Dedicated

• ControlCenter-Compact — a central module in a single rack unit with a fixed port count: 8 to 176 ports over CAT, 16 to 48 over fibre, 32 to 112 in mixed variants. You choose the size at the point of purchase.
• ControlCenter-Digital — fully modular with 80, 160 or 288 ports. The chassis ships with the backplane, controller, switch and fan cards and the power modules; the I/O cards are selected separately to match your cabling.

Both product families are compatible with each other and work with the same end devices.

Every port can be used as an input or an output. You therefore do not fix the split between computers and workplaces at the point of purchase, but during operation — and you can change it later. The central module automatically detects whether a computer module, a console module or a DynamicWorkplace CON is connected.

For installations whose ratio of sources to workplaces shifts over the years, this is the decisive difference from systems with fixed inputs and outputs.

Each card provides 16 dynamic ports and operates independently of the others, so mixed operation within one chassis is possible:

• I/O-Card-CAT — 16 ports over CAT
• I/O-Card-Fiber — 16 ports over fibre
• I/O-Card-Trunk4 — combines 4 of the 16 ports onto a single 10G link
• I/O-Card-Multi — integrates 16 standalone devices into the matrix system

Depending on the I/O card, the link between central module and end device covers up to 140 m over CAT or up to 10,000 m over fibre. Existing CAT links can be extended by a further 140 m with a CAT repeater, or by up to 10,000 m with DVI FiberLink.

The ControlCenter-Digital's system components are hot-plug and hot-swap capable: cards and modules can be connected, removed or replaced while the system runs. An expansion or a card replacement therefore does not mean shutting down the workplace.

If one central module's port count is not enough, the Matrix-Grid function combines several central modules from the Compact and Digital ranges into a single grid. Console and computer modules connected to different matrix switches then communicate bidirectionally, as though they were one system.

At the central module: redundant internal power modules and a redundant network interface.

Within the grid: the MatrixGuard function automatically connects the end devices to another matrix switch in the event of a fault and restores the switching states. It requires the Matrix-Grid function; end devices connected to the failed switch itself are excluded.

And if the central module fails: the console and computer modules connect directly in extender mode. The workplace stays operable.

What does "exclusive I/O cards" mean in the article name?
That the I/O cards are not included in the delivery. You order the chassis and the cards separately, which lets you decide how many ports run over CAT and how many over fibre.

Compact or Digital?
Compact, if the port count is settled and one rack unit is enough. Digital, if you want to mix media freely, expand during operation, or go beyond 176 ports.

How far does a dedicated link reach?
Up to 140 m over CAT and up to 10,000 m over fibre, depending on the I/O card.

Can I add ports later?
With the ControlCenter-Digital, yes — through additional I/O cards while the system runs, up to the capacity of the chassis. Beyond that, the Matrix-Grid function combines several central modules.

Do I need a network for a dedicated matrix?
Not for the transmission. The central module's network port serves configuration and monitoring.