IP Vs Analog Intercoms

Author: Brian Rhodes, Published on Jun 20, 2016

Intercoms, even within physical security, are a niche.

But Axis' acquisition of intercom manufacturer 2N represents a significant investment into this market segment.

Indeed, Axis is emphasizing the value of IP intercoms both for doing the deal and in focusing future efforts.

But what really is the difference between IP and analog intercoms? Is there something like a 'MP' intercom? Where is each type better or worse?

In this guide, we answer these questions.

Key Comparisons

While performance of intercoms and intercom systems may be basic, there are some some big gaps between the two major intercom technology types. The notable differences: 

  • Pricing for Intercoms
  • Hub and Spoke vs Mesh
  • No Central Exchanges Needed With IP
  • System Integrations Easier with IP
  • IP Based Video Quality Better

 

We examine these points in detail below.

*********, **** ****** ******** ********, *** * *****.

*** ****' *********** ** ******** ************ ************ * *********** ********** **** **** ****** *******.

******, **** ** *********** *** ***** ** ** ********* **** for ***** *** **** *** ** ******** ****** *******.

*** **** ****** ** *** ********** ******* ** *** ****** intercoms? ** ***** ********* **** * '**' ********? ***** ** **** **** better ** *****?

** **** *****, ** ****** ***** *********.

Key ***********

***** *********** ** ********* *** ******** ******* *** ** *****, there *** **** **** *** **** ******* *** *** ***** intercom ********** *****. *** ******* ***********: 

  • ******* *** *********
  • *** *** ***** ** ****
  • ** ******* ********* ****** **** **
  • ****** ************ ****** **** **
  • ** ***** ***** ******* ******

 

** ******* ***** ****** ** ****** *****.

[***************]

Unit ****

****** ****** ******** ******* **** **** ***** *** * ****** master ******* ********* **** *** *** ***** *********, **** **** single ******** *******

** **********, ** ********* *** ********* ** ** ** **** expensive, **** *** **** ** ***** ** *** ~$*** ***** and ******* **** **** $*,***+.

Hub *** *****

****** ******** ******* ******* *** ******** ***** **** ********* **** need ** '*****' / *********** **** * ****** *****. *** example, ** *** **** ********* ** ***** ***** (*** ******) and **** **** ***** ***** ** ***** ** *** ************ desk (*** ***), * *** **** ****** ******** *** **** well.

*******, ** *** ****** ********* **** ** '*****' **** **** other ** ********* **** ***** *******, * ******* ******** ***** to ** ***** ** ********** ************* ******* *** ****** ***** do *** **** **** ************.

****

** *****, ** *** ***** ****, **** *** ********** ***** in ** ***** **** *** ***** '****', ** * '****'.

******, *** ***** ******* **** **** ** **** *****, ***** requiring *********** *******, ** ********* *********** *******, *** **** ** an ****** ****** *** ******* ** ** ****** **** ********* central ******** *******, ********* *******, ********* ****** ******* ********, ***********, and ***** ************ ** ******** ** **** ************ ******* *** added. 

Fundamental **********: ** ******* *********

****** ******** ******* ********* ******* * ******* ******** ******* ****** (PBX) *** ******* *************. ******* **** ******* ******, ****** ****** architecture **** ** ******* **********, ********** **** ******* ** ****** station *************, ****** **** ****** ******* ** ******* ** ********** calling ****** ** ****** *******.

** **** ****, *** ******* ******** ****** ** *** ***** of ** ****** ******, *** ******* '*******' ** ***** *** designed ** ** **** ***** *** *************, **** ** *** traditional ******* ********* ** ********.  *** ******* ******** ********* ** sized *** * *** ****** ** **** ********, *** **** an ****** ***, ********* ****** **** ***** ***** ******** * bigger **** ** ********* ******* ** ** *********. 

*** ***** ***** ***** * ******* ****** ******, *** ***** out *** ***** **** ******* ****** ******* ** ** *******:

** ***** ** ****, *** ******* ******** ****** *** ****** intercoms ****** *** **** $*,*** - $*,*** *** * **** supporting * - ** *****. *** ************ ** ******* ********* typically *********** * ****** ** ********* ***** **** ***** * core ****** ** **** **** ***** ******* **** ***+ **** stations. ** **** *****, **** ********* **** **** ******** *** 30+ **** ******** ** * **** ** ~$*,***.

 

System ***********

*** ******* ********* ** ********* **** **** ****** ***** ** the ********** ******** ** *** ******* ** ********* *********** ******* exchanges *** ********* ********* ********. *******, *** ****** ********* ** be ********* **** ****, ******** ****, ***********, *** **** ***** intercom **** ********.

** ******** ** ********** ******** ***********, ******* ***** *********** ** typically ********** ** ***** ************ **** *.***** ******** *********** ********* **** ***** *, ******** *** ******** camera ***** ** ** **** *** ******* **** ******* ************ cameras, ******** *** ********* *************** **** ****** ***** ******** *****.

What ** ***?

*** ****** ********** ********** *********** ** **** ** ********* *** ***** *** ***** ***** over **. ****** **** ***** ********* **** **** **** *********** support ************** ********* ** ***** *** *****, *** ****** ************* communication ** **** *****. ** * ******, *** ** **** by ******** ***** ******* *** **** *****, *** **** ** some ******* ********* ******** *** ***** *****. *** **** ***** uses *** (**** **** ********) *** ***** *** *****, *** TLS *** **********.

System ***** ********

*** ******* ***** ** ** ********* ******* **** ** ** used ** ********* *** * ******* ** ***** *******-***** *******, often **** ****** *******, **** ************, ** **** ******* ******* terminals. 

*** *** *** ************ ************ ****** ***** ******* ** ****** an ** ********'* *************, ************ '****** *******' **** ******** ** selected ***** ************ ** ****** * ****.  **** ********** **** access *******, *** ******** ******* ****** ***** ***** * ****** or **** ****** *** *** ** **** ** ******* **** locks ** *******.

*** **** ***** ** ********** ******** ******** **** ****** ***** vary, ********* ****** ***** ** *** ******* ******** ******.  **** IP *******, *********** ********** **** ******** ** *** ******* ********, even ** *** ***** **** **** ***** (*** *******:*******) **** ***** *********** ********** ** ***-***** ******** *****, ******* to ******* ** ****** **** ***********. 

******* ****** ********* *** ** ***** ********* *** *** *********** of ********-***** ****** ******** *** ****** ****** ****** ************ ******* apps *** ****** ********.  ***** ****** ******* ********* ******* ********* and *********** ****** **** ********, ** ******* *** ** **** on ******* ** ************ ** **** ** ***** **** **** their ***** **** ********* ** ****** ******.

Video *******

** *******, ** ***** ********* **** * *** **** ** terms ** ********** *** ****** ******** *******. **** ********** ** units ******* *********** ** **** ** *******, ******** **, *** even ***, ***** ****** ***** ********* ******* ****** ***** ****** components ****** *** ** ** ***********.  

** ****, ** ****** ***** ** *** ********* ** ******** vendors *** ** ********** ******** ** * ***** ****** **** CVI, ***, ** *** ** *********.

*** *******, *** ** ***** ******* ***** ******** **** * * ** (***) ******, ***** *** analog******* **-** ****** **** *** ***** **** * ******* ** (***) ******.

****, ***** ********* ***** ****** **** ** ***** ** ******* straightforward, ****** ** *********** ******** ******** ******** ** ********** ** mainstream ***, ***** ********* ****** ***** ****** ********* ******* ** additional ****, ********, *** ******* **** ***** ********** *** ******** to ****** ****** ****.

*******, ***** ******** ******* ******* ** *** ******* ********* ************ cameras ***** **** *** *******, ********* *** ** *** **** angle/fisheye ******* ****. ***** ********* ** *** *********** ***** ** a **** *******, *** ******* **** ** ********* *** ****** for ******* **** ************.

Callbox Options *******

** *******, **** ******* ******* *** ******* ****** ** *** company ****** **** *** ******* ** ***** ** ** ******. In **** *****, ****** ** ** ****** **** ******** *** available **** ****** ******* ******* **** * ****** '****' ****** to ** ************ ****** **** ** ** **** ********* **** destinations.  ***** ******* **** ****** **** *******, ***** *******, ******/************ housings, ** **** ********* *** ***** ***** *** ******** *********.

Market ************

******* *** ******** ******** ** ** ***** *****, *** *** cost *** *************** *********** ** ****** ******** ******* ****** * strong *** *** *****/****** ********. ********** ************ **** ***** ** less **** ******** ***** * ****** ********** ** * ****** ******, the ********** ** ***** ****** ******* *** *** ********** ** more ****** ** ***** *********. 

** ************ ********* * ***** ****** ** **** ******** *********** across ***** ***** *** ******** *****, ** ********* ***** ******* in ************** ******** ******* **** ******* **** ******* ******** ********** for ***.

Comments (19)

Thumbnail zayon 1673

Ari Erenthal

Chesapeake & Midlantic | 06/20/16 05:18pm

The Aiphone LEF series analog intercom does not require extra equipment to enable selective call or all call, at a very reasonable price.

Undisclosed #1

In reply to Ari Erenthal | 06/20/16 08:33pm

By selective call do you mean the master can select the sub, or a sub can select a sub?

If it's the former then it doesn't need any extra hardware because there is no routing, no?

Thumbnail zayon 1673

Ari Erenthal

Chesapeake & Midlantic | In reply to Undisclosed #1 | 06/21/16 03:05pm

A master can call any sub or any master. A sub can only ring (initiate a tone on all masters). A master must then initiate a call, which allows hands-free conversation between master and sub. Masters can also monitor subs. They sell subs with and without a privacy button.

Undisclosed #1

In reply to Ari Erenthal | 06/21/16 11:27pm

ok, thanks, that helps.

Assuming a ten station all-master system, can there be 5 seperate conversations going on concurrently?

Thumbnail pp 5

Brian Rhodes

IPVMU Certified | In reply to Ari Erenthal | 06/21/16 01:43pm

"The LEF Series is a selective calling open voice, audio only system with the capacity of up to 11 total stations."

So as long as it is a smaller, audio-only, non integrated system this could be a good option. Looks like pricing is ~$275 for most station types.

Thank for bringing it up!

Undisclosed #1

In reply to Brian Rhodes | 06/21/16 02:24pm

So selective call means?

Thumbnail pp 5

Brian Rhodes

IPVMU Certified | In reply to Undisclosed #1 | 06/21/16 02:35pm

Using that system, selective call means 'mesh' or station-to-station calling is supported. The LEF is one example of a small analog system that supports this, although there are others. 'Small' systems generally mean less than 12 - 16 units and typically are audio only.

I'll add a short section above to clarify this.

Undisclosed #1

In reply to Brian Rhodes | 06/21/16 03:02pm

Station to station, meaning master station to master station, I'm assuming. If you just get the door stations, they only go to the master, I believe.

For the all call option, it sounds like an extra box is required.

Undisclosed #2

In reply to Brian Rhodes | 06/21/16 02:38pm

Correct me if I'm wrong please - The LEF does not require additional equipment, but its wiring for a selective/all2all configuration, is a 20 wire (per station) $@# mesh...
If you add this to the single talkpath, non-integration and non-expansion limitations - it is obvious that Axis strives to introduce a <$200 intercom station in the near future.

Thumbnail pp 5

Brian Rhodes

IPVMU Certified | In reply to Undisclosed #2 | 06/21/16 11:15pm

This is a good point, and while LEF series is not a 20 wire system in all configurations, the bottom line is you need to pull and install many wires, to a degree that a single bundle of UTP Cat 5/5e/6/6a is simple in contrast.

The exact wire config varies depending on mix of station types, but consider this example setup that requires 10 wires connecting stations together:

Even when these exact stations aren't used (other LEF series stations might be), the wiring requirements are heavy:

For an 11 station system, at least 15 wires are needed, even more if standard things like strike releases are installed.

The bottom line: while central exchangeless analog systems are available, the cost of additional wire runs and connections can be substantial.

Thumbnail usa shield

Luis Carmona

IPVMU Certified | 06/20/16 11:44pm

Great article, Brian. A subject that needed touching on for awhile. Surprises me there is still so many little integration with ACS and VMS (I know there's some, I'm saying more). But it seems like one of those things that should just be a logical extension. With the advent of SIP, there is really no excuse why more ACS and VMS systems should not be able to integrate with intercom devices.

Alon Brown

06/21/16 12:15pm

I wonder when will the different substations, by different vendors/manufacturers, shown in the picture, be able to "converse" among themselves across the network, based on an open/standard integration platform...

Michael Miller

06/22/16 01:50am

Axis releases anther intercom station.

AXIS A8105-E Network Video Door Station

Thumbnail pp 5

Brian Rhodes

IPVMU Certified | In reply to Michael Miller | 06/22/16 03:43pm

Interesting, it's essentially a mullion mount-width intercom at <2" wide.

Rui Silva

IPVMU Certified | 06/22/16 12:32pm

Long distances are also an advantage of analog systems. Analog systems can handle distances longer than 400m easily, while IP systems are limited to 100m (without fiber or switches). Depending on the type of installation, this can make a big difference in cabling costs and infrastructures needed.

Undisclosed #2

In reply to Rui Silva | 06/22/16 01:58pm

Yes, but you need dedicated cabling instead of unified (catX) cabling, and you will probably need a separate power supply for units 400 m away. I believe most of us prefer the notion of "intelligent infrastructure", which can be extended, expanded and monitored easily, while providing both centralized and distributed capabilities.

Thumbnail vabeach13.1 2014

Brad Anderson

In reply to Rui Silva | 06/28/16 04:50pm

Commend digital stations (2 wire) can go 1500m. If wire needs to be retained a pair is all that is needed without compromise of audio quality, 16kHz, full hands free open duplex, full supervision, scream alarm technology with units and modules for every environment.

Undisclosed End User #3

06/23/16 02:05am

This is a seriously under explored segment and thanks to IPVM for giving it some attention.

Been using an aiphone system for years, lots of options for localized mesh installs (JP series using twister pair to the door and Cat5 between masters) or remote reception functions (the later using IP converters to software at the headend 2500 miles away).

Biggest challenge now is finding a hybrid of both worlds as our business evolves, something local during core hours which can be forwarded to a central station after hours. Their AI series is getting close but has limited VMS partners and I'm generally reluctant to deploy IP intensive solutions due to management and cyber concerns, something to be said for the simplicity of analog when troubleshooting. Then there's the issue of audio quality with IP, not the best experience in the remote reception role.

Digital Accoustic's caught my attention at one time but has a limited catalog compared to AiPhone, and to fully realize the potential of a VMS as a PSIM through SIP requires the decision to commit. Heard good things about Security Centre, anyone have experience going all-in with Genetec?

Undisclosed #1

In reply to Undisclosed End User #3 | 06/23/16 04:14am

Undisclosed 7 might consider going all-in with Genetec a gamble.

Login to read this IPVM report.
Why do I need to log in?
IPVM conducts unique testing and research funded by member's payments enabling us to offer the most independent, accurate and in-depth information.

Related Reports on Low Cost

Introducing Effective PPF (ePPF) - Improving Video Surveillance Designs on Jun 11, 2018
Pixel density (PPF / PPM) is the best metric the industry has to define and project video quality. It allows simple communication of estimated...
Princeton Identity Access 200 Iris Scanners Examined on Jun 05, 2018
Iris recently registered a big jump as a preferred biometric in our Favorite Biometrics survey, but access-ready options can be difficult to...
Toughest Manufacturer Competitors 2018 on May 07, 2018
150+ integrators answered: Which manufacturer, when offered by rival integrators, is toughest to compete against? Why? The...
Top 4 Biggest Problems Selling Access Control 2018 on Mar 23, 2018
We received 150+ responses from integrators when we asked them "What is the biggest problem you face when selling electronic access control?...
Camera Form Factor Guide on Mar 16, 2018
When selecting surveillance cameras, users may choose from a number of different form factors, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses,...
Hikvision IR Bullet Camera Shootout on Jan 08, 2018
Hikvision's widely used Value Plus line claims 30m/~98' IR illumination range, on multiple lens options ranging from wide angle (100°+) to...
$800 Axis Thermal Camera Examined on Jan 02, 2018
Axis is releasing two of the lowest cost thermal IP cameras ever. But will low cost be enough to spur adoption? In this note, we examine the 2 new...
WDR Tutorial on Dec 20, 2017
Understanding wide dynamic range (WDR) is critical to capturing high quality images in demanding conditions. However, with no real standards, any...
Hikvision NVR 4.0 Tested on Nov 14, 2017
Hikvision has released firmware version 4.0 for select NVRs, touting two years of research and development, and claiming "the new generation GUI...
Milestone XProtect Essential+ Free VMS Tested on Nov 09, 2017
Milestone continues to expand its aggressive free and low-cost offerings, with this year, Milestone releasing XProtect Essential+, part of their...

Most Recent Industry Reports

Installation Hardware for Video Surveillance - Indoor Fasteners on Jun 22, 2018
As part of our Installation for Video Surveillance series, in this note, we cover drywall anchors. A key part of installing security hardware is...
Hikvision ColorVu Integrated Visible Light Cameras Examined on Jun 22, 2018
When it comes to low light, infrared light has become the defacto standard in surveillance. But IR is limited to monochrome images, making colors...
Last Chance - Save $50 - July 2018 IP Networking Course on Jun 21, 2018
Today, Thursday the 21st is the last chance to save $50 on registration. Register now and save. This is the only networking course designed...
'Secure Channel' OSDP Access Control Examined on Jun 21, 2018
Despite claiming to be better than Wiegand, OSDP's initial releases did not address the lack of encryption between reader and controller, leaving...
Most Wanted Improvements In Manufacturer Technical Support (Statistics) on Jun 21, 2018
5 key areas of improvement and 1 clear wanted support feature were voiced by 140+ integrator responses to: What improvement in manufacturer...
GDPR / ICO Complaint Filed Against IFSEC Show Facial Recognition on Jun 20, 2018
IPVM has filed a complaint against IFSEC’s parent company UBM based on our concern that the conference violates core GDPR principles on...
IFSEC 2018 Final Show Report on Jun 20, 2018
IPVM attended the IFSEC show for the first time this year. The Chinese have taken over the UK, centered on Hikvision, flanked by Dahua, Huawei and...
Mobotix Releases 'Move' Into 21st Century on Jun 20, 2018
For years, Mobotix stood resolutely against, well, every other manufacturer, selling it as a virtue: MOBOTIX equipment is designed with no...
Cybersecurity Startup VDOO Disclosing 10 Manufacturer Vulnerabilities Starting With Axis And Foscam on Jun 20, 2018
Cybersecurity startup VDOO has uncovered significant vulnerabilities in Axis cameras along with many others not yet disclosed. In this report, we...
Axis Guardian - Cloud VMS And Alarm Monitoring - Released on Jun 19, 2018
Axis has struggled to deliver a cloud-based managed service video platform. Video service providers have utilized AVHS for over a decade, and have...

The world's leading video surveillance information source, IPVM provides the best reporting, testing and training for 10,000+ members globally. Dedicated to independent and objective information, we uniquely refuse any and all advertisements, sponsorship and consulting from manufacturers.

About | FAQ | Contact