---
title: "Using the two network ports on an xNode for redundancy"
slug: "using-the-two-network-ports-on-an-xnode-for-redundancy"
updated: 2024-12-16T14:31:23Z
published: 2024-12-16T14:31:23Z
canonical: "docs.telosalliance.com/using-the-two-network-ports-on-an-xnode-for-redundancy"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.telosalliance.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Using the two network ports on an xNode for redundancy

## Scope

This Telos Help Document explains the use of the two network ports on the Axia xNode family of products relating to their use for redundancy. This includes;

- xNode Analog
- xNode AES
- xNode Mic
- xNode GPIO
- xNode Mixed Signal
- xSelector

> [!WARNING]
> The two network ports also allow the configuration of a management-only network. That configuration is out of the scope of this document. Please refer to the xNode manual for more information on this topic.

## Description

The xNode has dual network ports (by default) configured to allow for redundant network connections to separate network switches. These connections are strictly a link-based failure, where if the active link fails, the other network port activates.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/57e3cd80-d493-453c-9672-ad1b043dadc3/Images/Documentation/f0210876-5525-40c4-a8aa-4f971b96b7ef-image.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-07T18%3A46%3A45Z&se=2026-11-07T19%3A46%3A45Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=e2UVfDm0Z%2Fdt8g38IAT0wCXrIvUpeMNY6vIa43pLGRQ%3D)

Some important characteristics about these connections;

- As mentioned in the first paragraph, the switching happens strictly based on link state, or lack of link state in this case.
- Although they are labeled Net 1 and Net 2, there is no "priority"; although if both networks are connected, Net 1 will be chosen at boot up.
- Only one port is active at a time. You do not need to apply separate IP Addresses for this configuration.
- No active spanning tree or other link protocols are controlling which link is the active one.
- Failover is not an "instant" switch. It's as if you physically plugged in a new cable. The time it takes to activate the new link and restore audio is +/- 45 seconds.
- When a switch occurs, the link does not return to the previous link automatically. Manual switch-over prevents situations where your audio will stay on the active network if the other link is flapping. **You must use the front panel to return to a preferred link manually**. Keep in mind that audio will again be lost when you switch. Plan accordingly.

## Configuration

xNodes are, by default, configured to operate in this mode. The default configuration is shown here;

![](https://cdn.document360.io/57e3cd80-d493-453c-9672-ad1b043dadc3/Images/Documentation/0ae6e9af-bd12-47af-8cfb-04e8f4f8b016-image.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-07T18%3A46%3A45Z&se=2026-11-07T19%3A46%3A45Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=e2UVfDm0Z%2Fdt8g38IAT0wCXrIvUpeMNY6vIa43pLGRQ%3D)

To verify your configuration;

1. Click the **System link** in the menu on the left side
2. Set **NET 1** to the IP Address you are using for your xNode
3. Set the **Livewire enabled ports** to the "NET 1 and NET2 (default)" setting.

In the default configuration, only the NET1 settings are used. The NET1 settings are automatically applied to which ever physical network port is active.

> [!WARNING]
> Leave the NET2 address set to 0.0.0.0
4. Save your configuration.

Your xNode is now configured for dual-port operation.

## Let us know how we can help

If you have further questions on this topic or have ideas about improving this document, please [contact us](https://www.telosalliance.com/support-request).