What Is An IP Intercom?
An IP intercom is one that, like other modern-day products including VoIP phones and network devices, connects to your local network. Once connected, you can configure and manage your IP intercom by way of a web management interface, much like that which exists for your home router.
2N produce IP door intercoms, answering units and access control devices (among other things). One product of theirs that consistently proves popular with our network installers, as an upsell on installs to office buildings and residential apartment buildings alike, is the IP Verso intercom.
2N Helios' IP Verso Door Intercom - modular master/camera unit.
The Benefits of an IP Intercom
IP Intercom Call Route Configuration
2N’s intercoms, including the IP Verso, support the SIP protocol, making it easy for you or your client to link the unit to the building’s IP phones and third-party PBX without having to connect the device to a SIP server. If you have an existing VoIP phone system or on-site PBX, you’ll be able to configure the device just as if it were another VoIP phone, meaning you can configure complex call routing options with the intercom on your existing business phone system.
Alternatively, the IP Verso’s web management interface allows for advanced call routing options of its own, including sending calls to multiple answering units either in groups or sequentially if the first in the queue is not answered within a set period of time, and forwarding intercom calls to mobile phone numbers or the 2N app.
What Makes the IP Verso Different?
Modular Design
Modular in design, the possibilities with the IP Verso are seemingly endless. Individual modules are combined to create a multi-functional unit. A single IP Verso could act, for example, as an intercom, an access reader, an access verification device and an IP camera simultaneously.
Another potential configuration: video intercom, fingerprint scanner and digital keypad modules could be combined to produce an arrangement that provides multi-layered access control, as well as configurable call routing between the intercom itself and multiple 2N answering units. You’ll even be able to forward calls from the intercom to your smartphone or an IP phone on your desk. If that IP phone has video capabilities (these are built into the smartphone app), you’ll be able to see your home visitor or whoever’s at the door, too.
2N’s Flagship Intercom
But which of these features are unique to the IP Verso, and how does it measure up against 2N’s other products?
The IP Uni, one of 2N’s simplest and most affordable products, offers the most essential features in a small form-factor. Available with either one or two physical buttons, the IP Uni lacks an internal camera and does not support the connection of an external camera. It offers core intercom functionality only, without the option to be used as an access control device. For those with simple requirements, looking for a simple but reliable voice intercom, the IP Uni could be the perfect fit.
The IP Vario, in contrast to the IP Uni, can be used as an access control device, as there is the option of purchasing the unit with an RFID reader. With the RFID reader, ID cards or tags can be used to grant access to your client’s building. What’s more, the 2N Helios IP Vario Door Intercom’s digital display can store up to 10,000 virtual buttons (in contrast to the IP Uni’s 1 or 2 physical button limit), with support for the connection of an external camera and its own internal camera built-in.
The 2N IP Vario Door Intercom. Also available with a digital display and support for up to 10,000 virtual buttons.
The IP Vario clearly supports a lot of functionality that the IP Uni is lacking. So how does the IP Verso stack up against the Vario?
Firstly, the IP Verso is the only modular IP intercom in 2N’s lineup, giving you a level of flexibility in installation that impossible to achieve with any other 2N product or, for that matter, any other IP intercom on the market. Secondly, it too supports both internal and external cameras, 10,000 virtual buttons and can be used as an access control unit.
Best Access Control / Intercom Hybrid
In contrast to the IP Vario, however, the IP Verso is capable of serving as an access control device for almost every type of entry method you could wish to support. Fingerprint scanning modules, card reader modules, BlueTooth scanners and hybrid modules are all available for the IP Verso.
Not only does the IP Verso support more entry methods than the IP Vario, but its RFID reader can also cover multiple frequencies. Whilst the IP Vario’s RFID reader covers only the 125kHz frequency, the IP Verso can also cover 13.56MHz or a combination of both frequencies. This allows for more flexibility when installing 2N units in buildings which have an existing card reading system in place, preventing the need for all residents or members of staff from having to replace their ID cards.
This is not at all to say, however, that the IP Vario or IP Uni do not have their place. For clients with simpler needs, the IP Verso may be unnecessary and less cost-effective than either of the above two solutions. There is also an argument to be made for the relative ease of installation provided by one of these two simpler units, as there are no modules to connect together (though 2N have made the module connection process quick and simple).
2N's IP intercoms are suitable for high-security buildings, offices, apartment buildings and luxury residential addresses.
Buy 2N IP Intercoms and IP Access Control Units
In conclusion, then, 2N’s modular IP Verso is far more than an intercom. Capable of acting as an IP access control reader and verification device, as well as an IP intercom capable of complex call routing, either natively via web management or through a third-party phone system provider, the IP Verso makes access control simple and scalable.
Here at NetXL, we stock a range of 2N products including all of the products discussed above like the IP Uni, IP Vario and external modules for the IP Verso.
If you’re a networks installer looking for products to upsell to your clients, 2N IP intercom and/or access control unit installation will make for a great addition to your line of services. As a result of their products’ flexibility, range and strength in both intercom and access control applications, 2N’s devices are appropriate for large and small businesses alike, as well as residential apartment buildings and even single-residence luxury estates.
When purchasing 2N NetXL, you’ll get great pricing as standard, plus a volume pricing discount for bulk orders. With next-day delivery available for orders placed until 7pm and even better terms and pricing available for Trade Account customers, there’s no better place to source your network hardware than NetXL.
