Avocent Emerge User Manual

EMERGE® MPX EXTENDER SYSTEM

Installer/User Guide

USA Notification

WARNING: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party

responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

FCC Radiation Exposure Statement: This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed to provide a 20 cm separation from all persons. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. Operations in the 5.15-

5.25GHz band are restricted to indoor usage only.

Canadian Notification

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe B prescrites dans le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le Ministère des Communications du Canada.

Safety and EMC Approvals and Markings

FCCClass B, UL, cUL, RoHS, CE, ICES-003, WEEE

Emerge® MPX Extender System

Installer/User Guide

Avocent, the Avocent logo, The Power of Being There and Emerge are registered trademarks of Avocent Corporation or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

Instructions

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and

maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

Dangerous Voltage

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous

voltage within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute

a risk of electric shock to persons.

Power On

This symbol indicates the principal on/off switch is in the on position.

Power Off

This symbol indicates the principal on/off switch is in the off position.

Protective Grounding Terminal

This symbol indicates a terminal which must be connected to earth ground prior to

making any other connections to the equipment.

T A BL E  O F C ON T E N TS

Product Overview 1

Introduction 1

Features and Benefits 1

Video 2

Audio 2

Control 2

Browser-based user interface 2

System Overview 3

Hardware Overview 4

MPX 1450/1550 transmitter 4

MPX 1450/1550 receiver 7

MPX 1450/1550 access points 8

Compatibility with Attached Devices 10

EDID compatibility 10

Video Cross Conversion 11

Installation 13

Installation Overview 13

Getting started 13

Maximizing Your Wireless Range 14

Transmitter Configuration 15

(Optional) Transmitter media LAN settings 18

Validating media LAN connectivity 21

Access point installation 22

Receiver Configuration 23

Accessing your receiver’s web interface 23

(Optional) MPX receiver control LAN (L1) settings 24

Receiver display device settings 24

(Optional) Receiver media LAN settings 26

(Optional) Configuring receiver system settings 27

Designating a specific transmitter 27

iii

Setting explicit receiver bindings (suggested) 28

Transmitter and Receiver Placement (MPX 1550 System Only) 30

Mounting options 35

Wall mounting 35

Table mounting 36

Initiating a Media Session 37

Operation 39

Status Monitoring 39

Connection status 39

MPX status LEDs 41

System Tuning 45

Audio 45

Video 45

Transmitter/access point tuning parameters 46

Receiver tuning parameters 48

Serial Control 49

IR Control 52

Advanced Source Device Settings 57

Displaying Firmware and Hardware Versions 58

Firmware version checking 59

Upgrading MPX firmware 59

System Reboot 62

Reset to Factory Defaults 62

Appendix A: Technical Support 63

Appendix B: System Definitions 64

Appendix C: Supported ISO Country Codes 67

Appendix D: Technical Specifications 69

Appendix E: Video Troubleshooting 73

iv Emerge® MPX Extender System Installer/User Guide

Product Overview

Introduction

The Emerge® multipoint high-definition (HD)wired/wireless extender (MPX) system provides wireless and wired connectivity for distribution of HD video content to one or more destinations. The MPX extender system consists of transmitters, access points and receivers that form a managed audio/video (A/V) extender network able to deliver a synchronized stream of HD video and audio to as many as 64 display devices. Designed for professional A/V applications, the MPX extender system features an integrated digital video interface (DVI-I) connector that supports direct connection to HDMI, DVI-D, DVI-A, RGB and Component source and display devices.

NOTE: References to "extender system"in this document refer to transmitters, receivers and accesspoints collectively.

The MPX 1550 transmitter combines Avocent’s field-proven MPX extender technology with IEEE 802.11n MIMO-based radios to set the highest standard for wireless HD video distribution in terms of visual acuity, transmission distance and noise immunity. The MPX 1450 transmitter offers all the same capabilities and features of the MPX 1550 transmitter in hardwired environments using the existing network infrastructure. All transmitter models support up to eight receivers, and the MPX 1450 and MPX 1550 transmitters and receivers can also be expanded using MPX access points to increase the number of displays for large-scale venues involving multiple floors, departments or buildings such as universities, theme parks, hospitals and airports. For ease of installation and configuration, Emerge MPX extender systems feature an on-board web interface that also offers powerful diagnostic tools for local or remote management.

Features and Benefits

• Wired or wireless extender systems – Emerge MPX extender systems provide installation flexibility for wireless (MPX 1550 extender system only) or wired high-definition applications.

• Point-to-multipoint distribution – By adding MPX 1450 and 1550 access point expansion units, an Emerge MPX extender system can be expanded to distribute HD video and audio to as many as 64 display devices.

• Advanced encryption standard (AES) 128 bit encryption – A/V information is encrypted with built-in AES for secure transmission.

• Small form factor – A smaller profile allows convenient installation and saves space where it's needed the most.

• Dynamic binding - A transmitter can be configured to only allow specific receivers to connect to it. Likewise, a receiver can be configured to only connect to a specific transmitter. Specification is made using unique MAC addresses.

Video

Emerge MPX 1450/1550 transmitters and receivers feature a single DVI-I media port that supports RGB, Component, DVI-A, DVI-D and HDMI video. Additional connectors are provided for extension of serial and infrared (IR) data.

Audio

MPX extender systems support embedded HDMI digital audio and external analog audio via white and red RCAconnectors.

Control

MPX extender systems allow both RS-232 and infrared control of source and display devices and IR receiver and emitter capability. They support broadcast and bi-directional IR data transfers for session control from the point of display or for display control from the location of the source device; mini-jack cables allow IR blasters and receivers to be optimally placed. A serial interface allows integration with third-party control systems.

Browser-based user interface

Browser-based configuration is available for MPX transmitters, access points and receivers. The web interface allows local or remote control and configuration of the system without special software tools. Through the web interface, you can configure system, network, source device and display device settings; display hardware and firmware versions, connection status and signal strength; update firmware; reboot the system; reset to factory defaults; and change your password.

2 Emerge® MPX Extender System Installer/User Guide

System Overview

The following diagram illustrates a typical configuration, including a single transmitter and up to eight receiver units, and an expanded configuration, including a single transmitter, up to eight access points and up to eight receiver units (MPX 1550 extender system shown).

Figure 1.1: Typical and Expanded MPX Multipoint Extender System Configuration

Table 1.1: Descriptions

Number Item

1 Source Device

2 MPXTransmitter

Chapter 1: Product Overview 3

Number Item

3 MPXReceiver

4 DisplayDevice

5 Access Point

The MPX 1450 extender system versus the MPX 1550 extender system

The MPX 1550 extender system offers a wired or wireless solution for HD video distribution. It features a default omni antenna with a signal strength of up to 150 feet through three interior walls or 300 feet line of sight. The MPX 1450 extender system offers all the same capabilities and features of the MPX 1550 extender system in hardwired environments using the existing network infrastructure. Both the MPX 1450 and MPX 1550 extender systems have a wired maximum video bit rate of 80 Mbps and the MPX 1550 extender system has a wireless maximum video bit rate of 50 Mbps (1-to-many) or 110 Mbps (1-to-1). All transmitter models support up to eight receivers, and the number of displays can be expanded using MPX 1450/1550AP access point expansion units.

Hardware Overview

MPX 1450/1550 transmitter

The transmitter digitally-encodes, compresses, encrypts and sends media signals from a source device to a group of bound receivers.

NOTE: See "System Definitions" on page 64 for a list of common components.

The front panel of the MPX 1450/1550 transmitter and receivers are identical. The MPX 1550 units are shown as examples; the MPX 1450 units have no antennas because they are wiredonly.

4 Emerge® MPX Extender System Installer/User Guide

Figure 1.2: MPX 1550 Transmitter

Chapter 1: Product Overview 5

Table 1.2: MPX 1550 Transmitter Descriptions

Number

Item Description

1 Unit Reset Recessed button.

2 Front Status LEDs

Five colored LEDs that communicate the current state of the device. See MPX status LEDs on page 41 for a detailed description of LED status indicators.

Infrared Transmitter Port - IR(Tx)

Transmitssignalsfrom an IRremote controller for transmission through the extender network. The dual IR(Tx) emitter connects to the port via a 3.5 mm jack.

Infrared Receiver Port IR(Rx)

Captures signals from an IR remote controller for transmission through the extender network. An optional IR receiver connects to the port via a

2.5 mm mini jack.

Power DC power input port.

Serial Port

RJ-45 connector for attachment of optional DB9-UNI or DB9-DUAL

adaptor. The dual adaptor splitsthe port into two RS-232 DB9 female

connectors and supports serial passthrough for control of display

devices.

L1 LAN Port

RJ-45, 10/100 Mbps Ethernet for web-based management of the

transmitter.

L2 LAN Port

RJ-45, 10/100 Mbps Ethernet for transfer of A/V media from the

transmitter to all bound receivers/accesspoints.

RCA Audio Provides support for unbalanced analog stereo (left and right) audio.

Universal A/V Port

Provides connectivity to a wide range of display devices, including

HDMI, DVI-D, DVI-A, RGB and Component.

Omni-directional Antenna

(Supported on the MPX 1550 extender system only) Used to establish the wireless linkbetween the transmitter/accesspoints and bound receivers. Avocent offers specialized antennas for improved distance or higher performance in certain bands. See the Avocent web site for more information.

6 Emerge® MPX Extender System Installer/User Guide

MPX 1450/1550 receiver

The receiver decrypts, uncompresses and converts media signals into the desired format and outputs the signals to the connected display device. The following diagram illustrates the receiver (the omni-directional antenna applies only to the MPX 1550 receiver).

Figure 1.3: MPX 1550 Receiver

Chapter 1: Product Overview 7

Table 1.3: MPX 1550 Receiver Descriptions

Number

Item Description

Unit Reset Recessed button.

2 Front Status LEDs

Five colored LEDs that communicate the current state of the device. See MPX status LEDs on page 41 for a detailed description of LED status indicators.

Infrared Transmit Port IR(Tx)

Transmitssignalsfrom an IRremote controller for transmission through the extender network. The dual IR(Tx) emitter connects to the port via a 3.5 mm jack.

Infrared Receiver Port -

IR(Rx)

Captures signals from an IR remote controller for transmission through

the extender network. An optional IR receiver connects to the port via a

2.5 mm mini jack.

Power

DC power input port.

6 Rear Status LEDs

Offers a subset of front panel status LED information. Rear status LEDs are useful when front panel status LEDs are not visible due to orientation of a deployed receiver.

7 Serial Port

RJ-45 connector for attachment of optional DB9-UNI or DB9-DUAL adaptor. The dual adaptor splitsthe port into two RS-232 DB9 female connectors. Supports serialpassthrough for control of displaydevices.

8 LAN Port

RJ-45, 10/100 Ethernet that provides combined media and control LAN functionality.

9 Universal A/V Port

A DVI-I connector that provides connectivityto a wide range of display devices, including HDMI, DVI-D, DVI-A, RGB and Component.

10 RCA Audio Provides support for unbalanced analog stereo (left and right) audio.

Omni-directional

Antenna

(Supported on the MPX 1550 extender system only) Used to establish

the wireless linkbetween the transmitter/accesspoints and bound

receivers. Avocent offers specialized antennas for improved distance or

higher performance in certain bands. See the Avocent web site for

more information.

MPX 1450/1550 access points

In installations that require more than eight display devices, up to eight MPX 1450/1550AP access point expansion units can be added. Each expansion unit can support up to eight MPX

8 Emerge® MPX Extender System Installer/User Guide

receivers to allow up to 64 display devices attached to a single transmitter. The inbound media interface for both MPX 1450AP and MPX 1550AP access points must be wired. While the outbound media interface for MPX 1450AP access points must be wired, the MPX 1550AP access points can be wired or wireless.

Figure 1.4: MPX 1550AP Access Point

Table 1.4: MPX 1550AP Access Point Descriptions

Number Item Description

1 Unit Reset Recessed button.

Chapter 1: Product Overview 9

Number Item Description

2 Front Status LEDs

Five colored LEDs that communicate the current state of the device. See MPX status LEDs on page 41 for a detailed description of LED status indicators.

3 Power DC power input port.

4 Serial Port

5 L1 LAN Port

RJ-45, 10/100 Mbps Ethernet for web-based management of the transmitter.

6 L2 LAN Port

RJ-45, 10/100 Mbps Ethernet for transfer of A/V media from the transmitter to all bound receivers/accesspoints.

Omni-directional Antenna

Compatibility with Attached Devices

The following sections provide guidelines regarding compatibility with source and display devices.

EDID compatibility

Display devices communicate with source devices using Extended Display Identification Data (EDID), a Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) standard data format that contains basic information about a monitor and its capabilities, including vendor information, maximum image size, color characteristics, factory pre-set timings, frequency range limits and character strings for the monitor name and serial number.

EDID information stored in a display device is read by the MPX receiver via the video cable through a digital path called the Display Data Channel (DDC). The receiver forwards this information to the transmitter across the media LAN. The transmitter passes the EDID information to the source device, allowing Plug and Play functionality among display and source devices.

An MPX extender sytem group has a single primary receiver, which has special responsibilities with regard to serial, IR and video functionality. Regarding video, only the primary receiver

10 Emerge® MPX Extender System Installer/User Guide

passes its EDID information back to the transmitter. The display device attached to the primary receiver should be representative of the displays attached to other receivers.

The MPX transmitter is pre-configured with default EDID information, which indicates support for a fixed set of low video resolutions at 60 Hz. Higher resolutions are added as the transmitter learns the capabilities of the attached display devices from actively bound MPX receivers. This active EDIDinformation is stored in non-volatile memory and is maintained by the transmitter unless it is intentionally restored to factory default settings. The process occurs as follows:

• The active EDID string is blank.

• When a receiver binding occurs, if the receiver is not the primary and if the active EDID string is blank, the transmitter merges the received and default EDID strings so the resulting string represents the common features supported by both devices. This new string is stored as the active EDID and reported to the source device.

• When the primary receiver binds with the transmitter the first time, the merge process is repeated using the default and primary EDID settings.

• When bindings are established with subsequent receivers, no action is taken.

• If a different receiver is selected as the primary via the transmitter’s web interface, the merge process is repeated when a new primary EDID string is received.

• If the primary display device is replaced with a different model, the receiver reports the information to the transmitter and a merge process takes place.

NOTE: If an accesspoint is used between the primary receiver and the transmitter, the primary receiver needs to be configured as "Primary" on the accesspoint; likewise, the access point needs to be configured as "Primary" on the receiver.

NOTE: A blank screen may temporarily occur as EDID changes are being processed. Restart the video session for the change to take effect.

Video Cross Conversion

MPX extender systems are able to pass both interlaced and progressive video formats, but they do not support interlacing or deinterlacing. It is possible cross-convert a signal from one video format to another through the extender network. For example, RGB video received by transmitter may be converted for output to an HDMI display device by an MPX receiver. The receiver is able output either HDMI or DVI-D signaling as long as the input and output resolutions are consistent. The system does not provide video scaling.

Chapter 1: Product Overview 11

12 Emerge® MPX Extender System Installer/User Guide

Installation

Installation Overview

Complete the following steps in order to begin installation of your MPX extender system.

• Take proper precautions against antistatic discharge.

• Remove your MPX transmitter, access points (optional), antennas (MPX 1550 extender system only), and receivers from their boxes.

• Refer to the following kit contents list to ensure that you have all the items necessary for yourinstallation.

• Place the units on a stable working surface. To prevent radio receivers from being overdriven, allow a distance of at least three feet between adjacent units.

• For the MPX 1550 extender system, connect the antennas. Fold the antennas inward while the extender system units are in close proximity to each other. This will prevent excessive signal strength, which may cause data loss andchoppy video.

• Ensure that all units are turned off at this time.

Getting started

Before installing your MPX extender system, refer to the following list to ensure you have all items that shipped with the MPX extender system.

Supplied with the MPX extender system

• MPXtransmitter, access point(s) or receiver as appropriate

• 3 omni-directional antennas (MPX 1550 extender system only)

• Adaptor for RGB video (MPX 1450/1550T transmitter only)

• Power supply and ACline cord

• Quick Installation Guide

Maximizing Your Wireless Range

The number, thickness and location of walls, ceilings and other objects that signals pass through affect the range of MPX extender system units. A typical wall has metal or wood studs covered on each side by a single layer of gypsum or plaster board. Useful transmission range varies depending on the types of materials, obstructions and background radio frequency noise at your place of installation.

To maximize your wireless range:

1. Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the transmitter and receiver to a minimum.

2. Position a direct line between your transmitter and receiver so that the signal travels straight through a wall or ceiling. A wall that is 1.5 feet thick (.5 meters) at a 45° angle appears to be almost 3 feet (1 meter) thick; at a 2° angle, it looks over 42 feet (14 meters) thick.

3. If possible, position your devices and extender system units so the signal passes through drywall or open doorways and not other materials. Building materials such as a solid metal doors or aluminum studs can impede the wireless signal and will have a negative effect on the wirelessrange.

4. Keep your MPX transmitter and receivers away (at least 3 to 6 feet or 1 to 2 meters) from electrical devices or appliances that generate RF noise.

5. Antenna extension cables result in signal loss. When possible, move the transmitter or receiver into the desired position in lieu of using an extension cable. When cables are necessary, use the shortest Avocent-certified cable that allows you to properly position your antenna. Daisy-chaining of antenna extension cables is not supported. Carefully follow the installation instructions provided with your cable kit and properly configure the extender when using extension cables.

NOTE: Signals will not pass through concrete walls/floors or titanium coated glass.

MPX extender system units provide wireless transmission over the Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (UNII) and on the Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) radio bands.

MPX extender system units are able to operate over following bands:

• UNII 1: (4 channels bonded to two 40 MHz channels) 5.15-5.25 GHz

• UNII 3: (5 channels bonded to two 40 MHz channels) 5.725 to 5.825 GHz

14 Emerge® MPX Extender System Installer/User Guide

Transmitter Configuration

NOTE: If you prefer to mount your transmitter and receivers prior to configuration, see Mounting options on page

35.

The transmitter can be configured by using an intuitive web interface, which can be accessed via the control LAN port with a web browser. The following steps guide you through this process.

To configure transmitter control LAN (L1) settings:

1. Connect the power supply to the transmitter. When the unit is turned on, the two green LEDs will light up alternately and all other LEDs will turnoff.

2. Using an Ethernet crossover cable or hub, connect a browser client to the control LAN port (labeled L1) on the rear of the transmitter.

3. The default IP address for L1 of the transmitter is 192.168.1.1 with a subnet mask of

255.255.255.0. This may be changed using the web interface via a client computer's web browser that is configured so it can directly access the transmitter.

4. Launch a browser session to the IP address of the transmitter to invoke its web utility via L1, the control LAN port. The Transmitter Menu will appear.

5. Leave the username blank and type the default password, Admin (case sensitive).

6. For the MPX 1550 transmitter, if the unit has not been configured, you will be prompted to enter a country code. This code is used by the product to establish allowable settings for wireless bands, channels and powerlimits. For more information on country codes, see Supported ISO Country Codes on page 67.

7. If desired, select Change Password to change the system password.

a. Type the old login password.

b. Type the new login password. The length of the password must be between 0 and 31

characters and may contain any combination of letters, digits and printable characters, but is case sensitive.

c. Type the new login password again to verify.

d. Apply the changes.

8. Click Control LAN Settings and configure as follows.

Chapter 2: Installation 15

a. Type the IP address for L1 (control LAN) to match the network where it will be

placed. Use this address for subsequent browser connections. Type the subnet mask for L1.

b. Type the gateway address for L1, or 0.0.0.0 if there is no gateway.

c. The LAN Speed / Duplex setting allows you to manually select 10 or 100 Mbps LAN

speed and full or half duplex operation. By default, these settings are automatically negotiated with your switch or hub. To ensure interoperability, compatible settings must be selected on the Ethernet switch and MPX extender system units.

9. Apply the changes.

NOTE: Do not use the following reserved IP addresses: 224.xxx.xxx.xxx to 255.xxx.xxx.xxx. Be careful not to cause conflict with the Control LAN IP addressesof other units on the same network or with the Media LANIP addresses configured in the Media LAN Settings page.

NOTE: Once you change the IP addressof a unit, the browser session will terminate. Your browser session must be re-established using the new address of the unit.

To configure transmitter source device settings:

The transmitter features a DVI-I dual-link media input port that supports DVI-D, HDMI, DVIA, RGB and Component video. To detect and process a video stream, the transmitter must be appropriately configured.

Source Device Settings are used to configure the media cable type and display information data (EDID) settings. Advanced settings for video positioning (panning) and clock phase adjustments are also provided.

1. Within the web interface Transmitter Menu, select Source Device Settings.

2. The Cable Type Settings drop-down menu is used to configure the transmitter for the type of video cable used to interconnect with the source device. Use the options as follows:

• Auto: (default) Select this option when using HDMI cable, DVI-D cable, HD15 RGB

cable if the supplied Avocent RGB adaptor is used or three-wire Component video cable if the optional Avocent Component video adaptor-cable is used (not included).

• Manual (HDMI/DVI): Select this option to override display information data (EDID)

provided by your display device to HDMI or DVI-D source devices. Depending upon your source device, this may provide explicit control over video resolutions options available to users of the source device.

• Manual (RGB): You must select this option when using RGB cables without the

Avocent-supplied adaptor. You may also select this option to override display information data (EDID) provided by your display device to RGB (also referred to as

16 Emerge® MPX Extender System Installer/User Guide

VGA) source devices. Depending upon your source device, this may provide explicit control over video resolutions options available to users of the source device.

• Manual (Component): You must select this option when using three-wire Component

cables without the optional Avocent Component video adaptor.

3. The MPX transmitter acts like a display device attached to the video source device; as such, it will provide capabilities information back to the source device using an EDID string. The Video Resolution Settings drop-down menu defines the way in which the transmitter presents itself to the source device when queried for resolution (EDID) information. Use the various options as follows:

• Primary: (default) This setting requests the transmitter to report the subset of

resolutions that are supported both by itself and the display device attached to the primary receiver.

• Custom: This option requests the transmitter to report a custom set of resolutions to the

source device. Depending upon your source device, this may provide explicit control over video resolutions options available to users of the source device. Cable Type Settings must be set to Manual (HDMI/DVI) or Manual (RGB) for this option to be available. This option will cause a resolution table to be displayed. Select the set of resolutions that you want the transmitter to present to the source device.

Chapter 2: Installation 17

Figure 2.1: Transmitter Custom Resolution Settings

• None: This setting invalidates resolution management on the transmitter, which causes

some RGB source devices to treat the transmitter as a default monitor. Choose this mode with caution as it may allow users of the source device to select a resolution or refresh rate that is not supported by this transmitter or by a display device attached to an MPX receiver. Cable Type Settings must be set to Manual (RGB) for this option to be available.

(Optional)To configure transmitter system settings:

1. Within the web interface Transmitter Menu, select System Settings.

2. If you want to select a transmitter by name rather than by MAC address, you can select a name to identify the transmitter and type it in the Device Name text box. This name will be displayed throughout the web interface.

18 Emerge® MPX Extender System Installer/User Guide

3. For secure web access, HTTPS access can be used to access the web interface. The HTTPS Required setting allows you to explicitly set HTTPS as the transport protocol for access to the web interface. If selected, you must install the certificate from the MPX transmitter onto your browser client. HTTPS ensures encryption of all web content. If this setting is disabled, you may obtain a secure web session with the transmitter by launching an HTTPS session rather than an HTTP session from your browser client.

4. The Remote Console feature allows for centralized control of the MPX extender system. Contact Avocent technical support before you enable thisfeature.

NOTE: The Remote Console feature should only be enabled on a secure network, as it potentiallycreates a security hole.

5. Apply the changes.

(Optional) Transmitter media LAN settings

The MPX 1550 transmitter offers additional wireless Media LAN settings that you may optimize. These involve the topology of your extender network, broadcasting ofESSID and transmitter power attenuation. The transmitter offers explicit modes for 1-to-1 and 1-to-many (default configuration) operation. If your deployment consists of a transmitter and a single receiver, you may select 1-to-1 topology mode, which optimizes the radio for 1-to-1 transmission and increases the default Video Data Rate. These optimizations should result in fewer lost data packets and increased video acuity.

To select 1-to-1 topology (MPX 1550 extender system only):

1. Within the web interface Transmitter Menu, select Media LAN Settings – Basic LAN Settings.

2. In the Topology Configuration drop-down menu, select 1-to-1.

3. Apply the change.

Chapter 2: Installation 19

Figure 2.2: Transmitter Basic LAN Settings

An MPX 1550 transmitter is a specialized wireless access point. It broadcasts a name (ESSID), which enables MPX receivers to locate and bind to it. Although it is not possible to alter this name, you may disable the broadcasting of this name if all receivers have been explicitly configured with the MAC address of the transmitter.

NOTE: Disabling of ESSID makes the transmitter invisible to MPX receivers and other clients that are not aware of it. New receivers cannot be bound to the transmitter while this function is disabled.

To disable ESSID broadcast:

1. In the ESSID broadcast drop-down menu, select Disabled.

2. Apply the change.

The MPX 1550 transmitter allows you to attenuate its wireless transmission power. The unit is pre-configured for legal settings, but it is recommended to reduce the transmission power if the transmitter and receiver are located in close proximity. This prevents over-saturation of the receiver’s radio and reduces the radius of the transmission range, making the wireless channel available for transmitters and receivers that might be installed in neighboring rooms.

20 Emerge® MPX Extender System Installer/User Guide

To attenuate transmission power:

1. In the Transmit Power Attenuation drop-down menu, select the appropriate attenuation value.

2. Apply the change.

NOTE: Selection of this setting causes the transmitter to temporarily drop active bindings.

NOTE: Each 3dB of attenuation reduces signal strength by one half. Thus, the setting for -3dB results in one-half

power. The setting for -6dB results in one-quarter power, and the setting for -9dB results in one-eighth power. For a small conference room, -9dB setting should be adequate; for larger auditoriums, -3dB should be adequate. For maximum distance and wall penetration, -0dB is recommended.

To configure advanced IP settings:

1. Within the web interface Transmitter Menu, select Media LAN Settings – Advanced IP Settings.

2. You can customize the Unicast IP Settings (namely subnet addresses and masks) for the wired or wireless outbound media LAN connections. These settings allow you to place multiple transmitters on a single LAN or to share it with existing equipment.

NOTE: Unicast IP Settings are used by a transmitter to exchange control messages with each of its bound receivers. T he Unicast IP Settings of a receiver must match those of the transmitter to which it binds.

3. You can customize the multicast IP address range used for A/V streaming. This setting is set by a transmitter and is shared by all of its bound receivers. The first octet must be 239 and the last octet must be zero. You can set the middle two octets between zero and 255 inclusively.

NOTE: The Transmitter Number setting on the Basic LAN Settings tab allows multiple transmitters to operate with the same Unicast IP Settings and Multicast IP Address Range on a wired LAN. You can set the Transmitter Number to zero for all units if each unit has unique Unicast IP Settings and Multicast IP Address Range.

Chapter 2: Installation 21

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