Routing Matrix with a TX Matrix Plus Router Hardware Configuration Overview

Routing Matrix Hardware Configurations

A fully loaded routing matrix hardware configuration consists of one TX Matrix Plus router, four T1600 routers, three to five 44-U, seismic-rated racks, 80 fiber-optic array cables, 10 Ethernet cables, and a cable management system. There are two types of configurations to consider when you plan and prepare for the installation of the routing matrix—centralized and distributed.

Centralized Configuration

In the centralized configuration, three racks are placed next to each other in a row. Figure 1 shows a rack view of a centralized configuration in which the left and center racks each hold two T1600 routers, and the right rack holds the TX Matrix Plus router.

• If the raceway is less than 1 m above the racks, 5-m fiber-optic array cables might be long enough to connect the system.
• The total weight of the routing matrix and the heat it generates are concentrated in a relatively small area. You must ensure that your site can support the weight and your site cooling can adequately dissipate the heat.
• You can order the centralized configuration as a turnkey solution, or you can configure it from existing T1600 routers.

Figure 1: Centralized Configuration—Rack View

Distributed Configuration

In the distributed configuration, the placement of the racks is more flexible.

• Ensure that the rack placement allows you to connect the T1600 routers to the TX Matrix Plus router using the fiber-optic array cables. The maximum cable length is 100 m.
• The total weight and heat dissipation of the routing matrix are important in the distributed configuration, but not as critical as in the centralized configuration.