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 following three products are included in Ochno Room Kit:

Ochno Power Conference 4

O-PC-4

 

Open

 

Ochno Power Conference Node 4

O-PC-4-NODE

Open

Ochno USB-C Extension Cable

O-EC-10 / O-EC-20

With Ochno Power Conference 4 / Ochno Room Kit 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 of room installation examples.

Room Design with Ochno Room Kit

When designing a room with Ochno Room Kit, 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:

Connecting Guide

Upstream and Downstream

Since USB-C ports are by design by-directional in Ochno Room Kit and 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.

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.

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.

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

O-PC-4 + O-PC-4-NODE BYOD Only

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:

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.

Android-based solutions. HDMI Ingest at wall.

Windows-based UC solutions. HDMI-ingest at wall.

LED Switch Installation

Together with O-PC-4, there are two options for add LED-switches to allow for the user to select active port and to toggle between BYOD and UC-mode.