Using the Frame Control Panel > Using the Frame — Controller Settings > Managing Connections

Managing Connections

On the Configuration screen, select the Frame - Controller, and then click Connections to open the Connections Manager.

Using the Connections Manager within the Controller module, you can indicate all the transfer points, both external to the frame and within and between the modules in the frame. If this is done correctly, when removing a module from the frame and using the protection function to replace the functionality of that module, the routings can be reproduced, assuming the redundant, protecting module is configured to the same router.

When you need the redundant functionality out of the backup module, the Connections Manager maps the functionality from one module to the other, by way of a crosspoint switch.

The Connections Manager also allows you to route signals between different modules in the frame, without having to run cabling to modules within the same frame. It may not be possible to route some or all signals from one module to another within the frame using the internal bus, and may require external cabling.

Connections are subject to the same delay as the outputs of the module. The connection manager is limited to 1024 independent connections.

Connections are organized first by function, and then below that, by interface.

• Function—A capability of a module that provides a particular feature or group of features. A function that has no inputs or outputs (interfaces) does not appear in the connection manager.

The controller module has two functions:

• Test Signal Generator—Provides test video feed and tone to other devices within the frame. The test signal generator is always available in the Connections Manager.
• Protection router—Provides external routing interfaces between the protection router and the Connections Manager. The protection router must be configured before it appears in the Connections Manager. See Launching the Router Interface  for more information.
  • Interface—Each function has at least one interface, which is used to connect functions. Interfaces are divided into the following types:
• CXN—Internal connection over Data Ethernet (available only if the SEL-MCP3 controller module has an optional video IP submodule)
• Ext-Ip—External connection over Data Ethernet (available only if the SEL-MCP3 controller module has an optional video IP submodule)
• Ext-Mod—External module connectors on back panel
• Xpoint—End points on cross-point switch within the frame

You can have multiple interfaces for the same function. An interface can be a connector on the back of the module, or it can be an internal connection for the module within the frame.

Use the Filter interface types menu to hide different types of interfaces. For example, you can filter out the external connections (which are infrequently changed in most environments) to reduce the list size.