FLEXNET – FNER Expandable (Modular) Routing Switches – Installation & Operation Manual
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CHAPTER 1: SYSTEM OVERVIEW
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 defined. 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 configurable for our customers.
1.2 User Permission Feature
The FNER system features user permissions. This is configured 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 benefit 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 first 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
configured 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 configured.
