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.

Support for the SIP protocol enables the integration of devices into VoIP (Voice over IP) systems, allowing the use of internet connections for transmitting voice and video calls. SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) is a standard protocol for establishing, managing, and terminating communication sessions over the internet. In intercoms and door panels, SIP support enables video calls and communication with visitors through smartphones, tablets, or other SIP-compatible devices without the need for traditional phone lines. This also opens up opportunities for integrating the intercom system with other smart devices and security systems within a wider network, enhancing the device's flexibility and functionality.

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.

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.

This protection describes how much the calling panel body. Protects sensitive internal components from dust and moisture. Standardly, it is designated by the letters IP with two numbers after them IP44, IP65, etc. The first digit means protection against penetration of solid objects and dust; its individual values correspond to the following levels of protection:

4 - protection against objects with a diameter of more than 1 mm
5 - dust protection (complete protection from contact; dust can penetrate inside, but does not affect the operation of the device)
6 — dust-tight (the housing is fully protected from dust and contact). br>Smaller values do not occur and there is no point in indicating them.

The second number characterizes protection against moisture, here the values can be as follows:


4 - protection against splashes from any direction;
5 - from jets from any direction;
6 - from sea waves or strong water jets;
7 - possibility of short-term immersion to a depth of up to 1 m (without the possibility of constant operation in submerged mode);

Of course, calling panels are not designed to be submerged under water - the latter option only characterizes a high degree of moisture resistance.

In some models, one of the numbers may be replaced by the letter X - for example, IPX7. This does not mean that there is no protection, but that the corresponding parameter is not IP certified. At the same tim...e, the degree of uncertified protection can be quite high - for example, the example above corresponds to the possibility of complete immersion under water, which requires a high degree of closure (at least dust resistance level 5).

— Plastic. Plastic is characterized by low cost with good performance; besides, it can take on almost any colour. On the other hand, its strength is relatively low: it is enough for most everyday situations, but plastic resists hooliganism and vandalism poorly. Therefore, this material has not received wide popularity in calling panels.

— Metal (anti-vandal). The main advantage of the metal is its high strength, and, accordingly, resistance to damage, which made it possible to call this material "anti-vandal"; in addition, it is resistant to temperature extremes and ultraviolet, and it looks solid. The only drawback of metal in the case of outdoor panels is a higher cost than plastic; however, the price difference is small and most often completely offset by the advantages of metal cases.