Intercom: Analog, Digital and SIP System How to Selection?

Intercom: Analog, IP and SIP System How to Selection?

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Building intercom systems can be divided into analog systems, digital systems and SIP systems according to the technology characteristics. For users aiming to install an intercom system, the question of how to choose among these three systems is crucial. The following is an introduction to these three systems to help users make an informed decision.

1. Analog intercom system

Advantages:
Cost – effectiveness: With relatively low equipment prices and installation costs, it is an ideal choice for small – scale projects with tight budgets.
Reliable technology: The technology is well – established, featuring stable ciruits, easy maintenance, and a low failure rate.
Immediate communication: Audio transmission is real – time, ensuring a stable call quality without any noticeable delay.

Disadvantages:

Function limitation: It only supports basic call and unlocking functions, and lacks the ability to expand intelligent features such as video communication and remote control.
Complex cabling: Separate laying of audio – video cables and power cables is required, making system expansion or modification a challenging task.
Weak anti – interference: Prone to electromagnetic interference from strong electrical equipment, and signal attenuation is significant during long – distance transmission.
Poor expandability: Difficulty in integrating with other systems like access control and monitoring systems.

Applicable scenarios:

It is suitable for scenarios with low – cost requirements, such as old residential communities and small – scale apartment buildings.

2. Digital intercom system (IP intercom)

Advantages:
Abundant functions: It supports a wide range of intelligent functions, including high – definition video, remote unlocking, information dissemination, and electronic peephole features.
Simplified wiring: Transmitted via Ethernet (using PoE power supply) or Wi – Fi, which significantly reduces cable costs.
High scalability: Capable of integrating with access control, monitoring, and alarm systems, and also supports mobile phone APP control for added convenience.
Strong anti – interference: Digital signal transmission ensures stability, making it suitable for large – scale communities or long – distance deployments.

Disadvantages:

High cost: Requires a substantial investment in equipment and network infrastructure, including switches and routers.
Network – dependent: The stability of the network directly impacts system performance, so ensuring sufficient bandwidth and security is essential.
Complicated configuration: Demands professional network knowledge for debugging, resulting in a relatively high maintenance threshold.

Applicable scenarios:

Ideal for mid – to – high – end residential areas, commercial buildings, smart communities, and other scenarios that require multi – functional integration.

3. SIP intercom system (based on VoIP protocol)

Advantages:
High compatibility: Based on the standard SIP protocol, it can be seamlessly integrated with mainstream communication systems, such as IPPBX and softphones.
Remote connectivity: Enables remote calls over the Internet, for example, connecting the property management center with residents’ mobile phones.
Flexible deployment: No need for specialized equipment, as it can directly utilize the existing IP network, reducing wiring costs.
Scalability: Easy to integrate with other SIP terminals, such as video conferencing systems and call centers.

Disadvantages:

Network – quality – dependent: Network delays or insufficient bandwidth can lead to call interruptions and blurred video quality.
Security concerns: Necessitates the configuration of firewalls, encryption, and other security measures to safeguard against network attacks like eavesdropping and DoS attacks.
Cost variability: If high – level security or QoS guarantees are required, deployment costs may increase accordingly.

Applicable scenarios:

Suitable for scenarios that require remote access or integration with corporate communication systems, such as office buildings, hospitals, and campuses.

User selection suggestions：

Budget – constrained, basic functions needed: Optional for the analog system.
Desire for intelligence and future expansion: Choose the digital intercom system.
Require remote control or integration with enterprise systems: Select the SIP system.