an operator can make routing changes or check to see the path currently congured.
FLEXNET – FNER Expandable (Modular) Routing Switches – Installation & Operation Manual 1-1
CHAPTER 1: SYSTEM OVERVIEW
1.5.2 FNER Switching Module
The FNER Switching Module is a 16x1 unit that utilizes solid state switching elements to provide seamless switching speeds (nanoseconds). Up to eight switching modules may be combined in a single FNER system. The total number of switching modules required for a system is equal to the total number of system inputs divided by 16. Every switching module is equipped with two inter-module serial ports (“CONTROL-IN” and “CONTROL-OUT”) that are used for communication with other FNER modules.
Figure 1: MCP 128 (8x1) Controller
Figure 2: 16x1 Switching Module
1-2 FLEXNET – FNER Expandable (Modular) Routing Switches – Installation & Operation Manual
CONNECTIONS & PROTOCOLS
2. Connections & Protocols
2.1 AC Connections
All AC power cords are included with your system when it is shipped. If using an AC power cord that is not FLEXNET, make sure it is shielded and has a grounding plug. FLEXNET uses these power cords because they help isolate AC noise from the RF signals.
2.1.1 Voltages
Our internal power supplies are auto-ranging. This means that you can connect an acceptable range AC source to the unit and it will automatically accommodate the new source voltage. The power supplies can operate from 85VAC to 265VAC at 47Hz to 63Hz.
Both module types have a +5 and –5 Volt supplies. Each supply will have one LED per power supply on the front panel to indicate the staus of the power suplpy. Each of these LED’s is labeled to indicate which volage supply the LED is a monitor for. This allows you to detect any failures and service them quickly. If any of the LED’s are extinguished and the power switch is on, consult the troubleshooting guide immediately.
CHAPTER 2: CONNECTIONS & PROTOCOLS
2.2 RF Signals
2.2.1 RF Testing
Every FNER module is fully tested. Each module is checked and rechecked for signal integrity every crosspoint is tested to guarantee proper system operation at the factory.
2.2.2 RF Connections
All RF connections are made by connecting source(s) to the input(s) and destination(s) to the output(s). When connecting, be sure that the pin at the center of the RF connector is properly inserted into the F connector on the units. A bent pin will not pass the RF signal correctly.
NOTE: All inputs and outputs are DC blocked. You cannot send power through the FNER to power other devices.
2.3 Control Ports
Modules “talk” to each other through cables connected to the control ports on the rear panels of the modules. These connections are made at system set up, and in most cases never need to be changed.
2.3.1 Control Ports Connectors
There are two DB9 type connectors on each module. The Control In and Control Out ports are always DB9 type female connectors.
The pin numbering is the same for the connectors as well. Looking at the rear panel, pin 1 is at the top left, pin 5 is at the bottom left, pin 6 is at the top right, and pin 9 is at the bottom right.
The control ports of the FNER 16x1 Switching modules and the control out port of the MPC 128 are only for FLEXNET communications. See the appendix for wiriring instructions.
The control in port of the MCP 128 is user congurable and is used for serial data control of the system. The pin denitions
are listed in the table below.
Pin Control In - RS 232 mode Control In - RS 422/485 mode
1 GND GND
2 TXD
(transmit data)
FLEXNET – FNER Expandable (Modular) Routing Switches – Installation & Operation Manual 2-1
Not used
CHAPTER 2: CONNECTIONS & PROTOCOLS
3 RXD
(receive data)
4 DTR
(data terminal ready)
5 GND
(signal gound)
6 DSR
(data set ready)
7 CTS
(clear to send)
8 RTS
(request to send)
9 Not used Inverting Receive
Table 1: 8x1 Control Module Control In Port Pin Denitions
Non-inverting Transmit
Non-inverting Receive
GND
Inverting Transmit
Not used
Not used
2.4 MPC 128 Control In Port Connection
If you are using a computer to control the FNER, you can use a direct serial connection to the Control In port. For serial control, connect a serial cable (RS-232 or RS-422/485) from the computer to the 9-pin SERIAL port on the rear panel of the MPC 128. The connector is shared for both RS-232 and RS-422/485. Do NOT use a NULL MODEM adapter or crossover cable. Use a straight through 1 to 1 cable.
2.4.1 MPC 128 Control In Serial Communication Settings
The serial port parameters are the same whether you are using RS-232, RS-422 or RS-485. The parameters are xed at 9600
baud, 8 data bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit (8N1). The command protocol for controlling the switch is provided in the appendix.
2.4.2 MPC 128 Control In RS-232 Description
RS-232 was designed for communication of local devices, and supports one transmitter and one receiver. This standard uses single ended signals over unbalanced, unterminated wires. Single ended means the signal is sent over one wire with respect to a single ground source. Unterminated means the signal lines do not have impedance matching at the line ends. This interface is useful for point-to-point communication at slow speeds and over short lengths of cable. Most PCs come equipped with one or more RS-232 serial ports.
2.4.3 RS-232 Advantages/Disadvantages
RS-232 is easy to implement and has been standardized and accepted for years. Due to the nature of RS-232, the signals are susceptible to noise and grounding problems. These problems set a limit to cable lengths. Quintech recommends if using RS­232 that the cable length be limited to 20 meters or approximately 60 feet. RS-232 is also only point-to-point communications so only two devices will typically communicate with each other over the RS-232 standard.
2.4.4 MPC 128 Control In RS-422 Description
In RS-422 communications, a pair of twisted wires is used to carry a signal. The data is encoded and decoded as a differential voltage between the two lines. As a differential voltage, in principle the interface is unaffected by differences in ground voltage between sender and receiver. For more details on differential signaling, refer to the “RS-485” section of this document.
2.4.5 RS-422 Advantages/Disadvantages
RS-422 differential signals over twisted pair wires are less affected by noise. They therefore can communicate at faster rates and over longer distances. RS-422 is better than RS-232 but it still is limited to one master and up to ten receivers on the bus. Recommended maximum length is 4000 feet. The FLEXNET RS-422 standard is limited to 10 receivers.
2.4.6 MPC 128 Control In RS-485 Description
The MPC 128 can be congured to communicate in RS-485 standard. For all RS-485 information, refer to the “RS-485” section of this document.
2.4.7 All Control Port Connections except MPC Control In
Before powering up the units, make sure all of the control cables are properly installed. All FNER modules should be daisy-
chained together, with the MPC 128 unit occupying the rst position in the chain. Connect the CONTROL OUT port of the MPC 128 to the CONTROL IN port of the rst 16x1 module in the chain. The CONTROL OUT port of that module connects to
the CONTROL IN port of the next 16x1 module, etc. The last module in the chain will have an unused 9-pin connector labeled CONTROL OUT.
2-2 FLEXNET – FNER Expandable (Modular) Routing Switches – Installation & Operation Manual
Note that the maximum control cable length that can exist between FNER modules is 6 feet. Refer to the appendix for proper control port conections.
2.5 Ethernet Port
The MPC 128 has the ability to communicate over Ethernet. The system has a 10BaseT or 100BaseT Ethernet port depending on options ordered. The Ethernet port supports a Telnet interface, TCP/IP and SNMP. All commands are sent to
the congured IP address and port. The command protocol for controlling the switch is provided in Appendix D.
2.5.1 Ethernet Connections
For Ethernet connections, connect the MPC 128 to a network port or router via the Ethernet port using a standard cable. You can also connect directly to the computer’s network port, but this requires a crossover cable. Standard and crossover Ethernet cable pinouts are provided in Table 2: Ethernet Cable Pinout.
2.5.2 Ethernet Cable Pinout
Crossover Cable Standard Cable
RJ-45 RJ-45 RJ-45 RJ-45
Pin 1 Tx + Pin 3 Rx + Pin 1 Tx + Pin 1 Rx +
Pin 2 Tx - Pin 6 Rx - Pin 2 Tx - Pin 2 Rx -
Pin 3 Rx + Pin 1 Tx + Pin 3 Rx + Pin 3 Tx +
Pin 6 Rx - Pin 2 Tx - Pin 6 Rx - Pin 6 Tx -
CHAPTER 2: CONNECTIONS & PROTOCOLS
2.6 Ethernet Command Protocol
2.6.1 TCP/IP
The same command protocol is used for control over Ethernet TCP/IP and the serial port. Since the same command formats are used, the command packet will contain a serial address. This address must match the serial address of the MPC 128 or
the packet will be rejected, even though the address is unnecessary when the command is sent over TCP/IP. To avoid any
problems, commands sent over TCP/IP should use the broadcast address “FF” hexadecimal.
2.6.2 Telnet
A Telnet console window is also provided for conguring and controlling the matrix. A command mode is provided where the
same protocol commands can be issued but no serial address or packet headers are required. See Appendix D for more information.
2.6.3 SNMP
SNMP or Simple Network Management Protocol is now implemented on all MPC 128s. It is part of the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) protocol suite. The Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is an application layer protocol that facilitates the exchange of management information between network devices.
SNMP works by sending messages, called protocol data units (PDUs), to different parts of a network. SNMP-compliant devices, called agents, store data about themselves in Management Information Bases and return this data to the SNMP requesters.
To use the protocol it has to be turned on from the front keypad rst. Refer to “SNMP” section.
Table 2: Ethernet Cable Pinout
FLEXNET – FNER Expandable (Modular) Routing Switches – Installation & Operation Manual 2-3
CHAPTER 2: CONNECTIONS & PROTOCOLS
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2-4 FLEXNET – FNER Expandable (Modular) Routing Switches – Installation & Operation Manual
FRONT PANEL BASICS
3. Front Panel Basics
3.1 Front Panel Interface
The front panel keypad and screen are used to set various operating parameters and to monitor and control the FNER Switch. Various sub-menu screens appear on the front panel LCD.
3.2 Main Menu
The Main Menu has three choices, “Monitor & Control”, “System Options”, and “Access Control”. When in any other menu, pressing F4 repeatedly will exit you out of a screen back to the previous screen. Pressing F4
repeatedly will get you back to the Main Menu as shown in Figure 3. There is one exception, the download rmware screen can only be exited by downloading rmware or power cycling the MPC 128. This main menu is the top of the front panel
hierarchy.
CHAPTER 3: FRONT PANEL BASICS
Figure 3: Main Menu
3.3 Front Panel Hierarchy & Page References
The entire front panel hierarchy is listed below. The page number that refers to a particular menu item is listed here for your convenience. Some options are only available if logged in as the Admin.
1. Monitor & Control………………………………………….………..………….31
2. System Options Menu…………………………………………….…………..…39
2.1. Conguration Menu…………………………………………………...40
Entry into the conguration menu requires a factory code. The code is 732. Refer to section “Factory Settings Code Number”
for more information on this code. Most settings under this menu are critical to system functionality. Care should be taken any time this menu is accessed.
2.1.1. System Setup Menu.………………………………………...42
2.1.1.1. Matrix Size………………………………………...43
2.1.1.2. Model……………………………………………...44
2.1.1.3. Module Sizes Menu…………………….…………45
2.1.1.3.1. SRR Module Size……………………….46
2.1.1.3.2. SRO Module Size……………………….47
2.1.2. Load Firmware……………………………………………… 48
FLEXNET – FNER Expandable (Modular) Routing Switches – Installation & Operation Manual 3-1
CHAPTER 3: FRONT PANEL BASICS
2.1.3. Features Menu………………………….…………………... 54
2.1.3.1. Set Control Mode…………………….…………....55
2.1.3.2. Options Menu…….……………………………….56
2.1.3.2.2. LNB/SNMP menu………..LNB option not available
2.1.3.2.2. SNMP Menu.…………………………….57
2.1.3.2.2.1. SNMP On/Off………………….58
2.1.3.2.2.2. Set SNMP Trap IP….…..……...59
2.1.3.3. Port Access Control Enable/Disable………………62
The rest of the front panel hierarchy does not require the “732” factory settings code number to make changes to the system.
2.2. Interface Options Menu…………….…………..…….……….……....22
2.2.1. Serial Interface Menu………………………………………. 22
2.2.1.1. Set Address………………………...……………...23
2.2.1.2 Mode………………………………………………24
2.2.1.3. RS-485 Termination ………………………………25
2.2.2. Ethernet Conguration Menu……………………………….25
2.2.2.1. Static IP Conguration……………………………26
2.2.2.2. DHCP On/Off……………………………….…….27
2.2.2.3. QEC Port/Password Menu………………………...28
2.2.2.3.1. QEC Port #………………………………29
2.2.2.3.2. Reset Password………………………….30
3. Access Control Menu……………………………………………………………63
3.1. Keypad Lock………………………………………………………….64
3.2. Login/Logout…………………………………………………….…….66
3.3. Access Control Setup Menu…….……………..………………………68
3.3.1. Set Users…………………………………………………. 69
3.3.2. Set Access…………………………………………………… 71
3-2 FLEXNET – FNER Expandable (Modular) Routing Switches – Installation & Operation Manual
CHAPTER 4: INITIALIZING SYSTEM FROM THE KEYPAD
INITIALIZING SYSTEM FROM THE KEYPAD
4. Initializing System from the Keypad
4.1 Communications Setup
If the MPC 128 is to be controlled by a port connection in addition to the keypad, the communication parameters must be set
up rst.
4.1.1 Interface Options Menu
Option 2 of the System Options Menu will load the Interface Options Menu screen shown in Figure 4. To get to the Interface Options Menu from the main menu: key sequence 2, 2.
2. System Options
2. Interface Options
4.2 Serial Interface Menu
If you are going to connect up to the Control In serial port to control the matrix you have to set up the serial port for proper communications protocol.
Option 1 Serial of the Interface Options Menu will load Serial Interface Menu screen shown in Figure 5: Serial Interface Menu. To get to the Serial Interface Menu screen from the main menu: key sequence 2, 2, 1.
2. System Options
2. Interface Options
1. Serial
From this screen, you will be able to congure both the address of the MPC 128 and the type of serial interface you will be
using, (RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485). For information on option 3 Terminate RS-485, refer to section “RS-485”.
4.2.1 Address
Option 1 of the Serial Interface Menu opens the Serial Address screen shown in Figure 6. The Serial Address screen allows you to set a 2-byte hexadecimal address for the MPC 128. This address is used by the FLEXNET software to communicate properly to the serial port. Set the address for the MPC 128 and then when setting up the parameters for serial communications in the FLEXNET software, set the address to the same address as the MPC 128.
Figure 4: Interface Options Menu
Figure 5: Serial Interface Menu
4.2.2 Valid Addresses
Addresses can be set from 00 to FE hexadecimal. The unit only responds to commands sent over the serial bus that contain a matching address. The only exception is the address “FF” which is a broadcast address. All units will respond to a command containing FF as the address regardless of its current address. For this reason, FF should not normally be used as a unit address.
FLEXNET – FNER Expandable (Modular) Routing Switches – Installation & Operation Manual 4-1
CHAPTER 4: INITIALIZING SYSTEM FROM THE KEYPAD
4.2.3 Set Address
Get to the Serial Address screen on the front panel. The screen will look like Figure 6.
To get to the Serial Address screen from the main menu: key sequence 2, 2, 1, 1.
2. System Options
2. Interface Options
1. Serial
1. Address
To change the address, use the up and down arrows until the desired address is displayed, then press F1 to select the new address. No change is made until the F1 key is pressed. The address range is from 00H to FEH. Do not use FFH as an address. Press F4 repeatedly to back out to the main menu again.
4.2.4 Mode
Option 2 of the Serial Interface Menu opens the Mode screen of Figure 7. To get to the Mode screen from the main menu: key sequence 2, 2, 1, 2.
2. System Options
2. Interface Options
1. Serial
2. Mode
Figure 6: Serial Address
The Mode screen enables you to specify whether an RS-232, RS-485, or RS-422 serial interface will be used to communicate with the Control In serial communications port. Select the appropriate protocol and back out by pressing F4.
4.2.5 RS-485 Termination
Option 3 of the Serial Interface Menu opens the RS-485 Termination screen shown in Figure 8. To get to the RS-485 Termination screen from the main menu: key sequence 2, 2, 1, 3.
2. System Options
2. Interface Options
1. Serial
3. Terminate RS-485
This screen enables you to specify how the Control In port is terminated. This setup is only necessary if you are using RS­485 communications on the port. If you are not using RS-485 communications then these settings should be turned off. There is an entire section of this manual that explains the details of RS-485 termination. Refer to section “RS-485” for assistance
Figure 7: Mode
Figure 8: RS-485 Termination
4-2 FLEXNET – FNER Expandable (Modular) Routing Switches – Installation & Operation Manual
on this subject. Ignore the remote termination settings. They have no effect on operation.
4.3 Ethernet Conguration Menu
If you are going to use the Ethernet port to control the matrix, you have to set up the Ethernet port for proper communications protocols and settings.
Option 2 of the Interface Options Menu will load the Ethernet Conguration Menu screen shown in Figure 9. To get to the Ethernet Conguration Menu from the main menu: key sequence 2, 2, 2.
2. System Options
2. Interface Options
2. Ethernet
4.3.1 Static IP Conguration
Option 1 of the Ethernet Conguration Menu will load the Static IP Conguration screen shown in Figure 10. This screen
allows the user to set the static IP address, gateway and mask for the MPC 128. Contact your network administrator for the correct values to use for these parameters.
To get to the Static IP Conguration screen from the main menu: key sequence 2, 2, 2, 1.
2. System Options
2. Interface Options
2. Ethernet
1. IP Conguration
CHAPTER 4: INITIALIZING SYSTEM FROM THE KEYPAD
Figure 9: Ethernet Conguration Menu
Figure 10: Static IP Conguration
The information displayed on the IP conguration screen depends on the DHCP setting. Whether or not you can change the conguration also depends on the DHCP setting. Changes are only made after pressing F1. F4 will back you out without
making any changes to the settings.
4.3.2 IP Conguration Display with DHCP Off
If DHCP is off then the currently congured static IP information will be displayed. When DHCP is off the IP address, the
gateway, and the mask can be changed.
4.3.3 IP Conguration Display with DHCP On
If DHCP is on and the MPC 128 has successfully been assigned an address from the DHCP server, then that current information is displayed on the screen. If DHCP is on but for some reason a DHCP server could not be found for addressing,
then the static conguration will be displayed. In this case, you can change the IP conguration even if the DHCP is on.
4.4 DHCP On/Off
Option 2 of the Ethernet Conguration Menu will load the DHCP On/Off screen shown in Figure 11.
To get to the DHCP On/Off screen from the main menu: key sequence 2, 2, 2, 2.
2. System Options
2. Interface Options
2. Ethernet
2. DHCP On/Off
FLEXNET – FNER Expandable (Modular) Routing Switches – Installation & Operation Manual 4-3
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