Overview
This feature provides a seamless experience for customers by enabling device replacement for gateway-connected devices without the need for customer support. The process ensures that there is no loss of recordings during replacement, allowing users to maintain operational continuity while benefiting from a streamlined and efficient workflow. The replacement device will inherit existing recordings, schedules, and rules, ensuring a smooth transition with minimal configuration effort.
Key Terms and Definitions
Old Device: Refers to the existing device that you want to replace. This device is added to the Arcules web portal.
New Device: Refers to the device that will replace the old one. This device must be connected to the network but should not be added to the Arcules web portal before replacement. If the new device is already added to the portal, it will not be eligible for the replacement process.
Prerequisites
Replacement is permitted only between devices with matching specifications, including the same number of video, audio, and metadata channels (1).
Supported device types: Axis and ONVIF. These devices are interchangeable, meaning an Axis device can be replaced with an ONVIF device, and vice versa.
Universal Driver is not supported (2).
Both online and offline devices can be replaced.
Only one device per gateway appliance can be replaced at a time.
Note 1: A metadata channel is a stream that carries non-video data such as analytics or event triggers.
Note 2: Devices added via RTSP stream (Universal Driver) are not supported because they provide only basic functionality.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Access the Arcules Web Portal.
2. Select the Devices menu on the left panel. Then select the Video section:
3. Select the old device you wish to replace:
4. When clicking on the device name, a menu will appear on the right section.
5. In the Overview section go to the bottom section until you find the REPLACE DEVICE button.
6. When clicking on the REPLACE DEVICE button, the following dialog will appear:
It states you connect to the network the new device that will replace the old one (in this example, the AXIS M4216-V Network Camera...).
IP Address: This is the IP address of the new device that is connected to the same network of the old device.
Use same credentials as this device: Check this option if the new device uses the same credentials as the old device. By default this option is disabled.
Note: The new device must be connected to the same network as the old device but should not be added to the Arcules web portal before replacement. If the new device is already added to the portal, it will not be eligible for the replacement process.
7. When all the information is completed, the REPLACE button will be enabled.
8. After clicking on the REPLACE button, a confirmation dialog will appear.
9. After checking the "Yes, replace this device" checkbox, the REPLACE button will be enabled.
10.When clicking on the REPLACE button, the replacement process will start.
11. If by any reason, the replacement fails, the following dialog will be displayed:
12. If the replacement was successful, the following dialog will be presented:
Post-Replacement Checklist
Confirm the new device is online.
Validate video/audio streams and metadata functionality.
Review and adjust camera settings if required.
Replacement Examples
Scenario | Old Device | New Device | Result |
Axis → Axis (same number of channels) | Axis P3245-LVE
| Axis P3265-LVE
| ✅ Replacement allowed. Even though it’s a different Axis model, the channel configuration matches exactly. |
ONVIF → ONVIF (same number of channels) | Generic ONVIF Camera A
| Generic ONVIF Camera B
| ✅ Replacement allowed. Different manufacturer or model doesn’t matter—channel count matches. |
Axis → ONVIF (Cross-Type, same number of channels) | Axis Q3517
| ONVIF Camera C
| ✅ Replacement allowed. Device type doesn’t matter; channel match does. |
ONVIF → Axis (Cross-Type, same number of channels) | ONVIF Camera D
| Axis M2036-LE
| ✅ Replacement allowed. Swapping ONVIF → Axis works perfectly as long as channels align. |
Channel Mismatch (Disallowed) | Axis P1378
| ONVIF Camera E
| 🚫 Rejected. Models are compatible in general, but the audio channel mismatch blocks replacement. |
Universal Driver Present (Explicitly Not Supported) | “Universal Driver Camera”
| Axis M3116
| 🚫 Replacement NOT allowed because Universal Driver devices are excluded, even though channels match. |
Offline → Online Replacement (Same Channels) | Axis M3116 (offline)
| ONVIF Camera F (online)
| ✅ Allowed. Existing Device state doesn’t matter. New device must be on the network. |
FAQs
Q: Can I replace multiple devices at once?
A: No, only one device per gateway can be replaced at a time.
Q: Will my schedules be lost?
A: No, schedules are preserved during replacement.
Q: Are Axis and Onvif devices interchangeable?
A: Yes, they are supported for replacement.