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What Distributed
Processing Means for Large Productions
The Facts:
FireLinx's Patented distributed processing system actually makes it easier and simplifies firing very large collections of shells. Each firing module is loaded with the 32 cues it will fire prior to the show ever starting. The FireLinx system grows seamlessly to up to hundreds of modules. It is true that with many hundreds of modules the download process will take more time, but this step is either performed at the factory ahead of time and stored in the module's memory or is downloaded in the afternoon before the show ever starts, so the time is not really an issue. What is an issue is that with a Master-Slave firing system, if hundreds or even thousands of matches are attempted in a very short period, the communications bottleneck of getting all of the firing commands from the Master to the Slaves can cause a "ripple" effect.
All FireLinx firing modules are also Repeaters, which means that they can forward the communications packets from the Command Module to any other module, regardless of range, distance, or the module being in a location where it is shadowed from RF reception by structures or geography. So even crossing a mile of curving bridge can be done reliably and wirelessly.
Distributed processing means you have hundreds of computers working all the time instead of just one trying to fire the entire show. This allows us to fire any cue on any module at any time with zero latency or delay. Distributed processing also means that each processor has a lighter load, less programming, and greater reliability. This is why it's been used and proven in supercomputing systems for decades.
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