Comtech EF Data CME-5000 Manual - Manual (Page 22)

Digicast Micro Encapsulator (MENCAP) Revision A
Introduction MN/MENCAPEDC.IOM
1.4.1 Introduction
The MENCAP 50 supports a 1:1 redundant configuration in a single 19” rack (1RU)
chassis (Figure 1-4). This provides for automatic failover in the event of failure of the
Primary Encapsulator. For networks with high availability demands, the redundant
package provides a cost-effective solution.
1.4.2 Configuration
The redundant unit consists of two MENCAP 50’s (CME-5000 or CME-5010) connected
to and monitored by a CME-1600 Redundancy Switch. The mirrored ASI outputs of each
MENCAP 50 are connected to the Redundancy Switch and based on the ‘primary/ secondary’
status of each encapsulator; the primary unit is allowed to pass traffic to the next device
in the communications path.
In addition to the ASI outputs, the MENCAP 50’s are each connected to the Redundancy
Switch via a serial RS-232 interface to communicate operational status to the redundancy
switch. The Ethernet ports are connected to a hub or switch on the LAN.
Figure 1-4. Digicast MENCAP Redundancy (CME-5100 or CME-5110)
1.4.3 Operation
The design of the CME-1600 Redundancy Switch ensures high reliability and low
probability of single point of failure. The CME-1600 monitors the status of the primary
and secondary MENCAP 50 IPEs and, in the unlikely event of primary failure, will
switch over the communications path to the secondary unit.
The status of an IPE is indicated by the corresponding LED; namely, solid green
indicating operational, flashing green indicating failed. The CME-1600 detects when a
failed IPE has been restored to operational status.
The CME-1600 can be configured to operate in “Auto” or “Manual” modes. In Auto
mode, the CME-1600 detects a failed IPE and switches automatically to the backup; in
Manual mode, the automatic failover feature is disabled. A pushbutton-activated
switchover is required to activate the backup IPE.
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