Back in 2018, we cut a new version of firmware for ACCESS and BRIC-Link II* IP audio codecs that added a reliability feature called HotSwap. HotSwap allows you to designate a wireless modem as the backup network for your STL or other dedicated links. “Broadcast Reliable” is our motto, right?

*At the time, BRIC-Link II was the only model in the BRIC-Link line to have hardware that could support HotSwap; however, BRIC-Link III has since been released and also supports HotSwap. 

Get peace of mind from having a plan in place in case your primary internet goes down without spending an arm and a leg from running simultaneous redundant networks. No one wants an even larger bill from an internet service provider, which is why using HotSwap and designating a “backup” modem should be a no-brainer for mission-critical audio links.

The system will warn you with a contact closure when the primary network has failed and will automatically fallback to the primary once it’s restored. Fall-over to backup happens in a matter of seconds, and fallback is usually seamless to your audio.

Firmware releases that add functionality are included in the purchase of your Comrex product. While these are not as common as a driver update or a bug fix, it’s always good practice to keep your unit’s firmware up-to-date to take advantage of the latest tech. Need help updating product firmware? Well, top-notch tech support is included in the purchase of your Comrex product too.

Notes about HotSwap: 

For ACCESS codecs, any supported network (e.g. Ethernet, Wi-Fi, 4G/5G) can be designated as the primary OR backup network. 

In the case of BRIC-Link codecs – 

  • Drivers support Comrex Connect Modems only
  • These wireless modems must be used in conjunction with the backup function (i.e. Comrex Connect Modems cannot be designated as the primary network)
  • BRIC-Link II/III can also support Ethernet as a backup using a USB-to-Ethernet adapter; Wi-Fi is not supported in BRIC-Link II/III
  • BRIC-Link Classic – an older version without XLR audio I/O – does not support HotSwap; however, it can be connected to a codec with HotSwap dual-network connections on the other end of the link

Interested in implementing HotSwap?