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Comrex Access NX Product Manual

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  • Page 1 Product Manual...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    ACCESS NX MANuAl I. CoMrEX ACCESS NX 4.1-p1 FIrMwArE rElEASE NotES updAtES wIth 4.1-p1 FIrMwArE II. INtroduCtIoN uNpACkINg ANd ChECkINg CoNtENtS About ACCESS NX portAblE About CoMrEX wArrANty ANd dISClAIMEr III. CoNtrolS ANd CoNNECtIoNS FIgurE 1 FroNt pANEl dIAgrAM ANd dESCrIptIoNS...
  • Page 3 CoNtrollINg NX FroM thE touCh SCrEEN StAtuS bArS VIII. MAkINg CoNNECtIoNS wIth NX (rEMotE CoNNECtIoNS SCrEEN) CoNNECtIoNS wIth SwItChboArd MANuAl CoNNECtIoNS wIthout CroSSloCk (lEgACy brIC-NorMAl ModE) MANuAl CoNNECtIoNS wIth CroSSloCk outgoINg CAllS INCoMINg CAllS IX. NEtwork MANAgEr EthErNEt wI-FI 3g/4g potS X.
  • Page 4 XIII. StAtIStICS MENuS CroSSloCk StAtS rEMotE StAtIStICS ChANNEl StAtIStICS XIV. proFIlE MANAgEr MENu dEFAult proFIlE VIEwINg proFIlE dEtAIlS EdItINg ANd AddINg proFIlES XV. SyStEM SEttINgS MENu CoNtACt CloSurE SEttINgS SECurIty SEttINgS SwItChboArd SEttINgS AltErNAtE ModES brIC NorMAl SEttINgS ModEM Ebu 3326/SIp XVI.
  • Page 5 opuS lINEAr pCM FlAC g.722 hE-AAC hE-AACV2 AAC-ld AAC-Eld XIX. SwItChboArd trAVErSAl SErVEr (tS) CoNFIgurINg SwItChboArd loggINg IN ANd SEttINg up SwItChboArd CrEAtINg uSErS CoNtACt lIStS ShArES SwItChboArd thEory ANd CoNCEptS XX. CroSSloCk dEtAIlS CroSSloCk ANd SwItChboArd MAkINg CroSSloCk CoNNECtIoNS VIA SwItChboArd MAkINg CroSSloCk CoNNECtIoNS wIthout SwItChboArd XXI.
  • Page 6 CoNFIgurINg wI-FI AdVANCEd NEtwork SEttINgS IN toolboX XXIII. opErAtINg NX IN A 24/7 ENVIroNMENt SEttINg NX For 24/7 opErAtIoN XXIV. MAkINg Ebu 3326/SIp CoMpAtIblE CoNNECtIoNS MorE About Ebu 3326 Ebu 3326 IN NX Ebu 3326/SIp ModES uNrEgIStErEd ModE rEgIStErEd ModE SIp SErVErS SIp urIS rEgIStErINg wIth A SErVEr...
  • Page 7 tIME-to-lIVE ChANgINg port NuMbErS For MultICASt XXVII. StrEAMINg SErVEr FuNCtIoN dECodINg AN http StrEAM SIMultANEouSly CoNNECtINg NX ANd StrEAMINg XXVIII. potS (plAIN old tElEphoNE SErVICE) CodEC CoNNECtIoNS potS CodEC SEt-up For NX CoMpAtIbIlIty uSINg NX wIth potS rAtE VS. rEtrAIN troublEShootINg potS CoNNECtIoN XXIX.
  • Page 8 XXXIV. AppENdIX C - uSINg ACCESS oN uNIdIrECtIoNAl NEtworkS dECodE SIdE SEttINgS oNly ENCodE SIdE SEttINgS oNly Full-tIME or trIggErEd CoNNECtIoNS XXXV. AppENdIX d - uSINg thE CoMrEX ACCESS dECodEr dowNMIX FuNCtIoN XXXVI. AppENdIX E - SpECIFICAtIoNS CoNNECtIoNS AudIo SpECIFICAtIoNS powEr...
  • Page 9 XXXVII. CoMrEX SwItChboArd trAVErSAl SErVEr uSE XXXVIII. lICENSE ANd wArrANty dISCloSurES For CoMrEX ACCESS NX lICENSES wArrANty...

  • Page 10: Comrex Access Nx 4.1-P1 Firmware Release Notes

    CoMrEX ACCESS NX 4.1-p1 FIrMwArE rElEASE NotES Please note that during operation, the metal side plates of ACCESS NX get very warm. This is because NX contains a high-power quad-core processor, and the NX design incorporates some elaborate heat spreading to vent the CPU heat to the side plates.
  • Page 11 On CrossLock stats view show “No active CrossLock session” when no sessions active .. fix minor • text/graph layout issue Fix bug with missing advanced options in network manager device editor (e.g. preserve after reset, • use with CrossLock, etc.) Virtual keyboard bug (once popped up, it will re-open when navigating to different screens) •...

  • Page 12: Introduction

    We’ve taken our world-class platform, along with the last decade of technical growth, and built a brand new platform for the future – ACCESS NX. Designed from the ground up as a platform for CrossLock, our sophisticated custom reliability layer, ACCESS NX is the next step in innovative portable broadcasting.

  • Page 13: About Comrex

    Each unit we ship has been individually and thoroughly tested. Comrex stands behind its products. We promise that if you call us for technical assistance, you will talk directly with someone who knows about the equipment and will do everything possible to help you.

  • Page 14: Controls And Connections

    CoNtrolS ANd CoNNECtIoNS III. FroNt pANEl dIAgrAM ANd dESCrIptIoNS FIgurE 1 DISPLAY – Touchscreen display. This is where you initialize your broadcast from the NX to the studio unit (typically an ACCESS Rackmount), view and edit settings, and monitor connections. CH1 and CH2 LOCAL OUTPUT control knob - Adjusts the level of local audio to the corresponding 2, 5 headphone jack.
  • Page 15 ANd dESCrIptIoNS FIgurE 2 USB HOST PORTS - These ports are for connections to the included USB Wi-Fi adapter, Comrex 1, 2 Connect Modems, compatible USB 3G/4G devices and the optional POTS modem. To learn how to use two networks simultaneously, go to the CrossLock Details section on page 67 for details.
  • Page 16 IMPORTANT: Make careful note of the direction you are plugging the power into the connector. The arrow on the connector should be facing down when connecting to the NX. The same applies to the Serial cable. The Contact Closure cable will have the flat section facing down. SIdE pANEl dIAgrAM ANd dESCrIptIoNS FIgurE 3 MIC/LINE IN - 3-pin female XLR connectors designed to accept a balanced, microphone or line level...

  • Page 17: Mono Vs. Stereo

    rEAr pANEl dIAgrAM ANd dESCrIptIoNS FIgurE 4 BATTERY COMPARTMENT - This internal battery compartment holds the supplied Lithium-Ion battery. ADJUSTABLE STRAP - Use this padded adjustable strap to carry the unit. MIXER PORT - This connector is for docking to the optional 4 channel NX Mixer. MoNo VS.

  • Page 18: A Simple Nx Remote Broadcast

    A SIMplE NX rEMotE broAdCASt In this example, we will show you how to set up a simple broadcast with an NX in a remote location using a compatible 4G Verizon adapter. As shown below, the reporter has a microphone connected to the MIC/LINE IN XLR connector. Headphones are connected to the Headphone output.
  • Page 19 Let’s assume your codec fleet has an account on the Comrex Switchboard server (explained in the Introduction to Switchboard section), and both ends of your connection are properly registered with it in advance. Navigate to the Remote Connections menu by pressing the home key under the display.

  • Page 20: Introduction To Crosslock

    CrossLock is an enhanced reliability layer that can be added to links made between Comrex codecs. CrossLock is optional but recommended, and is available in all Comrex codecs running firmware 4.0 and higher. In the case of connecting to Comrex codecs with earlier firmware, CrossLock is not used.

  • Page 21: Introduction To Switchboard

    IP addresses on both ends of the link. It also provides presence and status information about all the Comrex codecs in your fleet, and can help make some connections through routers and firewalls that might be difficult otherwise.

  • Page 22: Getting Started With Nx

    gEttINg StArtEd wIth NX VII. powErINg up NX NX can be powered from its internal battery or an external supply. The internal battery has a low-voltage lockout function that prevents power-up if the battery voltage is too low. Whenever the external supply is attached, regardless of the whether NX is turned on or off, the internal battery will be charging.
  • Page 23 When first booted, NX displays the “Remote Connections” screen as shown in the previous figure. Remote Connections is one of the main screens available on NX, and is the default because connections are initiated and terminated from there. Remote Connections can be found easily by pressing the “Home” keypad button from any screen. The other main screens are selected by pressing the Menu icon on the upper left corner of the display.
  • Page 24 Whenever one of the main menus is chosen, options within that menu can be displayed by pressing the Options icon on the upper right side of the display. Pressing either the “Menu” or “Options” Icon again removes the slide-out list. The main screens available for operation, status and configuration are: Network Manager - Configure and check the status of Ethernet and attached network devices like Wi-Fi, 3G/4G, and POTS modems.

  • Page 25: Status Bars

    Along with the top and bottom status bars, these screens are each outlined in detail in the following sections. StAtuS bArS As shown above, every NX screen has the top status bar, describing the currently selected screen, and the bottom status bar, showing the status of networks, CrossLock (if active), battery and audio levels.
  • Page 26 The battery icon shows charging status or current level of the internal battery. Battery is always in charging state (or charged state) when the external supply is attached. If battery is disconnected, this icon will show an “X” over the icon. The level meters show the current audio local input level (top) and the current return audio level (bottom).

  • Page 27: Making Connections With Nx (Remote Connections Screen)

    60 seconds after the of the call. Error correction and multiple networks are supported BRIC Normal connections - Legacy mode to connect with Comrex devices that have older firmware or don’t support CrossLock for other reasons.

  • Page 28: Manual Connections Without Crosslock (Legacy Bric-Normal Mode)

    The icon that appears next to the Switchboard member is color coded to show status: Green - ready to accept call Red - busy Gray - offline If Switchboard determines that a CrossLock connection can be made, it will opt for that. If not, it will attempt a BRIC Normal connection.

  • Page 29: Manual Connections With Crosslock

    IP Address or Phone number - The public IP address of the destination (phone number for POTS calls). If using non-default ports, add the port number after a colon. Profile - Select which profile is used to make the connection. (Profiles determine encoders used and other parameters - see the Profile Manager Menu section on page 41.) If no selection is made for profiles, the call will proceed with the default profile of Opus mono.

  • Page 30: Network Manager

    NEtwork MANAgEr On the left side of the Network Manager screen, NX presents a list of all network adapters (4G, Wi-Fi etc) that have been attached to NX, along with the internal Ethernet port. Note that with the CrossLock feature, it’s possible to have multiple active networks simultaneously. One important element of the Network Manager is the concept of Locations.
  • Page 31 Selecting Configure here will open the configuration pop-up. For Ethernet, it’s recommended to leave the default network as-is (DHCP) for testing and upgrades, and to add static networks as additional Locations. To do this, select the arrow to the left of “Network Locations” to expand the Location list.

  • Page 32: Wi-Fi

    wI-FI When the included Wi-Fi adapter is attached to one of the USB ports, a network entry of “WLAN Adapter” will appear. Selecting it will show the status, current IP address, and network chosen (if any). When you first attach the Wi-Fi adapter, you must enable it before using it or scanning with it. You can enable the Wi-Fi adapter by selecting it in the list and selecting Enable or choose “Enabled”...

  • Page 33: Web Browser

    wEb browSEr This option enables the built-in web browser in NX. The browser has all basic functions of your typical mobile browser, including SSL security and javascript. The browser is designed to be used on networks that require authorization (beyond Wi-Fi security).

  • Page 34: Dashboard

    dAShboArd The dashboard screen is designed to provide common functionality to the user when streaming live audio. The sections are: Contact Closure triggers - in parallel with the physical contact closure connector, allows the sending of four end-to-end closure signals. Remote Contact Closure status - Indicates the current state of the contact closure outputs (sent from the far end).

  • Page 35: Audio Inputs And Outputs

    AudIo INputS ANd outputS XII. AudIo INputS NX has two adjustable mono audio input channels, and one fixed level stereo input. With the addition of the optional mixer, an additional four mono inputs are available. Each adjustable channel has a level indicator built into the input adjustment knob.

  • Page 36: Mono/Stereo

    MoNo/StErEo Rather than a pair of mono inputs (which get mixed into both channels of stereo encoders), pairs of input channels can be configured as L & R stereo. This is possible on the combination of channels 1 & 2, and (with the optional mixer attached) channels 3 &...

  • Page 37: Audio Inputs Settings With Mixer

    AudIo INputS SEttINgS wIth MIXEr AudIo output SEttINgS wIth MIXEr...

  • Page 38: Statistics Menus

    StAtIStICS MENuS XIII. There are three different statistics menus available. The CrossLock Stats , Remote Statistics, and Channel Statistics. When making a CrossLock connection, it is best to refer to the CrossLock stats to analyze performance. The Remote and Channel statistics menus are available during a CrossLock connection because the legacy BRIC Normal protocol is still running while a CrossLock connection is active.

  • Page 39: Remote Statistics

    The bottom meter shows loss and error correction functions. On good networks, nothing should appear here. The information displayed here is color coded: Packet Loss (dark red) - The system has detected a packet has been completely dropped by the network and was never received by the decoder.

  • Page 40: Channel Statistics

    ChANNEl StAtIStICS The Channel Statistics menu provides real-time graphs of outgoing and incoming packets. Each column represents one second of outgoing data, segmented into audio coding data (shown in blue) and overhead, such as IP/UDP headers, RTP headers and similar data (shown in light blue). The first screen shows you the rates in real-time.

  • Page 41: Profile Manager Menu

    proFIlE MANAgEr MENu XIV. Profiles are what define the behavior and type of connection for your codecs in both directions. Profiles are separate from remotes, which define the destination to connect to. When using NX, the point where the connection originates controls all available connection parameters in both directions.

  • Page 42: Default Profile

    dEFAult proFIlE When a new remote connection is created (on the Remote Connections screen), a default profile is assigned unless a different profile is selected from the menu on the Remote Settings option on the Remote Connections menu. The default profile shows a D next to it in the list. OPUS Mono is the default profile when shipped from the factory. You can change the default profile by selecting it in the list and pressing the Set Default button.
  • Page 43 Under the expanded profile, you will also see two additional folders named Local and Remote. You’ll use the Local Settings to determine how your NX behaves, and the Remote Settings will determine how the ACCESS on the far end behaves. The Local Settings and Remote Settings available are identical, so we will only cover the Local Settings.

  • Page 44: Editing And Adding Profiles

    Custom profiles are easy to create on NX. Simply select Add New Profile or highlight a profile already in the list and select Copy Profile. TIP: You cannot edit factory profiles. Comrex recommends when creating a new profile, that you copy a factory profile that is close to what you would like the settings to be and edit that copied profile.

  • Page 45: System Settings Menu

    SyStEM SEttINgS MENu System Settings define parameters that are not specific to a particular remote connection. Examples are how incoming (POTS and IP) calls are handled, global modem settings, and how the contact closures are assigned. Basic options are shown by default. Less used options are hidden until the Advanced option is selected. The System Settings Menu has the following categories: Connections, Contact Closures, Security, Switchboard Server and Alternate Modes.
  • Page 46 In the Web-based Interface • In Comrex provided utility software such as Device Manager and Codec Commander • In Switchboard Contact Lists (See the Switchboard Details section on page 58) •...

  • Page 47: Contact Closure Settings

    Always Connect To - This setting is available to designate a remote for “always-on” operation. This is useful in environments where a signal is required to be on 24 hours a day. To assign an “always-on” remote, pull down the menu and select which remote to designate as “always-on”.

  • Page 48: Security Settings

    Remote Control Password - Allows you to define a password for the webpage login screen and firmware updater. The default password is comrex (lower case). You can disable the remote control and firmware updating functionality completely by disabling the Remote Control option.

  • Page 49: Switchboard Settings

    SwItChboArd SEttINgS Switchboard Enabled – Allows the use of the Switchboard Server to connect to remotes. Show Offline Units – When enabled, offline remotes will be shown in the Remotes list.

  • Page 50: Alternate Modes

    AltErNAtE ModES brIC NorMAl SEttINgS Accept Incoming Connections - This determines if this NX is to be used for incoming normal IP connections. If this function is not enabled, NX will only support outgoing calls using BRIC Normal Mode. ModEM Accept incoming connections - POTS calls must be answered automatically on NX.

  • Page 51: Crosslock Menu

    CroSSloCk MENu XVI. These settings determine how the CrossLock reliability layer behaves. Most users should leave these settings as default Enable - Allow CrossLock connections in general. Default is yes. Note this does not guarantee connections will be made with CrossLock. Other requirements (CrossLock capable codec on far end, compatible firmware etc) must be met for CrossLock to function.

  • Page 52: Pinouts

    pINoutS XVII. pINoutS - AudIo XLR Pinout Pin 1 Ground Pin 2 Audio + Pin 3 Audio – Line In Pinout Left Channel Out Ring Right Channel Out Sleeve Ground Line Out Pinout Left Channel Out Ring Right Channel Out Sleeve Ground pINoutS - SErIAl port...

  • Page 53: Pinouts - Contact Closures

    Pin 5 Input #1 Pin 6 Input #2 Pin 7 Input #3 Pin 8 Input #4 Pin 9 Ground Note: Adapter cables for the serial and contact closure ports are available for purchase from Comrex - contact us for more information.

  • Page 54: About The Algorithms

    About thE AlgorIthMS XVIII. NX offers a very wide range of encoding algorithms. To some this may seem daunting. Here’s a short guide on how to choose what’s best for your application: Do I have lots and lots of bandwidth? If you’re running on an entirely unconstrained network like a campus LAN or local Wi-Fi, Mono or Stereo Linear PCM Mode will offer the highest audio quality with lowest delay.

  • Page 55: Aac

    g.722 This is a well known 7KHz (medium fidelity) algorithm used in some VOIP telephones and codecs. It is provided for compatibility purposes, but is not considered a superior algorithm for audio codecs. This algorithm is a highly regarded standard for compressing audio to critical listening standards. It has been judged to produce “near transparent”...
  • Page 56 Algorithm Comparison Chart for ACCESS NX Required Coding Audio AAC: Provides near transparent audio at relatively high data rates. Best used on non-constrained Bitrate Delay Bandwidth data networks - for situation where latency is not important. 64 kb/s 69 ms...
  • Page 57 41 ms 20 kHz N7.2 CBR Stereo 96kbps 128Kb/s 41 ms 20 kHz N7.3 CBR Stereo 128kbps VoIP: G.722 coding algorithm for compatibility with SIP-style VoIP phones. 64 kb/s 35 ms 7 kHz X3 G.722 For more information, visit www.comrex.com...

  • Page 58: Switchboard Traversal Server (Ts)

    SwItChboArd trAVErSAl SErVEr (tS) XIX. The Switchboard Traversal Server is a service built and maintained by Comrex on the public Internet that provides users a directory of other users; facilitating connections to devices that would normally have trouble accepting incoming IP connections.

  • Page 59: Creating Users

    address is available via the touchscreen under System Settings->Connections->Unit Name, or you can find it by scanning for the unit via Device Manager. The MAC address of the NX must be input in a format with colons between each pair of characters.

  • Page 60: Contact Lists

    CoNtACt lIStS In some situations, it might not be desirable for every codec in your fleet to see the Switchboard status of every other codec. To help filter what’s displayed on a codec’s interface, Switchboard has implemented the concept of Contact Lists. Contact Lists contain a subset of your codec fleet on your account. You can create multiple Contact Lists that consist of different subsets.

  • Page 61: Shares

    ShArES If you’d like to allow users outside your account to see the status of some devices in your fleet, Switchboard has implemented Shares. Shares are subsets of your codec fleet that you define. Once defined, you can invite other Switchboard accounts to add your Shares, and your codecs become visible to them.

  • Page 62: Switchboard Theory And Concepts

    SwItChboArd thEory ANd CoNCEptS Switchboard is useful because it’s not always simple to connect two devices over the internet which are essentially “peers”. There are two major reasons for this. First of all, to initiate a stream to a device over the internet requires that you know its IP address. This is the number that gets applied to the destination field of the IP packet, so internet routers can determine how best to send it along its way.
  • Page 63 Before deployment of Switchboard, the answer to this dilemma was to assure that the codec located in the studio has a fixed, public IP address. By fixed, we mean that the address is allocated exclusively by the ISP, and that address is entered manually into the configuration of the codec and not subject to change.
  • Page 64 Once the codec has updated its status with the server, it’s time to download the directory. This process happens instantly. The update includes current addresses and status info for all codecs within the group. This information forms a sort of “Buddy List” that gets integrated into the codec’s connection address book. The list may still consist of entries made manually by IP address into the codec, but those are signified by a different icon.
  • Page 65 In a typical codec application, Codec X will send a packet from Address A Port B, to Address C Port D on the Destination Codec Y. A codec that has multiple applications running (like streaming audio while simultaneously serving a configuration web page) would deliver these applications from, and to, different port numbers, but perhaps to the same IP address.
  • Page 66 A good way to think of this is that an outgoing packet “punches a hole” in the router, through which authorized reply packets may be returned to the codec for a limited time. Switchboard aids in breaking through these different types of routers for incoming calls. Because it is in constant contact with all subscribed codecs, it can send and receive test patterns to determine whether one or more NAT routers exist on a link and what type they are.

  • Page 67: Crosslock Details

    As briefly described in the Introduction to CrossLock section, CrossLock describes a new reliability layer that gets established between Comrex devices in advance of a connection. This layer takes the form of a Virtual Private network (VPN) between the devices. The ACCESS Media stream is carried within this VPN.

  • Page 68: Crosslock And Switchboard

    It is recommended that CrossLock connections be made in conjunction with the Switchboard Traversal Server. ACCESS users can get a Switchboard account for their codecs by contacting Comrex. For configuration and operation of Switchboard for ACCESS, review the previous section titled Switchboard Traversal Server (TS).

  • Page 69: Making Crosslock Connections Via Switchboard

    MAkINg CroSSloCk CoNNECtIoNS VIA SwItChboArd There is no difference in making Switchboard connections via CrossLock and non-CrossLock methods. If a connection is attempted via Switchboard, and the following is true: The ACCESS on the far end is running firmware 4.0 or higher The CrossLock port is (UDP 9001) open to the far end Each ACCESS is aware of the other’s Unit ID (Mac address).

  • Page 70: Making Crosslock Connections Without Switchboard

    MAkINg CroSSloCk CoNNECtIoNS wIthout SwItChboArd In the case of non-Switchboard based connections (e.g. closed networks or STLs), you will need to know the unit ID (Primary Ethernet MAC address) of the unit to which you wish to connect. This is input to the “Create New Remote” pop-up in the “MAC Address”...

  • Page 71: Device Manager

    IP network as your computer. The list will include the unit MAC address, device type and the unit name. Alternatively, if you know the public IP address of a Comrex device and TCP port 80 has been forwarded to that device, you can manually add the device and perform certain functions such as updating firmware from outside your network.
  • Page 72 If there is a more recent version, it will appear in blue. Comrex HIGHLY encourages keeping your units up to date and checking for updated firmware on a regular basis. To update your device, select Get Latest Version to download the update file. Next, click Update Device. You will be requested to select the file to use.
  • Page 73 Toolbox interface allows you to configure several options including the Ethernet port. You will need to log in to Toolbox separately with a user name (any) and password (default = comrex) to enter the Toolbox. To learn more about Toolbox,...

  • Page 74: Toolbox

    toolboX XXII. Toolbox is a network manager that allows for easy network configuration. Typically you will be using your NX touchscreen to perform these operations as described in the section Network Manager on page 30, but in some cases, it can be much easier to use Toolbox.

  • Page 75: Locations

    loCAtIoNS Locations are entries that are saved in your unit so that you can store network information for various environments and not need to enter it in every time. E.g., if you are moving NX between venues, and want to store the static IP information for each venue, you will define a new “Location”...
  • Page 76 Once created, you can assign that network to the adapter by selecting Active Network Location and selecting the network from the drop-down list. If the Wi-Fi adapter’s location is set to Automatic, it will check all location settings when the Wi-Fi adapter is installed and enabled, and choose the first location “match”...

  • Page 77: Advanced Network Settings In Toolbox

    AdVANCEd NEtwork SEttINgS IN toolboX By choosing “Show Advanced” under any network, the following options appear: Preserve after Reset - Normally, when NX is set back to factory defaults (via Device Manager), all the network settings (including the main Ethernet) are erased. By setting this option to “yes”, the settings for this network will be preserved after factory reset.

  • Page 78: Operating Nx In A 24/7 Environment

    opErAtINg NX IN A 24/7 ENVIroNMENt XXIII. In BRIC Normal mode, the default mode of operation, NX transfers all its audio data via the UDP protocol. This is in contrast to most web-based connections, such as web browsing and e-mail. These use TCP protocol. UDP, unlike TCP, is not “connection oriented”;...

  • Page 79: Setting Nx For 24/7 Operation

    SEttINg NX For 24/7 opErAtIoN On the NX, go to Connections under the System Settings menu. Select the Always Connect To Remote entry and all available connections will appear on the right. Setting this value to one of your pre-defined connections results in configuring the unit for 24/7 operation to that remote. No configuration is necessary on the remote side.

  • Page 80: Making Ebu 3326/Sip Compatible Connections

    XXIV. Comrex codecs (and many other brands) have a set of protocols that allow easy IP connections between units. In general, when connecting between Comrex hardware, it’s best to use these proprietary modes to take the most advantage of the features of the product.

  • Page 81: Unregistered Mode

    URIs consist of a SIP user name, followed by a domain, delineated with the @ symbol, like an email address. Our Iptel user’s URI would be comrex_user@iptel.org. Comrex devices do not use the designation “sip:” before a SIP address.
  • Page 82 Once this information is correctly entered, a new status line appears on the NX Remote Connections menu. The status will reflect the progress of the registration process. When complete, this will display Online. If the box does not display Online after a short time, it usually means that registration attempt failed. It’s best to go back and carefully check the registration info.

  • Page 83: Making Sip Registered Calls

    5004 for this function. Due to the negotiation, it is not important that these numbers match on each end. Changing this port to 5004 can actually have an adverse effect, since 5004 is the default port for other services on Comrex codecs. Public IP Override - See the next section, SIP Troubleshooting for more information Use STUN Server - See the next section, SIP Troubleshooting for more information SIP Proxy Keepalive - Only applies to Registered mode.

  • Page 84: Sip Troubleshooting

    Incoming calls to codecs behind routers are complicated by the fact that ports on the router must be forwarded to the codec. In the case of SIP, this must be three discrete ports (For Comrex codecs these are UDP 5060, 5014 and 5015)<6014 and 6015 with 3.0 firmware>.

  • Page 85: Stunning Success

    Comrex codecs in the Advanced EBU 3326/SIP options and essentially allows for the codec to learn what its public IP address is. It does this by contacting a STUN server out on the Internet (the default one is maintained by Comrex) and simply asking.

  • Page 86: Multi-Streaming

    MultI-StrEAMINg XXV. Note: This section deals with advanced topics relating to ACCESS capabilities. ACCESS supports the ability to run one encoder per unit, but this single encoder stream may be sent to up to nine destinations simultaneously. We call this capability “multi-streaming”, since the encoder creates a separate but identical outgoing stream to each decoder.
  • Page 87 To turn the encoder off, expand the profile you will be using in the Profile Manager menu. Under each folder, both Local and Remote, there is a Transmit On/Off option. By selecting this, you can then turn the transmit to Off. We’ll give two examples of multi-streaming scenarios.

  • Page 88: Ip Multicast

    Ip MultICASt XXVI. NOTE: This section deals with advanced topics relating to ACCESS capabilities. IP Multicast is an efficient way of delivering ACCESS digital audio streams to multiple locations. This involves relying on the network to distribute the stream to the locations that require it, rather than creating an independent stream for each user.

  • Page 89: Setting Up A Multicast Remote

    The important settings for Multicast are: Sender/Receiver – Determines whether this particular ACCESS is designed to generate the IP • Multicast stream (send) or decode one (receive). Encoder Type – Determines the type of stream to be used by the Multicast Encoder (not relevant •...

  • Page 90: Streaming Server Function

    StrEAMINg SErVEr FuNCtIoN XXVII. ACCESS has the ability to act as a streaming server, delivering AAC and HE-AAC to compatible PC based media players. Currently tested media players include WinAmp, VLC, iTunes, Windows Media 12 and Windows Media Player with Orban/CT HE-AAC plug-in.

  • Page 91: Pots (Plain Old Telephone Service) Codec Connections

    NX is capable of connections over analog telephone lines with a modem (sold separately). This mode emulates the function of Comrex POTS codecs, which have been used for years to deliver high quality audio over normal, analog dial- up telephone lines. This mode provides for a point-to-point connection between the codecs. No internet access is used, and the call is placed directly from one NX (or legacy codec) to the other.

  • Page 92: Rate Vs. Retrain

    rAtE VS. rEtrAIN When incoming or outgoing POTS calls are active, the Remote Connections menu changes slightly. You will see two additional buttons appear; POTS Retrain and POTS Rate Drop. These are special functions applicable only to POTS calls, so they are not visible during IP connections. These controls are similar in function to those provided on POTS codecs.

  • Page 93: Troubleshooting Pots Connection

    troublEShootINg potS CoNNECtIoN There are dozens of factors that can affect the success or failure of a POTS codec call, some within the user’s control and some not. Here’s a short list of rules to follow for POTS codec connections: Use the POTS codec on a direct telephone company line and avoid in-house phone systems.

  • Page 94: Gateway Operation

    gAtEwAy opErAtIoN XXIX. About gAtEwAy opErAtIoN NX includes a special operational mode that allows it to share a network connection with other devices. This can be valuable when a single wireless device is available, but email and internet access are required in addition to codec use.

  • Page 95: Gateway Setup

    gAtEwAy SEtup Gateway Mode involves having two networks active and enabled on NX; the internet side (usually a USB-based network) which is used to connect to the world at large, and the shared side (usually Ethernet), which is used to connect with other computers.

  • Page 96: Advanced Settings

    AdVANCEd SEttINgS XXX. The following settings are considered advanced. Most users will never need to edit these. In many of the menus, you can access advanced settings by selecting the Options icon in the top right and pressing the Advanced box. If the advanced items are turned off, the box will show a red line. If they are turned on, you will see a green line.
  • Page 97 To enable an automatic backup, both the primary and secondary remote connections must first be defined and assigned profiles. Next, select the primary remote and select Backup Remote. Choose from the list the remote to be used for the backup. “Auto FAll-ForwArd”...

  • Page 98: Profile Settings

    Channel - Here you can select whether this will be used as an IP connection (BRIC Normal), HTTP, Multicast, Modem (POTS connection) Standard RTP, TCP or an EBU 3326/SIP connection. If you are connecting over an IP connection to other Comrex products, we recommend you use the BRIC Normal selection.

  • Page 99: Local & Remote Settings

    The EBU 3326/SIP channel mode allows connections to be made in accordance with the requirements of EBU technical specification Tech3326. In this mode, NX can make outgoing connections that are compatible with other manufacturer’s codecs. When using the EBU 3326/SIP channel mode to connect to other codecs, you must also choose an encoder that is included in the Tech3326 spec.

  • Page 100: Advanced Profile Settings

    Encoder - Using this menu, you can select the encoder used to send audio from this NX (local) as well as the encoder used to send audio to this NX (remote). The default value of the remote encoder is to follow the local encoder;...
  • Page 101 None, these are mainly used for sending two different mono streams to two different destinations at the same time. For more information on these choices, see “APPENDIX D - USING THE COMREX ACCESS DECODER DOWNMIX FUNCTION” on page 121.
  • Page 102 Log Statistics - This function is used in factory diagnostics and should be left disabled unless instructed to be changed by Comrex support. Congestion Avoidance - Enabling this option allows the encoder to dynamically change the number of frames per packet sent, thereby reducing total data requirements.

  • Page 103: Advanced System Settings

    UDP Reliability – UDP, the Internet protocol used by BRIC Normal connections, does not have any inherent error correction capability. UDP reliability adds an intelligent algorithm that requests packet resends only when appropriate. UDP reliability can be useful on some wireless connections that have unsatisfactory performance due to packet loss.

  • Page 104: Connections

    Disable Congestion Avoidance – Turns “Avoidance Congestion” feature off. SECurIty Remote Diagnostics - Enables Comrex support to connect to this unit using the SSH protocol for troubleshooting purposes. We recommend leaving this option enabled. Since SSH access requires a key value that is not disclosed by Comrex, generic SSH requests are rejected.

  • Page 105: Switchboard Server

    The web server port is also used by the Device Manager, Codec Commander and Remote Control software provided by Comrex, so if you change this value you’ll want to make a note of it for the next time you update the unit’s firmware.

  • Page 106: Bric Normal Settings

    To change the destination port of an outgoing call, you must add the port number to the IP address in the correct format. For example, to initiate a connection to the Comrex test line at port number 5004, enter the following into the IP address field: 70.22.155.131:5004...

  • Page 107: Ebu 3326/Sip Settings

    Ebu 3326/SIp SEttINgS Accept incoming connections - EBU 3326/SIP calls must be answered automatically on NX. If this option is disabled, no EBU 3326/SIP calls will be answered and only outgoing EBU 3326/SIP connections can be made. Incoming Connection Profile - In some unusual circumstances, it’s necessary to define the profile used on incoming SIP/3326 connections to be something different than what is being received.
  • Page 108 SIP proxy Keepalive - Sets “keepalive” interval time for SIP connections. SIP Proxy Address – Allows choosing proxy/registrar server to use for SIP calls. SIP Domain – Used to authenticate SIP calls. If not set, the SIP proxy name will be used. SIP Username –...

  • Page 109: Http Settings

    http SEttINgS Accept incoming connections - Enables/disables the HTTP streaming function. IP Port – Sets incoming network port. Encoder - Sets the encoder used for streaming. Must be compatible with the media player. Genre - Sets “genre” for HTTP streaming. Default is “Live”. Info URL –...

  • Page 110: Modem Settings

    ModEM SEttINgS Ring Count – If auto-answer is enabled for incoming calls, sets the number of rings before line is answered. Max Modem Rate - Maximum allowed baud rate for connections. Default is 2400. Min Modem Rate – Sets the minimum allowed baud rate. Default is 9600. Extra Modem Init - Allows entry of a modem initialization string.

  • Page 111: Standard Rtp Settings

    Xstream ISDN codec in IP mode. Standard RTP modes other than Luci are “experimental” and are not subject to support by Comrex support staff. Return Channel Enabled - Enables a return channel to be sent back to the other unit.

  • Page 112: Tcp Settings

    Return Channel Frames per Packet – Sets the number of audio frames that are included within each packet. NOTE: Delay will increase if a value over “1” is entered. Incoming Timeout – Set the time that incoming call connections will timeout. tCp SEttINgS Accept incoming connections - Enables/disables the ability for TCP connections to be accepted by the A.

  • Page 113: Crosslock Settings

    Recommended for closed networks without security concerns. Authentication - ACCESS NX uses security certificates assigned to the codec hardware to authenticate it as a Comrex product. This option determines whether connections will be made to codecs without these certificates.
  • Page 114 (which is dependent greatly on the packet rate). The default of 100mS should only be altered on recommendation of Comrex support. Retransmit - In addition to FEC, CrossLock utilizes an ARQ style algorithm to allow retransmission of lost packets when time permits.
  • Page 115 This is useful when retransmission is not effective (e.g., high delay network) and auto-FEC is not working as desired. It should be used on recommendation of Comrex support. Stun Server - CrossLock uses its own Cloud Server (STUN) to determine the NAT status of each codec before connection.

  • Page 116: Advanced 3G/4G Network Settings

    AdVANCEd 3g/4g NEtwork SEttINgS XXXI. 3G/4G modems vary in their interface. Comrex is constantly updating drivers to work with the most popular devices. Please contact us for information about specific devices. We also keep an updated status page in the ACCESS NX Support section on our website.

  • Page 117: Appendix A - Ip Compatibility

    AppENdIX A - Ip CoMpAtIbIlIty XXXII. The NX is capable of encoding and decoding a choice of three different types of non-ACCESS streams: Standard RTP, Luci Live and Zephyr Xstream. The choice is exclusive, i.e., you must set the NX specifically for the type of stream you wish to be compatible with.
  • Page 118 ACCESS Rack - On the System Settings Tab, open the Standard RTP Settings option • and choose RTP Compatibility Mode. On the pull-down box, select Zephyr Xstream. ACCESS NX - Choose System Settings on the display. Enable Advanced options and • under Alternate Modes select Standard RTP Settings. Select RTP Compatibility Mode and choose Zephyr Xstream.

  • Page 119: Appendix B - Information For It Managers

    The purpose of this appendix is to describe all open ports and services available on the Comrex NX. The Comrex NX is a device designed to move real-time, wideband audio over IP networks. The main network interface is 1000BaseT-Ethernet. The device contains an optimized version of Linux kernel. The IP parameters are set by a computer on the local LAN using a proprietary broadcast UDP protocol.

  • Page 120: Appendix C - Using Access On Unidirectional Networks

    Luci Live PC-based encoder. This must be changed on both codecs. On the ACCESS Rack, enter the Web-based Interface and choose the System Settings tab. On the ACCESS NX, navigate to System Settings. Turn advanced options on for both units.

  • Page 121: Appendix D - Using The Comrex Access Decoder Downmix Function

    AppENdIX d - uSINg thE CoMrEX ACCESS dECodEr dowNMIX FuNCtIoN XXXV. NX has a feature that allows a stereo connection profile to instruct the ACCESS decoder to decode only one side of a stereo channel. This is useful in a scenario where two mono connections need to be sent to two different destinations simultaneously.
  • Page 122 This scenario is a bit more complex, but is aided greatly by use of the Vortex Hotswitch application. This is described in more detail in a separate technote, Round-Robin Remotes with Comrex ACCESS.

  • Page 123: Appendix E - Specifications

    AppENdIX E - SpECIFICAtIoNS XXXVI. CoNNECtIoNS Power: 4-pin mini-DIN female, pins 1+3 +24V, pins 2+4 ground • XLR In: 3-pin female, pin 1 ground, pin 2 +, pin 3 – • Stereo Line In: 3.5mm female, tip=left, ring=right, sleeve=gnd • Line Out: 3.5mm female, tip=left, ring=right, sleeve=gnd •...
  • Page 124 If you wish to deploy your own Traversal Server, contact Comrex for details on obtaining this software. Comrex is not liable for training or support in setting up a TS server, and the software is available without warrantee or...
  • Page 125 Gnu Public License (GPL). For more information on GPL see http://www.gnu.org. As per the GPL, source code for this software is available on request from Comrex on CD-ROM or other electronic format. To obtain this software please contact our support department at +1 978 784 1776. We retain the right to charge a small handling fee for distribution of this software.
  • Page 126 During the warranty period, we will repair or, at our option, replace at no charge a product that proves to be defec- tive, provided you obtain a return authorization from Comrex and return the product, shipping prepaid to Comrex Corporation, 19 Pine Rd, Devens MA 01434 USA. For return authorization, contact Comrex at 800-237-1776 or 978- 784-1776 or email techies@comrex.com.
  • Page 127 STRICTLY PROHIBITED AND MAY RESULT IN CIVIL AND CRIMINAL SANCTIONS, AND WILL BE PROSECUTED TO THE FULL EXTENT OF THE LAW. COMREX CORPORATION AND ITS SUPPLIERS OWNS AND SHALL RETAIN ALL RIGHT, TITLE AND INTEREST IN AND TO ANY SOFTWARE SUPPLIED TO YOU IN AND AS PART OF THE PRODUCT AND ALL INTELLEC- TUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS RELATED THERETO.

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