Ochno Power Conference is a 4 port USB-C switcher that is the fundation for Ochno’s revolutionary platform for user-friendly and flexible meeting rooms.
The three products for Ochno Power Conference 4 system:
Ochno Power Conference 4
O-PC-4
Ochno Power Conference Node 4
O-PC-4-NODE
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Ochno USB-C Extension Cable
O-EC-10 / O-EC-20
With the Ochno Power Conference 4 System it is easy to design and install USB-C laptop connectivity in any room of any size and with any video conference system.
This document explains the functionality of each component and then follows a list room installation examples.
Room Design with Ochno Power Conference 4 System
When designing a room with Ochno Power Conference 4 System, there are a couple of different variables to consider:
Number of USB-C connections for laptop
Cabling distances
Display+Peripheral connected via HDMI+USB-A or USB-C
BYOD or BYOD + UC System
Windows or Android based UC System.
Connection method of Android based UC System
Microsoft, Zoom or Google based UC System
Room PC switching (not UC-based)
There are also different options to select USB-C outlets, pull-out cables, LED-switches etc, but they doesn’t impact the topology design so much.
Topology Overview
The main topologies are listed below:
Design Id | Products | Number of USB-C Connections | BYOD Support / No of displays | UC System | Peripheral Connection | Max Table to Wall distance | Configure Action Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1a | O-PC-4 BYOD Only (HDMI + USB) | 4 | Yes, 1 | No | HDMI+USB | 5m | None, if default switching is ok. |
1b | O-PC-4 BYOD Only (USB-C) | 4 | Yes, 1 | No | USB-C | 2m or 20m (O-EC) | None, if default switching is ok. |
1c | O-PC-4 BYOD Only (HDMI + USB + HDMI Dongle) | 4 | Yes, 2 | No | USB-C+USB+HDMI | 2m or 20m (O-EC) | None, if default switching is ok. |
1d | O-PC-4 BYOD Only (USB-C + HDMI)) | 4 | Yes, 2 | No | USB-C+HDMI | 2m or 20m (O-EC) | None, if default switching is ok. |
2a | O-PC-4 + O-PC-4-NODE BYOD Only (HDMI+USB) | 4 | Yes, 1 | No | HDMI+USB | 20m (O-EC) | None, if default switching is ok. |
2c | O-PC-4 + O-PC-4-NODE BYOD Only (HDMI + USB + HDMI Dongle) | 4 | Yes, 2 | No | USB-C+USB+HDMI | 20m (O-EC) | None, if default switching is ok. |
2d | O-PC-4 + O-PC-4-NODE BYOD Only (USB-C + HDMI) | 4 | Yes, 2 | No | USB-C+HDMI | 20m (O-EC) | None, if default switching is ok. |
3a | 2 or 4 x O-PC-4 + 1 x O-PC-4 BYOD only (HDMI + USB) | Up to 16 | Yes, 1 | No | HDMI+USB | 5m | None, if default switching is ok. |
3b | 2 or 4 x O-PC-4 + 1 x O-PC-4 BYOD only (USB-C) | Up to 16 | Yes, 1 | No | USB-C | 2m or 20m (O-EC) | None, if default switching is ok. |
3c | 2 or 4 x O-PC-4 + 1 x O-PC-4 BYOD only (HDMI + USB + HDMI Dongle) | Up to 16 | Yes, 2 | No | USB-C+USB+HDMI | 2m or 20m (O-EC) | None, if default switching is ok. |
2 | O-PC-4 + Windows UC Systems | 4 | Yes | Yes | 5m | Configure UC Setting | |
3 | O-PC-4 + Android UC (HDMI+USB) | 4 | Yes | Yes | 5m | Configure UC Setting | |
4 | O-PC-4 Android UC (USB-C) | 4 | Yes | Yes | 5m | Configure UC Setting | |
5 | O-PC-4 + O-PC-4-NODE BYOD Only | 4 | Yes | 20m | None, use default | ||
6 | O-PC-4 + O-PC-4-NODE Windows UC (HDMI Ingest at wall) | 4 | Yes | Yes | 20m | Configure UC Setting | |
7 | O-PC-4 + O-PC-4-NODE Windows UC (HDMI Ingest at table) | 4 | Yes | Yes | 20m | Configure UC Setting | |
8 | O-PC-4 + O-PC-4-NODE Windows UC (USB-C video ingest at table) | 4 | Yes | Yes | 20m | Configure UC Setting | |
9 | O-PC-4 + O-PC-4-NODE Android UC (HDMI+USB) | 4 | Yes | Yes | 20m | Configure UC Setting | |
10 | 3 x O-PC-4 BYOD Only | 10 | Yes | 20m | None, use default | ||
11 | 3 x O-PC-4 Windows UC | 10 | Yes | Yes | 20m | Configure UC Setting | |
12 | 3 x O-PC-4 Android UC (HDMI+USB) | 10 | Yes | Yes | 20m | Configure UC Setting | |
13 | 5 x O-PC-4 Android UC (USB-C) | 16 | Yes | Yes | 20m | Configure UC Setting | |
14 | O-PC-4-NODE + O-PC-4 Room PC Switch | 1 + 1 | Yes | PC | 20m | Configure Auto-switch Setting |
Connecting Guide
Upstream and Downstream
Since USB-C ports are by design by-directional in Ochno Power Conference 4 system andd USB-C is used for connecting things together, it can sometimes be good to use the term Upstream and Dowstream. Upstream meaning towards the laptops and computers and Downstream meaning towards the Displays and the USB-devices. In USB-C terminology, a USB-C port that is intended to be used to connect a laptop is called Upstream Facing Port (UFP) and a USB-C port that is intended to connect devices or displays are called Downstream Facing Port (DFP). O-PC-4 have a few USB-C port that can be re-configured to change role from DFP to UFP, meaning that they can both be used to connected laptops or computer or devices. The pictures below shows the default configuration of the ports.
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Max number of layers
The maximum number of “layers” of O-PC-4 and O-PC-4-NODE is 3. However, due to the limitations of the maximum numbers of USB hubs, the recommendation is to not add more than two layers.
See this guide for additional information regarding calculating the number of USB hub in a complete solution, including connected devices.
Cable Lengths
When designing the topology, keeping track of the maximum cable lengths are key. The following table outlines the key parameters and relevant Ochno SKUs.
Cable Type | Max length | Ochno SKUs | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
Passive USB-C Cable | 2m | … | |
Electrical active USB-C | 5m | 3m available in Q1 25 | |
Active Optical USB-C | 20m-50m | O-EC-10, O-EC-20 | Maximum length is depending on technology used and if charging should be supported. |
Passive USB 2.0 Cable | 5m | Not available | |
Passive USB 3.2 Cable | 3m | … | |
Active USB 2.0/3.2 Cable | Not recommended | Not recommended to use due to redrivers and additional USB 2.0 hubs | |
HDMI 2.0 | 7m | Not available | Most O-PC-4 installation will require full HDMI 18 Gbps bandwith. |
HDMI 2.1 | 5m | Not available | O-PC-4 supports HDMI 2.1 up to 36 Gbps (8k), assuming USB 3.2 is disable to allocate all laptop bandwidth to video. |
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Main O-PC-4 and Ochno Operated Connection
When installing a system with multiple O-PC-4 and O-PC-4-NODE it is important to keep track of the O-PC-4 which is the master unit of the installation. This unit will be responsble for managing the connection to Ochno Operated and it orchestrats all controls and management of all other connected devices.
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It is always the MOST DOWNSTREAM O-PC-4 that automatically becomes the Main O-PC-4 in an installation. O-PC-4-NODE have no Ochno Operated connection and is always managed by the connected O-PC-4. Upstream O-PC-4 and upstream O-PC-4-NODE are always managed via the Main O-PC-4.
If the O-PC-4 units are shifted, the role of Main O-PC-4 will automatically shift to the MOST DOWNSTREAM O-PC-4.
When using O-PC-4 system together with UC System, they need to be connected through either Main O-PC-4 or the downstream O-PC-4-NODE. See topologies below for more details.
Configuration Guide
In regards to installing different types of topology, in most instances the system auto-configures the regular BYOD use-case for managing upstream and downstram O-PC-4 and O-PC-4-NODE.
When the system is used together with a UC System, the following settings need to be applied manually:
Mandatory: Select correct UC System setting
Optionally: Connect to Microsoft 365 API for dynamic switching
UC System setting is done in Ochno Management Console, see picture below
Connection to Microsoft 365 is down from the Cloud Service
Another feature that requires configuration is if auto-switching should be used. By default the system is configured to be switched using the Ochno switch buttons. Read THIS guide for more information on how auto-switching works in the O-PC-4 System and in Dasiy-chain installations.
Topologies
The following topology overviews are the main reference designs. Depending on the particulars for each installation this can evolve. Please note the comments.
O-PC-4 BYOD Only
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O-PC-4 + O-PC-4-NODE BYOD Only
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O-PC-4 Daisy-Chain BYOD
In daisy-chain configurations, the number of USB hubs integrated into the USB device used will determine the maxium amounts of USB-C connections that can be made. The maximum number of allowed hubs are 4 to ensure compatibility with MacBook M-series.
Some USB-devices also have an internal hub, so the maximum available for the O-PC-4 topology is then 3 if such a USB device is used, or 4 if a device with no internal USB hub is used. In the O-PC-4 System, the total numbers are hubs are:
Configuration | Number of hubs | Comment | USB Device with hub | USB Device with no hub |
|---|---|---|---|---|
O-PC-4 Only | 2 | Supported | Supported | |
O-PC-4 + O-PC-4-NODE | 3 | Room Kit | Supported | Supported |
2 x O-PC-4 + O-PC-4 | 3 | Daisy-chain (10 connections) | Supported | Supported |
4 x O-PC-4 + O-PC-4 | 4 | Daisy-chain (16 connections) | Supported only on Windows | Supported |
3 x O-PC-4 + O-PC-4-NODE | 4 | Daisy-chain (10 Connections) + Room Kit | Supported only on Windows | Supported |
5 x O-PC-4 + O-PC-4-NODE | 5 | Daisy-chain (16 Connections) + Room Kit | Not supported | Supported only on Windows |
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Unified Communication (UC) Systems and Ochno Power Conference 4 System
When combining the O-PC-4 System with a unified communication system, there are the following parameters to define to ensure that the correct configuration is selected:
Windows-based or Android based UC-system
Is video-ingest into UC-system done at wall-side/in the PC or at the table side in the touch-screen.
How many USB-C connections are needed.
The designs listed below are focused on installations with 4 USB-C connections. Adding more using Diasy-Chain configurations as just a matter of adding more O-PC-4 units upstream. There are two examples showing that as well, but more upstream O-PC-4 can be added to all UC designs.
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LED Switch Installation
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Extending with O-EC-20 and O-PC-4-NODE
Extending with O-EC-20 to USB-C capable device
Daisy-chaining design
Extending input with O-PC-4-NODE
Dual video output
Ochno Accessories and O-PC-4
Microsoft Teams Room Integrations: MTRoW + Video pass-through
Microsoft Teams Room Integrations: MTRoW + Video by-pass
Microsoft Teams Room Integrations: MTRoA + Video pass-through
Microsoft Teams Room Integrations: MTRoA + Video by-pass
Detailed Port Description
Number | Connector | Power | USB | Video | Managmenent | Switching |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3 (4 ports) | USB-C | 5V/9V/12V/15V/20V, 5A |
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| PDNET | |
8 (2 ports) | USB-A | 5V, 0.9A |
| No video | No management | |
9 | USB-C | 5V, 1.5A |
| No video | ||
10 | USB-C | 5V, 1.5A |
| Video output only |
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