Control an external device from a macro using TCP or SSH

[MI-MAB]

Hi Folks,

we have integrated Webex systems with 3rd party control systems (Extron, Crestron) using the UI Extensions, this works fine.

We have a case where no 3rd party control system shall be installed. From a macro in the Webex a 3rd party video matrix shall be controlled. The matrix can be controlled using TCP (basically Telnet) or SSH.

Is there a way to do this?

Thanks in advance

MI-MAB

[sandiban · Accepted solution]

Hi @MI-MAB,
Thanks for your patience so far!

Controlling a 3rd party video matrix via TCP or SSH directly from a Webex device macro is not natively supported. Webex device macros (Room OS) primarily use HTTP requests to communicate with external services.
The standard approach for this scenario is to use a dedicated, intermediary control system (like Extron or Crestron) that the Webex device can trigger, or to set up a custom application/server to relay commands.

Since Webex macros support HTTP requests, you can create a small, local application (e.g., in Python, Node.js) that acts as a bridge. 

1. Macro (JavaScript) sends HTTP request to Intermediary App: The macro on the Webex device will send an HTTP request (e.g., an HttpClient.Post xAPI command) to a specified IP address and port of your intermediary application.
2. Intermediary App relays command: The intermediary application receives the HTTP request and, in turn, sends the necessary TCP or SSH command to the video matrix.
3. Video Matrix executes command: The matrix switches the video input/output as instructed. 

Hope this helps!
Please let us know for any further queries going ahead.

Regards!
Sandip

[sandiban · Accepted solution]

Hi @MI-MAB,
Thanks for your patience so far!

Controlling a 3rd party video matrix via TCP or SSH directly from a Webex device macro is not natively supported. Webex device macros (Room OS) primarily use HTTP requests to communicate with external services.
The standard approach for this scenario is to use a dedicated, intermediary control system (like Extron or Crestron) that the Webex device can trigger, or to set up a custom application/server to relay commands.

Since Webex macros support HTTP requests, you can create a small, local application (e.g., in Python, Node.js) that acts as a bridge. 

1. Macro (JavaScript) sends HTTP request to Intermediary App: The macro on the Webex device will send an HTTP request (e.g., an HttpClient.Post xAPI command) to a specified IP address and port of your intermediary application.
2. Intermediary App relays command: The intermediary application receives the HTTP request and, in turn, sends the necessary TCP or SSH command to the video matrix.
3. Video Matrix executes command: The matrix switches the video input/output as instructed. 

Hope this helps!
Please let us know for any further queries going ahead.

Regards!
Sandip

[MI-MAB · Accepted solution]

Thanks Sandip,

we will add an external controller (Crestron, Extron, AMX) and use the UI Extensions.

Thanks again for informing, we really appreciate the support in this community!

Best regards

MI-MAB