IP Intercom Systems (28)

What is an IP Intercom system?

An IP intercom is a device that’s connected to a network, and it’s designed to transmit audio and video between two partners. The “IP” stands for Internet Protocol, which is a set of rules for routing and addressing data so it can travel across the network to the right destination.

IP Intercoms rely on digital technology that allows them to transmit larger, more complex data, such as high quality video. When attached to a gate, the IP intercom system can also connect to its lock to facilitate property access. The systems can connect directly via a Local Area Network (LAN).

What’s more, IP intercoms are part of the Internet of Things (IoT) because they can be Internet-connected devices. They use built-in sensors and cloud-based computational power in order to work.

What Features Do IP Intercoms Have?

IP intercoms offer a wide range of features compared to traditional intercom systems. For instance, IP intercom systems include audio, video, and mobile applications.

How Does an IP Intercom Work?

IP intercoms work by accessing the network to transmit data between a master station and its terminals. An IP intercom has two primary components: master stations and terminals.

The monitor is the brains of the system. They communicate with the gate intercom panel. The monitor is usually installed internally and can provide an external internet connection allowing remote access via tablets and mobiles. The gate intercom panel is installed at the entryway to the property, allowing 2 way communication via the camera and microphone.

Terminals are used to interact with visitors at the master station to grant them access to the property.

Our IP intercoms are hardwired and transmit from the intercom to the monitor through the network. They make use of the existing network in the office or can be on their own dedicated network.

Some manufacturers require a hardwired internet connection to the network to integrate to mobile devices. Others will work through the master station “monitor” as mentioned above.

Most IP intercoms take power from the network and need a POE switch similar to a standard video-hardwired intercom. In a new install, the transmission can be faster, and the quality of the video call is better than with a standard wired system.

IP intercoms enhance security and add convenience because they give power to residents and businesses to see who is requesting access before allowing them entry. If connecting to a mobile device, potential thieves don’t know if your home or not as it can be answered anywhere in the world providing you have internet connection

Benefits of IP Intercoms Over Traditional Intercoms

Ease of Installation

Installing a traditional intercom system means buying and installing costly wiring. On the other hand IP intercoms may use existing network cables to cut down on the amount of cabling required

Flexibility

Do you need to add more terminals? If you have a traditional intercom system, you may have to rip through walls and more to make these changes. However, a wireless IP intercom is pretty simple to install. These devices don’t need a power connection because they run on PoE (Power over Ethernet). PoE devices can be powered by the same cable that connects them to the network, making a traditional power cable unnecessary.

Security

The IP intercom uses cameras, so you’ll always know who’s coming in or out of your property. This is also useful to reduce the risk against thieves not knowing you are not at the property. It is unlikely that this capability will be possible with a traditional intercom.