This article applies only to the TDX

This article will briefly describe, how to configure the IP-Out Backend, on the TDX. This is just the basic setup, no advanced setup or explanations.


Prior to this article, you must have configured some input on the TDX. In this example we have configured a DVB-S frontend, and there are 9 services in the TDX Pool to our disposal.


Know your limitations

1. You need to have, at least, 'TDX IPTV-out 4 service - Start' licens installed on the TDX. Expand it, as needed.

2. Max. BW 700 Mbits/s output per IP output module.
3. 78 services on each IP output module/AUX socket.

4. Read the disclaimer in the bottom, about Multicast IP addresses!



About the AUX ports, SFP's and Auxiliary board

Before we start, there are some information's that you might need, regarding the AUX ports, SFP's and the auxiliary board.


AUX ports and SFP's

The AUX ports are a part of the 'System Controller'.


The 2 ports can only be used in conjunction with the IP-Out Backend and they are fixed to gigabit speed (1000Mbit duplex).


There are 3 types of SFP, that you can use:

  • TDX SFP Module - Copper RJ45 (~75m)
  • TDX SFP Module - Fibre LC 850nm (~500m)
  • TDX SFP Module - Fibre LC 1310nm (~2km)




Auxiliary board

This little PCB board serves as a connector from the IP-Out backend, directly to the AUX port. If this board isn't inserted correctly, there will not be any IP out of the backend. There will not be any indications, in the GUI, about misplaced or missing auxiliary board.



Inserting the Backend, Auxiliary board and SFP

First we need to insert the backend, the auxiliary board and the SFP into the TDX.




A maximum of two IP output modules, and associated auxiliary boards and SFP can be installed in a TDX headend. Dedicated positions in the TDX headend are used. The auxiliary board is placed behind the fans, in the output section. There are 2 slots, AUX1 and AUX2. There slots are dedicated to fixed output positions.


AUX1 < - > Output Slot 6

AUX2 < - > Output Slot 3





Option 1

The IP Backend is placed in slot 3, auxiliary board in slot 2 and the SPF in AUX 2




Option 2

The IP Backend is placed in slot 6, auxiliary board in slot 1 and the SPF in AUX 1




Combined

Both options can be used, at the same time.







With the hardware (and license) in place, the next step is setting up the IP addresses on the AUX ports.



Configuring the AUX ports

Before configuring the IP-Out backend, we must configure the AUX port(s).


1. Login to the TDX, click on 'ADMIN' -> 'IP Settings' -> 'Enter Setup' (Edit link IP settings for system)


2. Insert IP address and Subnet mask into both AUX port fields. The IP address in both fields, must be unique and a part of a private scope (10.0.0.0/8, 172.16.0.0/12 or 192.168.0.0/16)



3. Click 'OK' -> 'Update'.


4. The TDX prompts you, for a reboot.


Now we can move on, to the configuration of the IP-Out backend itself.



Configuring the backend

Now for the configuration of the IP-Out backend. As mentioned in the start of this article, we have 9 services in the IP Pool.


1. Log into the TDX again (if your aren't in the GUI) and navigate to the IP-Out backend. The module is not yet configured, so it will appear red in the GUI.



Notice, that this IP-Out backend is positioned in slot 6. There are 4 priorities, all together they sum up to 78 services. Add the most important services to the highest priority.


2. Click on theicon, to start configuring the output.


3. Leave the IP Packet Ratio, at '7' (Default value).


4. Enter the desired Multicast address and port, for the service. The Multicast address must be between 224.0.0 - 239.255.255, and the port preferable between 1025 - 65535 (To stay above mostly used IANA defined ports, Read more)




5. Click on theto select the service, you want on this multicast.


6. Select the service you want, click on 'OK'




7. To add another service, to the next multicast address, simply just click on theicon, in the row below. The IP address will automatically be incremented to the next available. Here I have added 2 more - without typing in the IP addresses and port.




8. Keep adding the services you want, until you reach the maximum of 78 or ~700Mbit/s out on the AUX port.


9. Remember to click 'APPLY', to save the configuration.



This completes the basic setup, of the IP-Out backend.


Disclaimer:

Before configuring the IP-out backend, you must familiarize yourself with the rules and guidelines for IPv4 Multicast addresses and ports.


Please read more here:

IETF IANA Guidelines for IPv4 Multicast Address Assignments : RFC5771

IANA Notes on IPv4 Multicast Address Space Registry : 224.0.0.0-224.0.0.255

Wikipedia article on Multicast addresses : Multicast address