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.