X-series Cabling Guide

Prepared by:
NComputing

© by NComputing Inc. – 2007-9

Overview:

The LAN-type cables between an X550 PCI card and XD2 (X550 access terminals) convey a proprietary
NComputing protocol from the host PC to the X550 XD2 access device. This protocol carries the power
for the access device, the video signals (Red, Blue, Green and H/V sync), and digital data for the
keyboard, mouse, and audio..

The X550 can support access devices at distances of up to 10 meters. Standard Category 5 or 5e UTP
cable (CAT 5/ CAT5e) handles lengths of up to 5 meters, and standard Category 6 STP (CAT 6 shielded
twisted pair) stretches the distance up to 10 meters. These cables must be standard direct (not crossover)
cables. Although CAT 5&6 cables are typically used for Ethernet connections, the protocol of the X550 is
not Ethernet.

WARNING: You must NOT attach any Ethernet networking equipment, such as a hub, switch, or router,
between the access device and the PCI card. The signals being sent from the X300/X550 PCI card to the
XD2 device are NOT Ethernet.

The pictures below clarify the definition of an STP cable; against the less expensive UTP or FTP cables
which are not advised for lengths over 5 meters.

UTP (unshielded twisted pair)

FTP (foiled twisted pair) has outer metal

shielding covering the entire group of shielded
copper pairs

STP (shielded twisted pair) cabling includes

metal shielding over each individual pair of
copper wires. This type of shielding protects
cable from external EMI (electromagnetic
interferences)

The STP cables help protect the signals to the terminal from external noise. In some cases, external noise
can impact the X550 signals and therefore may limit the use of UTP cables to less than 5 meters. Those
circumstances can require the shielded and higher conductive cables as listed above.

Another good way to minimize external noise is to follow the general principles of proper cable
deployment which include:
• Neatly deployed cables with the minimum practical length needed for deployment
• Avoid running cables near power lines or other electrical noise sources
• Avoid excessive coiling or bundling of the cables
• Keep the these cables slightly separated (where possible avoid gang bundling)
• Properly mark all cables with proper identification between the terminal (or workstation) and the
X550 card.

© by NComputing Inc. – 2007-9

Marking and Identifying the Stations

Each access terminal is identified in the Ncomputing software console as a “Station”. There is a fixed
relationship between ports on the PCI card and the access terminals. Our software considers the host PC
as station #1 and begins assigning the access terminals with station #2. The X300 and X550 employ
different physical station assignments as illustrated in the images below.

#3 #5

X550
Station Station Station
#2 #4 #6

Station Station Station

X300 #4 #3 #2

If a second card is added to the host PC, the additional stations are assigned sequentially, i.e., a second
X550 card would assign stations #7 through #11 (in the same order as the first card).

Disclaimer: Information contained in this document may have been obtained from internal testing or from a third party. This
information is for informational purposes only. Information may be changed or updated without notice. NComputing reserves the right
to make improvements and / or changes in the products, programs and/or specifications described herein anytime without notice.
We acknowledge all trademarks. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All trademarks are the
property of their respective owners.

© 2009, by NComputing Inc, All rights reserved. NComputing is a registered Trademark of NComputing Inc. Please visit
www.ncomputing.com for additional information.

© by NComputing Inc. – 2007-9