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.

Key Benefits

High Availability – A deployed system will operate at a high level, continuously,
having 99.999% control availability shared between two AC-MXNET-CBOX-HAs.
Control will only be lost by a system-wide catastrophic event like a power failure.

Failover Monitoring – An RJ45, RS-232 communication interface monitors ‘heartbeat’ signals from Main CBOX.  Pre-installed Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol software facilitates the failover process. The Standby box assumes the active IP address if a temporary or permanent event occurs to the Main CBOX.

Virtual IP-Based Switching – Configured for High Availability, each CBOX has a fixed IP address, while a third external IP address functions as virtual. All management and control requests for endpoint devices must be sent to this VIP address, ensuring both AC-MXNET-CBOX HA units have identical data should a failover event occur. This allows the system to continue functioning interruption-free and without reconfiguration.

Simplified Network Management – By using VIP-based switching, an installation or programming team is only required to know a single IP address, the VIP, regardless of which AC-MXNET-CBOX HA is designated as active.