Tieline codecs feature highly advanced backup and redundancy options to maintain reliable audio codec streaming. These include the options outlined in the following table:

 

 

SmartStream PLUS Redundant IP Streaming

Tieline’s proprietary SmartStream PLUS IP technology ensures you’re always on the air. There are three levels to SmartStream PLUS IP streaming.

 

1.The codec can stream simultaneous redundant data streams and deliver seamless redundancy by switching back and forth, without loss of audio, from the nominated primary data link to the backup link if one fails and then subsequently recovers. Use IP links from two different IP network providers for optimal redundancy over mission critical connections.

2.Second, when multiple redundant audio streams are sent, the decoding codec automatically reconstructs audio into a single stream on a first packet arrived basis, to minimize program latency and ensure audio integrity.

3.Third, SmartStream features automated jitter buffer management and Forward Error Correction (FEC) and these advanced network management tools deliver uncompromising audio quality, while dynamically responding to variable conditions over unmanaged IP networks like the internet.

 

These combined measures ensure Tieline is capable of offering a rock solid IP audio solution for distributing IP audio economically and efficiently across broadcast networks. See the procedures for configuring different programs using the web-GUI for more configuration details.

 

Fuse-IP

Tieline’s proprietary Fuse-IP data aggregation technology uses a point-to-point tunnel between two codecs to bond multiple IP interfaces (peers). See Configure Fuse-IP Bonding for more info.

 

On-Demand Failover

On-demand failover requires configuration of a primary connection and an on-demand 'cold' backup connection. On-demand failover is activated when the dialing codec program detects the loss of the primary connection, or if audio streaming ceases. The backup connection is then dialed to replace the primary connection.

 

For details on configuring backup connections using failover see Configure Mono or Stereo Peer-to-Peer Programs.

 

Forward Error Correction (FEC)

There are two modes of Forward Error Correction (FEC) available in the codec:

 

1.Tieline FEC.

2.RFC 2733 compliant FEC (Sessionless connections only).

 

FEC is designed to increase the stability of UDP/IP connections in the event that data packets are lost. FEC works by sending a secondary stream of audio packets over a connection so that if your primary audio stream packets are lost or corrupted, then packets from the secondary stream can be substituted to replace them. The amount of FEC required depends on the number of data packets lost over the IP connection. Tieline FEC transmits a secondary stream of audio data packets over a single connection. RFC 2733 compliant FEC transmits audio packets over a separate connection.

 

For more info on FEC see Configuring Forward Error Correction.

 

Auto Reconnect

Auto Reconnect is the simplest form of connection backup whereby the codec will redial a lost connection continuously until it is either:

 

•Re-established, or

•Dialing is manually stopped.

 

Auto reconnect can be enabled when configuring a codec program.

 

SDHC File Backup

The codec features an SD/SDHC card slot for automatic backup to MP2 or MP3 recordings if an IP connection is interrupted. Backup connections are configured using the web-GUI and this is outlined in Configuring Mono or Stereo Peer-to-Peer Programs.  File backup is automatic and occurs:

 

1.According to the silence threshold parameters configured for audio file backup, or

2.Immediately if a connection to another codec is lost.

 

After SD/SDHC file backup is activated the audio file plays continuously in loop mode until a backup connection is dialed and connects, or the primary connection is restored. The codec Home screen indicates failover to the backup SD/SDHC card has occurred by displaying (F) in the Cxns display. Playback continues during reconnection attempts and ceases when a connection is restored. See SDHC Card File Playback for more details.