The NK-SCP/A control interface enables an RS-232 device, such as an automation system, computer terminal, video production switcher or other such device to control NK Series routers using the ASCII protocol. Any combination of NK Series routers can be controlled with a maximum size of 255 inputs and 255 outputs with up to 8 levels. The bi-directional protocol includes crosspoint status monitoring and crosspoint switching. Crosspoint switching can be performed using individual levels or through user-defined breakaway mapping.