Introduction to BRIC-Link
The Comrex BRIC-Link offers a cost-effective, high-performance solution for audio-to-IP conversion. It leverages core technical aspects from Comrex's successful BRIC-Link product line, providing an elegant method for transmitting linear or compressed audio with minimal delay. The BRIC-Link is designed for ease of use and can operate over various IP links without the need for expensive, full-featured codecs. Despite its entry-level cost, it maintains superior audio specifications and hardware reliability, making it suitable for mission-critical functions like Studio-to-Transmitter Links (STLs).
The BRIC-Link is housed in a compact desktop package. Two units can be installed together to occupy a single rack unit (1RU).
Key Features and Applications
- Applications: Ideal for point-to-point, high-quality audio links over diverse data networks including IP radios, satellite channels, WANs, and LANs. Its robust Broadcast Reliable Internet Codec (BRIC Normal) technology ensures reliable performance even over the public internet.
- Audio Coding: Supports uncompressed Linear mode for users prioritizing delay and avoiding coding artifacts. It also features FLAC lossless compression, reducing network throughput by 30-40% with transparent coding. For reduced bandwidth needs, AAC and HE-AAC modes are available, offering high audio quality at lower data rates. Compatibility with mobile and web applications is provided through Opus audio compression and the VoIP standard G.722.
- Transmission Modes and Delay: Functions as a full-duplex stereo encoder and decoder. The BRIC Normal technology includes a jitter buffer manager that dynamically balances delay and stability based on network performance. End-to-end coding delay is minimal, with Linear modes under 25 ms, FLAC and Opus under 30 ms, AAC around 100 ms, and HE-AAC around 220 ms. Network propagation and jitter buffers add additional, network-dependent delay.
- Switchboard Server: A standard feature that allows codecs to synchronize with Comrex's cloud-based traversal server, facilitating connections without requiring IP address knowledge. It aids in monitoring codec presence and status across a fleet and assists with connections through routers and firewalls. A one-time Switchboard Traversal Server License is required for use.
- CrossLock VPN: A reliability feature offering Error Correction (ARQ and FEC), Dual Network support (Bonding and Redundancy modes), and enhanced statistics and diagnostics. CrossLock requires Comrex codecs running 4.x-level firmware or higher on each end and can be configured via Switchboard or manually.
- HTML5 Control: Replaces older Flash-based web control pages with a modern HTML5 interface, improving compatibility with mobile browsers.
Further Information
For detailed diagrams, installation instructions, configuration settings, and troubleshooting, please refer to the full product manual.
For technical assistance or product information, Comrex can be contacted at 978-784-1776 or via email at info@comrex.com. More information is also available on the Comrex website: www.comrex.com.
