Methods and systems are provided for hot-swappable hardware for communication links (e.g., wireless microwave links). A communication assembly that comprises processing circuitry may be configured to allow replacing a circuitry element during active operation of the communication assembly. The replacing may comprise configuring the communication assembly to communicate signals based on a first configuration, using the circuitry element being replaced; receiving addition of a replacement circuitry element; configuring the communication assembly to communicate signals based on a second configuration, using the replacement circuitry element; and after the communication assembly is fully configured to communicate signals based on the second configuration, removing the circuitry element being replaced.