The NX-4200 / NetLinx® NX Integrated Controller is a powerful and programmable network appliance specifically designed to manage AV and building technology across a variety of analog and digital formats. Its scalable platform, which combines high performance, backward compatibility, and extensive network security features, makes it a future-proof solution for complex and demanding environments. The NX-4200 is particularly suited to sophisticated installations, providing the highest level of control, security, and automation in the industry.

One of the standout features of the NX-4200 is its front panel display, which includes an LCD screen. This display allows users to easily view critical information such as network settings, IP addresses, and ICSLan Port status, among other parameters. This visibility into system status makes it easier to manage and troubleshoot, reducing downtime and ensuring smooth operation.

The NX-4200 is designed with redundant power capabilities, allowing it to be powered either through a standard mains AC power connection (110/220VAC) or via an external 12V DC power supply. This redundancy ensures that if the AC power is interrupted or if the internal power supply fails, the controller can seamlessly switch to the 12V DC power input without any interruption to its functions. However, it’s important to note that PoE (Power over Ethernet) devices connected via the ICSLan ports may experience a brief power loss during the switch.

Security is a critical consideration in today’s networked environments, and the NX-4200 addresses this with its Dual NIC configuration, which includes a 4-port Ethernet switch with PoE capability. This feature enables two discrete network interfaces, enhancing security by isolating AMX or third-party AV equipment from the primary network. The LAN port connects the master controller to an external network, while the ICSLan ports provide a secure and isolated connection to other devices.

In terms of network protocol support, the NX-4200 is equipped to handle Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6), which is essential for modern networks that require advanced identification and routing capabilities. Additionally, it supports IEEE 802.1X, a standard for port-based network access control that grants or denies network access based on device credentials, rather than user credentials. This feature is crucial for environments with stringent security requirements, such as enterprise, education, and government installations.

The NX-4200 also supports X.509 certificate services, allowing for the use of customer-provided certificates to access protected networks. Full LDAP integration further enhances security by enabling multiple user-defined login groups for accessing the master controller. AMX programmers can also configure the system to require network login credentials for accessing specific areas of the touch panel, providing an additional layer of security.

Performance-wise, the NX-4200 offers a high-performance architecture and a flexible programming platform that supports RPM, NetLinx, and Java. This flexibility makes it easy to scale the system to support a wide range of current and future applications. Its compatibility with both backward and cross-platform configurations ensures that standardized port numbers and new configuration tools reduce the need for extensive coding changes.

The NX-4200 also provides comprehensive support for secure communications, including TLS and SSH clients, which allow NetLinx programmers to manage secure port communications with remote devices or servers. In compliance with FIPS 140-2, the controller offers cryptographic support, a critical feature for protecting sensitive data.

To assist in managing system events, the NX-4200 generates an audit record of events using the syslog protocol, a standard for message logging. Enhanced diagnostics on Serial and IR ports provide real-time error feedback when ports are disconnected or improperly wired, ensuring quick identification and resolution of issues.

Finally, the NX-4200 offers the convenience of file import/export from a USB drive, allowing users to back up and restore configuration data, program files, and update firmware easily, contributing to its low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) by simplifying support, maintenance, and configuration tasks while reducing hardware and cabling costs.