System Topologies

Video Transcript

00:00
There are plenty of ways to design Q-SYS systems for each installation.
00:04
Let’s look at some of the more common applications and design philosophies
00:08
so that you can feel comfortable selling the best  
00:11
solution for your customer requirements and budget.
00:14
Let’s start with the centralized processing architecture;
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this option is typically the most robust and cost-effective solution  
00:21
when doing larger projects or several smaller rooms.
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In a centralized processing architecture,
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a single Q-SYS Core serves multiple spaces from a centralized location,
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such as a technology closet or a data center.
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This could be two or three smaller spaces run by a smaller Q-SYS Core processor
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or several larger spaces run by a Q-SYS Server Core,
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such as multiple meeting rooms or an entire transportation hub.
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The Q-SYS Core connects to dedicated I/O at the edge or within the space;
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this often results in a lower total cost as processing resources are shared,
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and I/O is tailored to the needs of each space.
01:02
Centralized processing scheme can also simplify the connection between your installation
01:03
and Q-SYS Reflect Enterprise Manager for remote monitoring and management
01:03
by registering a single core instead of multiple cores.
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Centralized processing makes sharing audio, video, and control between multiple spaces easier,
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making it the ideal solution for flexible  
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installations where several spaces can be combined to create a larger space.
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This next design approach, which is usually called “Edge” or “distributed topology”
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is essentially the opposite of centralized.
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Instead of having a single Q-SYS Core processor to drive the whole system ….,
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an Edge topology relies on each space having its own Q-SYS Core processor,
01:34
either located within the space or nearby in a technology closet.
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This could entail each meeting room having its own Q-SYS Core for example.
01:42
In an edge deployment typology, each space is self-sufficient.
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Changes can be made to a processor’s design without impacting other spaces,
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and there is less concern about overburdening a processor’s capability.
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Now, on the flip side, edge deployment makes moving audio,  
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video, and control signals between spaces
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more complex than if you were to do it in a centralized deployment model;
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it’s not impossible, but it just requires a little  
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bit more coordination and planning between systems.
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There are times when neither centralized nor edge typologies are the best option to pursue;
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sometimes, the truth lies somewhere in between;
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we call this a hybrid typology.
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As its name suggests,
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a hybrid topology combines pieces of centralized and edge processing schemes.
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Centralized assets, including paging, internet radio audio streams, digital signage,
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and satellite television channels,
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can exist in one location and be routed to each space as needed.
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Otherwise, each separate space more-or-less stands independently,
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and content doesn’t need to be dynamically shared from space to space.
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No matter the project type or scale,
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Q-SYS can handle it –
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it’s just about selecting the best design typology and pairing it with the right Core.
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Check out the link in the links section to compare  
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all Q-SYS Cores either by feature or by application.
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Until then, we’ll see you next time.