The Evolution and Types of Apartment Entry Systems

Table of contents

• Key Fob Access Control
• Telephone Entry Systems
• The Evolution to Video Intercom Systems
• The Benefits of Video Intercom Systems
• The Cloud-Based Video Intercom System: Revolutionizing Apartment Entry Systems
• Wired Entry Systems
• Wireless Entry Systems
• Why Upgrade to Wireless Entry Systems?

Also, read

• Best Video Intercom Systems
• Keyless Entry Systems for Apartments
• Wireless Commercial Intercom Systems
• How to Buy a Wireless Intercom System

Apartment entry systems have been around for decades, but they have come a long way from the traditional telephone line intercoms that were once the norm. In today’s world, apartment entry systems are evolving rapidly, and it’s essential to stay up to date on the latest advancements in technology. This guide will cover the different types of apartment entry and apartment intercom systems that are now available, including:

• Key fob entry systems
• Address visitor call boxes
• Visitor video intercom systems
• Biometric access control systems
• Garage and gate entry systems

Each of these entry systems has its unique features and benefits, making it important to choose the right one for your building’s specific needs. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at each type of apartment entry system, its advantages, and how it can benefit both residents and building owners. So, let’s dive in and explore the various apartment entry systems available today.

Key Fob Access Control

Key fob systems are a type of electronic access control system that uses a small plastic device, the key fob, to grant or deny access to a building or specific area within a building. These systems work by assigning a unique electronic code to each key fob that is registered with the system. When a resident presents their key fob to the reader, the system checks the electronic code stored in the key fob against the building access and control list, which determines if the individual is authorized to access the building or area. If the code matches the access control list, the door or gate will unlock, granting access.

One of the key advantages of key fob intercom systems for apartments is their convenience. Instead of having to carry around a physical key or badge, residents can simply keep their key fob in their pocket or purse and tap it against the reader to gain entry. This can save time and reduce the risk of losing keys or badges.

But convenience is not the only benefit of key fob systems for apartment buildings. These systems also offer enhanced security features. For example, some key fobs can be encrypted to prevent unauthorized duplication, while others can be programmed with expiration dates to ensure that former residents cannot gain access to the building. Additionally, key fob systems can be integrated with other security features, such as video surveillance, to provide an even higher level of protection.

So, if you are considering upgrading your building’s entry system, a key fob system may be the right choice for you. Just be sure to consider all the options and work with a reputable vendor to ensure that the system meets your needs and provides the level of security your residents deserve.

Telephone Entry Systems

When I first moved into my apartment complex, I was surprised to see a small phone booth-like structure with a directory of names and apartment numbers right next to the main entrance. It was a telephone call box, or telephone entry system, that allowed visitors to call residents and request access to the building. I remember feeling a sense of security knowing that strangers couldn’t simply walk into the building without being buzzed in by someone inside. It also gave me peace of mind knowing that I could easily deny entry to anyone I didn’t recognize or feel comfortable letting in. Over time, however, I started to notice the limitations of the tele entry system. It was often difficult to hear visitors clearly over the phone and sometimes there was a delay in getting buzzed in. I started to wonder if there was a more efficient and modern system available. And as it turns out, there is – the video intercom system.

The Evolution to Video Intercom Systems

Most telephone entry systems these days are replaced by video or intercom systems for apartments. Video intercom systems are modern versions of the telephone call box. They allow for a remote call to be made between the visitor and the building resident, but with the added benefit of video. This allows residents to see who is at the door before granting them access. It’s a more sophisticated and efficient system that provides an extra layer of security. In fact, video intercom systems have become so popular that they are now the preferred option for many apartment building owners and residents.

Key Features of Video Intercom Systems

Video intercom systems have a range of features that make them stand out from other apartment entry systems. Some of the key features of apartment video intercom can include:

• Video camera with a wide-angle lens: This allows for clear and comprehensive views of visitors.
• Two-way audio: This allows for clear communication between the visitor and the resident.
• Remote access: Residents can now grant access to visitors even when they are not physically present at the building.
• Integration with mobile devices: With mobile integration, residents can now manage access from anywhere, making it more convenient and efficient.

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The Benefits of Video Intercom Systems

Video intercom systems offer a wide range of benefits to both residents and property managers. Some of the key benefits multi unit intercom system include:

• Enhanced security: With the ability to see and hear who is at the door, residents can more easily identify potential threats and deny access to suspicious visitors.
• Increased convenience: With remote access and mobile integration, residents can now manage access from anywhere, making it more convenient and efficient.
• Cost-effective: With cloud-based systems and remote management, property managers can reduce the cost of maintenance and upgrades, making it more cost-effective in the long run.
• Improved accessibility: Video intercom systems are also more accessible to people with disabilities, allowing them to communicate more easily with visitors.

As the world continues to evolve, it’s important for apartment buildings to keep up with the latest technology to ensure the safety and security of residents. While telephone call boxes may have served their purpose in the past, smart video intercom systems offer a more efficient, modern, and secure solution for apartment entry systems.

Mobile App based Access Control

Have you ever had that moment of panic when you realized you forgot your keys and can’t get into your apartment building? Or maybe you’re a landlord who is tired of dealing with lost keys and having to change locks every time a tenant moves out. Well, fear not! With mobile app access control, you can now use your smartphone to unlock the front door of your building. It’s a convenient and secure way to access your home, and it’s becoming increasingly popular in modern apartment buildings.

Mobile app access control is made possible by modern video intercom systems and key fob readers that allow residents to use their mobile devices over Bluetooth or NFC to unlock the front door. As a landlord, this means you no longer have to worry about handing out physical keys or taking them back when tenants move out. It’s a win-win situation for both landlords and tenants alike.

But what about security concerns? With mobile app access control, the user’s smartphone is essentially acting as a digital key. So, how secure is this method of access? Well, with the use of encrypted codes and biometric authentication methods such as fingerprint recognition, mobile app access control can actually be more secure than traditional keys. Plus, if a user loses their phone or it gets stolen, access can easily be revoked remotely.

Overall, mobile app access control is a convenient and secure solution for apartment entry systems. It’s also an exciting advancement in technology that is changing the way we access our homes. No more fumbling with keys or worrying about lost or stolen keys. With mobile app access control, you can simply use your smartphone to unlock the front door of your building.

Face Recognition Access Control

It’s 2023, and facial recognition technology is becoming more commonplace, with many people already using it to unlock their phones. This technology is now being integrated into modern video intercoms, providing face recognition access to buildings. This is a very high-security option that’s also extremely convenient, as there’s no need to carry anything with you. You can simply walk up to the reader, look at the door reader, and it recognizes your face and unlocks the door. This is a frictionless and higher-security option, as building management can easily give access to residents through a mobile app to enroll their faces and revoke access when they move out. This also becomes a compelling amenity to market to millennial residents who love the convenience of using touchless entry systems.

Let me tell you a story about my friend Maya. Maya was a young woman living in a bustling city, and she was always on the go. She lived in a building that required a key fob to enter, but she was constantly losing it and getting locked out. Maya was fed up with the inconvenience of carrying around a physical key fob, and she was always on the lookout for a better solution.

One day, Maya’s building management team announced that they were upgrading to a facial recognition access control system. Maya was intrigued by this new technology and decided to enroll in the program. She simply had to take a photo of her face and upload it to the building’s mobile app, and she was ready to go.

Maya loved the convenience of the new system. She no longer had to worry about losing her key fob or getting locked out of her building. She simply walked up to the door and looked at the reader, and the door would unlock for her. Maya was thrilled with the frictionless experience, and she appreciated the added security of the facial recognition technology.

The facial recognition access control system also became a selling point for Maya’s building. When she had friends over, they were impressed by the high-tech security measures in place. Maya even joked that her building felt like something out of a spy movie, and she loved showing off her access to the building with just a look.

Maya’s experience with facial recognition access control is just one example of how technology is changing the way we access buildings. As this technology becomes more commonplace, we can expect to see more and more buildings implementing it as a convenient and secure entry option.

Gate Entry Systems: Pedestrian and Vehicle Entry

As we’ve explored various types of apartment entry systems, it’s important not to overlook gate entry systems. This includes pedestrian gates and vehicle gates, both of which provide their own unique challenges installation costs and considerations for building security.

Pedestrian Gate Entry Systems

Pedestrian gates are essentially just another type of entry point, typically with a metal gate instead of a standard door. However, they require the same level of access and entry system as any other building front door entry does. This means that you can utilize any of the previously mentioned apartment entry systems, such as key fob or mobile app access control, for pedestrian gates as well.

Vehicle Gate Entry Systems

Gated communities, commercial buildings, and large luxury properties often utilize vehicle gates for secure entry to parking lots or garages. Without proper security measures in place, anyone could walk into the parking lot and steal cars, bikes, or other valuable assets.

While key fobs are not typically used for vehicle gate entry systems, there are other options available:

• Long Range Clickers: Similar to key fobs, long range clickers operate with a larger distance of around 30 to 40 feet. Depress the clicker as you’re pulling up your car, and the gate opens automatically.
• RFID Stickers: These stickers are placed on the windshield of your car and are detected by long range readers as you approach the gate. This eliminates the need for any physical interaction, making entry even more convenient and secure.

The Cloud-Based Video Intercom System: Revolutionizing Apartment Entry Systems

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is king. And when it comes to apartment entry systems, nothing beats the cloud-based video intercom system. This innovative technology allows property managers to manage their building’s entry system remotely through a web server, providing a level of flexibility and convenience that was once unimaginable. But what exactly is a cloud-based video apartment intercom system, and how does it work?

What is a Cloud-Based Video Intercom System?

A cloud-based video intercom system is a type of video intercom system that is hosted through a web server rather than a local computer in the building’s electrical room. This means that the whole multi tenant intercom system can be managed remotely through the cloud infrastructure, allowing property managers to add or remove residents from the system, view live video feeds, and more, all from their computer or mobile device.

How Does it Work?

A cloud-based video intercom system works by using video cameras and two-way audio to allow residents to communicate with visitors and grant access to the building. When a visitor arrives at the building, they can use the cloud based intercom system to call the resident they are visiting. The resident can then see and hear the visitor through the video feed and two-way audio and can grant access to the building through their computer or mobile device. With cloud-based technology, property managers can manage these interactions remotely and ensure that only authorized visitors are granted access.

Benefits of a Cloud-Based Video Intercom System

There are many benefits to using a cloud-based video intercom system, including:

1. Remote Management: Property managers can manage the entry system from anywhere with an internet connection, providing a level of flexibility and convenience that was once unimaginable.
2. Increased Security: With live video feeds and two-way audio, residents can more easily identify potential threats and deny access to suspicious visitors.
3. Easy to Use: Cloud-based video intercom systems are user-friendly and easy to use, even for those who are not tech-savvy.
4. Cost-Effective: With cloud-based technology, property managers can reduce the cost of maintenance and upgrades, making it more cost-effective in the long run.
5. Integration with Mobile Devices: With mobile integration, residents can manage access from anywhere, making it more convenient and efficient.

Wired Entry Systems

A wired entry system typically consists of an intercom reader on the front door of each individual unit inside the apartment. When a visitor presses the button on the intercom, it makes a buzzing sound on the receiver inside the unit. The resident can then press a button to have apartment intercom system talk with the visitor and another button to buzz them in. Some key points to note about wired entry systems are:

• They are the traditional and most commonly used entry system in apartments.
• They require a local computer in the building electrical room to manage the system.
• The process of retrofitting a wired system can be complicated and expensive.

Wireless Entry Systems

Wireless entry systems are becoming increasingly popular in apartments, as they offer greater flexibility and convenience. There are two types of wireless entry systems:

Telephone Wireless Call Boxes

Telephone wireless call boxes are connected to a traditional telephone line and do not require the installation cost a receiver in each unit. When a visitor presses the button on the call box, the calls are made through the telephone line to a residence phone. The resident can then press 9 to unlock the door. Some key points to note about telephone wireless call boxes are:

• They are less secure than video intercom systems, as the resident can’t see who’s at the door.
• They are less expensive than video intercom systems.

Video Intercom Systems

Video intercom systems make wireless video calls to the resident’s phone through a mobile app. When a visitor presses the button on the various apartment video intercom systems, an audio-video call is sent wirelessly to the resident’s phone. The resident can then press a button on their phone to unlock the door remotely. Some key points to note about video intercom systems are:

• They offer higher security, as the resident can see and talk to the visitor before granting access.
• They are more expensive than telephone wireless call boxes.

In summary, while wired entry systems are the traditional option, wireless entry and best video intercom systems are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and flexibility. Telephone wireless call boxes are less secure than video intercom systems, but they are also less expensive. Video intercom systems offer higher security, but they come with a higher price tag. Ultimately, the choice between wired and wireless entry systems will depend on the needs and preferences of the building’s residents.

Why Upgrade to Wireless Entry Systems?

The traditional wired entry system requires an intercom reader on the front door of each individual unit inside the apartment building. When a visitor presses a button on the intercom, it will make a buzzing sound on the receiver inside the unit, allowing the resident to talk with the visitor and then press another button on apartment intercom to buzz them in. While this is a reliable system, it has limitations. For example, the resident must be at home to receive the call and let the visitor in.

With a wireless entry system, residents have more flexibility and convenience when it comes to managing access to their units. Here are some of the benefits of upgrading to a wireless entry system:

1. Call from Anywhere: With a wireless entry system, residents can receive calls from the front door even when they are not at home. They can answer the call from their smartphone or tablet and communicate with the visitor remotely.
2. Easy Retrofitting: Upgrading to a video intercom system that wirelessly calls the residence is easy to retrofit without having to run wires throughout the building.
3. Higher Security: Video intercoms offer a higher level of security than traditional intercoms, as they provide visual confirmation of who is at the front door before allowing access.