Comparison intercoms

— Internal Panel (Intercom). A device installed inside the premises for communication with visitors through the intercom system. Designed to ensure security, allowing communication with guests and controlling access to the building or apartment without the need to open the door.

— Call Panel. An outdoor device of the intercom system installed at the entrance to the building or apartment. The call panel is intended for visitors to call the hosts or owners of the premises and, if equipped with a camera, provide an exterior image, enhancing the level of security and access control.

— Kit (Panel + Intercom). Having both devices in the kit provides a complete communication and access control system right out of the box. This solution can be advantageous at the initial installation stage because the devices are maximally compatible with each other. However, when upgrading or due to personal preferences in certain functions, it may be easier to choose a call panel separately from the intercom.

Ways to connect devices.

— Wired. Connecting intercom system components through cables ensures stable and reliable signal transmission. In such a connection, a regular wire is used to connect the outdoor call panel with the indoor panel located inside the building. Wired connections provide high-quality sound and image, minimizing interference, and are ideal for stable system operation over long distances. This also enhances security, as wired connections are less susceptible to external influences compared to wireless solutions.

— LAN (RJ-45). Connection via RJ-45 port using an Ethernet-type network cable ("twisted pair"). This option is convenient as devices can be connected to a local computer network, providing several advantages. First, access can be configured on any computer or gadget within the network. Second, many such models can operate without intercoms and other specialized equipment — through an application on a computer/gadget. Third, laying the network cable from the panel to the router/switch is often easier than organizing an analog connection. Fourth, the number of panels and other specialized equipment within the "local network" can be almost unlimited — for example, all the call panels of an apartment building or a large office center can be connected into one network. Additionally, access to the call panel can even be set up via the Internet if desired, providing...

— Wi-Fi. Connection via the wireless Wi-Fi standard. Thi...s option provides nearly all the capabilities of the aforementioned LAN (RJ-45), but has certain differences. The most noticeable is the lack of cables, significantly simplifying installation and connection. Even relatively modest Wi-Fi devices are powerful enough to operate confidently over distances of a couple dozen meters or through 1-2 medium-thickness walls. The most functional and thus the most popular type of analog wired connection. Suitable even for high-end video panels, though it actually appears in all categories of devices — from budget to top-tier.

— RJ-45. Connection via RJ-45 port using an Ethernet-type network cable ("twisted pair"). This option is convenient as the call panel can be connected to a local computer network, providing several advantages. First, access to the panel can be configured on any computer or gadget within the network. Second, many similar models can operate without intercoms and other special equipment — through an application on a computer/gadget. Third, laying the network cable from the panel to the router/switch is often easier than organizing an analog connection (e.g., using 4 wires — see above). Fourth, the number of panels and other special equipment within the "local network" can be almost unlimited — for example, all call panels of an apartment building or large office center can be connected into one network. Furthermore, access to the call panel can even be configured via the Internet, allowing you to communicate with visitors and manage access to the premises even when you're not present.

— Wi-Fi. Connection via the wireless Wi-Fi standard. This option provides nearly all the capabilities of the above-mentioned RJ-45 but with certain differences. The most noticeable is the absence of wires, which significantly simplifies installation and connection. Moreover, even relatively modest Wi-Fi devices are powerful enough to operate confidently over distances of a couple dozen meters or through 1-2 medium-thickness walls. The second nuance is the possibility of direct connection with smartphones, tablets, etc., without using computer networks; this possibility should be confirmed separately, but it is in this format, for example, that video calls operate (see "Type").

— RJ-45 / Wi-Fi. Supports both of the above-described connection methods. Such panels are maximally versatile; however, in practice, the ability to freely choose between LAN and Wi-Fi is rarely required, yet it significantly affects the cost. Therefore, this option has not gained much popularity.

The number of subscribers that can be simultaneously connected to the call panel.

Call panel installation method.

— Mounted. Installation by hanging from fixtures placed on a wall, door frame, or other suitable location. This method is quite simple, besides, it allows you to relatively easily change the location of the device. On the other hand, it is less reliable than embedding, and it is easier for hooligans or thieves to rip such a panel from its attachment point.

— Embedded. Installation in a niche in a wall or other surface — in such a way that only the front side of the device is outside. and any movement of the device is also fraught with serious difficulties. Nevertheless, it also has advantages: it is almost impossible to remove the call panel from a niche without a special tool, and even with tools, this task takes time and effort.

— Mounted / built-in. This category includes outdoor panels that allow both of the installation options described above. Thus, the user can independently choose a method, depending on what is more important in this case: ease of installation or its reliability.

Number of alarm inputs provided in the design of the call panel.

A special contact used to connect external security devices, such as an alarm or panic buttons. This input allows the call panel to integrate with a security system, so that in the event of unauthorized access or another emergency, an alarm signal is automatically activated (via a corresponding alarm output). For example, pressing the panic button on the call panel or attempting unauthorized door opening can send a notification to the internal panel or trigger an external siren, enhancing the security of the premises.

Number of alarm outputs provided in the design of the call panel.

This is a contact used to connect external devices, such as an alarm or security system, to trigger an alert or other security functions under certain conditions. This output can be used to send a signal to the security system, activate external sirens, or other alert devices in alarm situations, for example, during an attempted unauthorized access. The alarm output helps enhance security by ensuring timely responses to potential threats or incidents.

The design of the calling panel includes buttons backlight. The function allows to see the keyboard normally even in low light conditions – in the evening, at night, in cloudy weather, when placing the panel in a dark place, etc. Note that the backlight usually covers other significant elements of the panel - for example, the location of the sensor for a smart card or key.

The presence in the design of the intercom calling panel of a module for reading data from contactless keys. They can be in the form of smart cards, key fobs or other devices that contain a microchip with a unique identifier. When the user brings the key to the reader, the system identifies it, checks it against the database and allows access if there is a match. Note that the intercom calling panel can record not only the response time, but also the identifiers themselves - this provides advanced capabilities for access control and visitor registration.

Call panel support POE (Power Over Ethernet). This feature is only found on models with LAN connection. As the name suggests, it allows power to be supplied through the same network cable that connects the device to an intercom or other device. This is much more convenient than laying a separate wire for power or fiddling with autonomous power sources.