Architecture options for the MPX 250

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An MPX 250 system can be easily set up and configured to provide connectivity in rooms of various sizes and with different equipment. This document presents a list of typical room installation examples.

General indications

Connection flow

USB-C ports are bidirectional by design, and when used to connect devices, it is helpful to refer to them in terms of upstream and downstream. Upstream refers to connections toward laptops and other user devices, while downstream refers to connections toward room displays and USB peripherals.

An example:

USB chain limitations

When connecting USB devices, the USB specification imposes a strict limit of no more than 5 hubs between the host and the peripheral. Exceeding this limit can cause signal degradation, device enumeration failures, or complete loss of communication. For this reason, it is essential to design USB topologies that fully comply with the rule.

For additional information on how MPX 250 devices are counted within the USB chain, refer to MPX 250 - USB hub limitations

Cable length

Proper cable length management is essential when planning your system topology. The list below summarizes the most important limits to keep in mind.

Cable type	Max length (ft)	Max length (m)	Notes
USB-C, passive	6 ft	2 m
USB-C, active	15 ft	5 m
MPX 250 Link 30	30 ft	10 m
USB 2.0, passive	15 ft	5 m
USB 2.0, active	-		Not recommended due to the presence of redrivers and additional USB 2.0 hubs, that may affect stabilit and performance
USB 3.0/3.2, passive	10 ft	3 m
USB 3.0/3.2, active	-		Not recommended due to the presence of redrivers and additional USB 2.0 hubs, that may affect stabilit and performance
HDMI 2.0	24 ft	7 m
HDMI 2.1	15 ft	5 m

MPX 250 Link 30

An active USB-C reinforced cable utilizing optical technology. Its 30 ft (10 m) length enables reliable long-distance connection between the MPX 250 EXT and the main MPX 250 unit.

Note that the cable is unidirectional: connect the locking-screw end [1] to the MPX 250 "Ext Out" and the other end [4] to MPX 250 EXT "Ext In". See also MPX 250 Overview for further details.

Basic connections

Single unit, single display

An MPX 250 connects to the room display via HDMI and to the room peripherals via USB.

Single unit, single display with USB-C

If the room display supports USB-C, a single cable can run from the MPX 250 to the display, which in turn connects to the conference bar or other room peripherals.

Dual display

Single unit, dual display

A second display can be connected to the EXT Out/DP/UC/AV USB-C port on the MPX 250. If the second display only supports HDMI, a USB-C to HDMI adapter is required to convert the video signal.

Single unit, dual display with USB-C

If the room display supports USB-C, it can be connected directly to the EXT Out/DP/UC/AV USB-C port on the MPX 250, without the need for an adapter. A conference bar or other room peripherals can be connected directly to the display’s built-in USB hub.

MPX 250 EXT

In this setup, an MPX 250 EXT unit connects the display(s) and A/V peripherals. An MPX 250 Link 30 cable (30 feet / 10 meters long) allows the main MPX 250 unit to be installed farther away from the room peripherals.

Multiple units

Daisy chain

One MPX 250 unit is daisy-chained to the other. Note that one USB-C port on the first unit is used to connect to the second unit, leaving a total of 7 (3 + 4) available ports for user devices.

Multiple units with an MPX 250 DC

An MPX 250 DC unit acts as a hub for 2-4 additional units, linking them upstream. In this configuration, all USB-C ports remain available for user devices, supporting up to 16 connections.

With two MPX 250 units connected:

Connection to a UC Compute Device

The MPX 250 can be used in hybrid conference rooms where a Windows- or Android-based UC system is installed, allowing users to connect their laptops in a BYOM scenario. Seamless switching between the UC system and user devices is possible with a simple tap on the controller.