How Does an Intercom System Work? Selecting Intercom System

What is an intercom system?

At its most basic level, the best intercom system is a collection of devices that permits two-way intercom between two locations. In the past, people could communicate inside a building or campus via intercoms, also referred to as “walkie-talkies.”

Although landlines have been displaced by mobile phones as the main form of intercom, modern intercom systems are becoming more and more important for security. Before entering by opening a door or gate, those inside a facility can hear or see the person trying to enter thanks to an intercom security system, which is a part of an access control system.

They are mostly in charge of managing intercoms and determining who has access to what. Door intercoms or Outdoor intercom system are essential to the safety of people and property as a result in a variety of commercial settings and industries. As a more cost-effective alternative to traditional forms of access control, a safe visitor or delivery management system may also contain intercom entry devices.

Intercom door system components

Stations at bases

The front entrance or building entry is where the base station, also known as the master station, is located and connected to one or more substations. Visitors can communicate with residents verbally (voice control) or visually (base station) to request entry.

The base station needs a power source, wired or wireless connectivity to the substations, and a release mechanism. The release mechanism opens the door or gate when the resident grants access. In larger campus areas, many base stations at different access points connected to a single substation may be present.

Substations Depending on how the system is laid out, substations might be found all around a structure. At a campus or office building, for example, a receptionist or security guard may handle access requests. A residential structure could include a substation for each apartment. In a solitary residence or standalone workplace, there would only be one substation.

Substations come in a variety of designs. Residents may handle the request and respond to the visitor using a microphone, a computer screen, a security monitor, or a smartphone, depending on the type of building.

Intercom chirps

As part of audio and telephone entrance intercom systems, a buzzer, microphone, and speaker are included into the door device so that visitors can speak to homeowners and hear their reply. Visitors who wish to utilise the speaker and microphone should press the buzzer to notify the occupant.

video recorders

A built-in camera is also included in the base stations for video-based intercoms, which records and transmits a photo of the substation visitor. The audio capability is also available if the residents need further details from the visitor.

Smartphones

More and more people are choosing smartphones over substation machinery. They save money because customers don’t have to pay for installation or substation gear, and they can handle any intercom requests, including audio, video, and telephone-based ones. Apps that allow users to remotely open doors using a web-based or internet intercom system can be accessed via smartphones. Smartphones offer more flexibility because access requests may be managed from any location via the Internet.

Connectivity

Base stations and substations can communicate wirelessly or over wired connections. For a wired connection, cables must be run from the base station to each substation. A wireless solution requires a working wireless network with sufficient coverage and range to link base stations and substations across a building.

door locking and unlocking system

A lock and a release mechanism that occupants can employ remotely to permit admittance are required for each door or gate protected by an intercom entry system. It is possible to include an internal electric or magnetic strike lock that is connected to the intercom equipment. In less sophisticated systems, a visitor can unlock a business door by pressing an intercom buzzer after the occupant has given permission for entry.

power source

An intercom access control system requires a power source for the base station’s audio or video and door release components. Either a mains system or Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) technology used in conjunction with a data network connection can be used to supply power.

Depending on the type of intercom system, software that facilitates intercom and door release may be included in the substation or smartphone. In more complex commercial systems than in a normal home intercom system, directory software can be used to simplify access for authorised visitors, route calls to the proper person, and provide audit trails.

Selecting A Intercom System

Security intercoms are suitable for a wide range of access control applications. When selecting a system, a number of factors should be considered, such as:

Security is the most important element. The intercom system, which must allow users to recognise guests before granting access, offers fantastic security measures. Since residents and security workers can more easily recognise visitors, video-based intercom systems are preferred.

Convenience is essential for both residents and visitors. The door or doorbell intercom should be straightforward to use for both parties. The expanding use of cellphones as substations has boosted convenience because users can manage access requests and open doors from any location without having to locate and use special equipment.

Flexibility is essential in settings where a building has a large user base and is subject to change. In a fixed wired system, it is challenging to add new users or upgrade existing ones. With a wireless or networked system, the intercom system is easily flexible to accommodate growth or alteration.

Dependability is essential to uphold security and protect people and property. An outdoor intercom system’s connectivity and weatherproofness must be reliable. Every user in a facility must be able to receive strong, clear audio and video signals from wireless devices, while the right wiring should be used by wired systems. In order to provide access control security, the locking mechanisms of the intercom entrance system must always be in good working order.

Cost and intercom pricing are factors that need to be considered in the long run. In addition to the initial expenses of the equipment, installation, connectivity, and maintenance costs must be taken into consideration in order to fully comprehend through-life costs. Some intercom system providers charge a fixed rate regardless of how many persons are included in the directory, while other providers could provide a more scalable tiered intercom pricing option. For more updates visit the home page https://trends4tech.com/