Innovators are quickly changing the face of real estate as you know it. Smart homes and apartments are no longer a luxury for a chosen few. Despite the latest tech innovation, the role of the property manager remains pretty straightforward: providing a safe, secure and comfortable living experience for all tenants.
For over a century, door intercom systems have helped secure buildings and simplify property access. Technology advancement in the sector now allows for remote door opening and keyless entry. You can also enjoy a one-way video call that allows the tenant to verify the identity of the visitor at the front door.
Wired Vs. Wireless Intercom Systems for Buildings
With multiple factors to keep in mind, it can be quite confusing for property managers intending to install multi-tenant intercom systems on their properties. One of the most crucial aspects to consider is the wiring. You may have to pick between wired and wireless intercom systems. The decision you make may have significant financial and functional implications.
Wired Intercom Systems
Wired units require running cables throughout your apartment building, connecting the base stations to the terminal stations in the tenants’ homes or offices. You can use the Cat5E or Cat6 cables to interconnect every node in the network. You may need to carry out the installation during construction or major renovations to hardwire every in-unit device to the external master station with the least disruption.
Wireless systems
Wireless intercom systems for buildings do not require whole building wiring. Wireless intercom modules utilize cellular connection or Wi-Fi connectivity to link all the in-unit devices to the outdoor panel. For stabler connections, you may opt to use an ethernet cable for the master station at the front door of your apartment. Why pick a wireless intercom system for buildings?
1. Ease of Installation
Wireless apartment intercoms are easier to set up than wired systems. Hardwiring your door intercom system may mean drilling through walls, which can prove costly in the long run. Laying cables over your walls can downgrade the aesthetic look of your apartments. You may have to wait for a major renovation project before wiring. The simple installation synonymous with wireless intercoms makes them an excellent choice for older buildings that may not handle the drilling and smashing through walls.
2. Costs
Modern intercom systems can cost between $1500 and $6000. Wired units may require extensive cabling and hardware before installation. You may also need to factor in the installation time through professional contractors that could bring the total costs to tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. A wireless intercom system for buildings is easier to put up and with lesser hardware.
3. Flexibility
Wireless systems are also easier to upgrade, keeping you in tabs with the latest technology. For wired intercom systems for an apartment building, you may have to rewire the entire building. You can future proof your investment by opting for wireless connectivity for your building’s access control system. You can also easily install more wireless intercom units into the system without having to expand the existing infrastructure, i.e., the master station.
You may need to factor in several considerations before purchasing your multi-tenant intercom systems, including wiring. A wireless intercom system for buildings provides more flexibility, is cheaper, and is easier to set up. To learn more about apartment video intercom systems, please contact us today.