Are you in the market for a new access control and intercom system but need help understanding all the options? We’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide to telephone entry systems.
A telephone entry system is an access control method that allows visitors at a front door intercom to talk with residents or staff at a property before being granted entry. These systems are commonly used in gated communities, apartment buildings, office complexes, and industrial sites.
This guide covers everything you need to know about telephone entry systems. We explore traditional systems based on plain old telephone service (POTS) and more contemporary technology that uses cellular or Internet Protocol (IP) communications to connect visitors at the door with building tenants and staff. Explore examples of several brands that are well-respected in their categories. Also, look at telephone entry systems with video that enhance building security and tenant convenience.
Contents
- What Is a Telephone Entry System?
- How Telephone Entry Works
- Benefits and Drawbacks of a Telephone Intercom
- Best Telephone Entry Systems
- Consider Swiftlane for Your Telephone Entry System Upgrade
What Is a Telephone Entry System?
A telephone entry system is an access control solution for multi-unit buildings and campuses. It allows tenants or staff to communicate with visitors at the entrance via an intercom-style device, sometimes called a call box. These systems are commonly used in multi-tenant buildings like apartment buildings, co-ops, condos, gated communities, office buildings, and corporate campuses—anywhere a simple doorbell isn’t sufficient.
Telephone Entry System Components
A typical call box system includes:
- Entryway Call Box: A durable, weather-resistant unit installed at entry points, equipped with necessary communication tools such as a microphone, speaker, and keypad. They may also include a video camera and a touchscreen instead of a keypad.
- Communication Link: Connects the call box to residents or staff via ordinary landlines (POTS), cellular networks, or the Internet.
- Receiver Devices: Devices used by residents or staff to communicate with visitors, including purpose-built in-unit intercoms, household and office landline phones, or tenant cellular and smartphones that they can respond to from anywhere.
- Electronic Door Release: Mechanisms like electronic strikes or magnetic locks allow remote doors or gates to be unlocked, usually by pressing a button on the tenant’s phone or intercom unit.
- Power Supply: Ensures all components operate effectively, with some systems offering battery backups for reliability during power outages.
Telephone Entry System Types
Traditional (POTS) Telephone Entry Systems
Telephone entry systems replaced older apartment buzzers and wired intercoms, which required complex dedicated wiring to connect a building’s entrance to individual units. Instead, traditional telephone entry systems are like ordinary telephones for the front door of the building. They use a dedicated phone line to call tenants directly via the phone network. Tenants can press a key (such as “9”) on their phone to remotely unlock the door.
VoIP and Cellular Telephone Entry Systems
Today, fewer and fewer people bother maintaining landline telephone service, and some buildings don’t even install telephone wiring anymore. With fewer users, traditional landlines are becoming expensive, driving up property management costs for older telephone entry systems.
It has been increasingly common for building intercom to bypass landlines and connect directly to cellular networks (e.g., LTE, 5G, etc.) with a built-in antenna or to the Internet (WiFi or Ethernet) to offer Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) connections. These digital devices, sometimes called smart intercoms, typically enable remote management, which is convenient for property managers (see more below).
Another benefit of cellular and Internet-connected intercoms is that they can transmit any form of digital data, such as full-color video beamed from a video intercom to a tenant’s smartphone. This allows tenants to verify visitors visually for added building security. So, while the term “telephone entry system” may be used, today’s capabilities have gone well beyond the traditional phone.
How Telephone Entry Works
- Visitor Interaction: A visitor arrives at the entrance and uses a keypad or touchscreen panel to call the resident or security personnel.
- Communication: The system establishes two-way audio (and sometimes video) by connecting via a landline, cellular network, or internet-based VoIP.
- Access Control: The resident or staff member can remotely grant or deny access by pressing a button on their phone, which activates an electric door strike, gate opener, or magnetic lock.
- Logging & Monitoring: Many modern Internet-based telephone entry systems log entries and can integrate with security cameras or smart home platforms for a full-building security and access control solution.
Benefits and Drawbacks of a Telephone Intercom
Modern call boxes offer a range of features designed to enhance security and convenience:
- Audio and Video Communication: Enables residents or staff to see and speak with visitors before granting access.
- Digital Directories: Allows visitors to quickly find and contact the appropriate resident or department. Older telephone entry systems post a printed directory next to the intercom.
- Access Control Integration: Seamlessly integrates with existing access control systems to manage entry points effectively.
- Remote Management: This option allows users to manage and monitor the system remotely, which is particularly beneficial for property managers overseeing multiple locations.
- Enhanced Security: Video allows for effective screening of visitors, reducing unauthorized access. Tenants can verify that each visitor is who they say they are, which helps reduce package theft and other property crimes.
- Convenience: Enables residents or staff to grant remote access, saving time and effort. This has become more important with the high volume of deliveries, support personnel (pet care, child care, cleaning people, etc.), and house guests that visit many buildings these days.
- Cost Efficiency: Modern systems can reduce the need for on-site personnel, lowering operational costs.
However, it’s essential to consider potential limitations:
- Dependence on Power and Connectivity: Systems reliant on the Internet or phone lines may be vulnerable during outages. However, many telephone entry systems have backups, including the ability to use ordinary keys at the building door.
- Maintenance Requirements: Regular upkeep is necessary to ensure optimal performance and security.
- Audio-Only Limitations: Older telephone entry system designs lack video. Systems with video integration are best to reduce porch piracy and package theft.
Best Telephone Entry Systems
Several reputable brands offer call box solutions suitable for both residential and commercial applications:
Doorking – Best for Audio Only Traditional Call Box
Company Overview: Doorking is a leading provider of access control solutions, specializing in telephone entry systems, gate operators, and parking control products. It is known for its durable and reliable stainless steel-encased call boxes for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
Product Model: Doorking 1837 Telephone Entry System
Key Features:
- Designed for large multi-tenant buildings, gated communities, and commercial facilities.
- Stores up to 3,000 phone numbers and 8,000 access codes.
- Provides built-in modem and TCP/IP connectivity for remote programming and management.
- Can control up to 16 entry points with the addition of access control boards.
- Offers a built-in LCD screen tenant directory.
- Compatible with card readers, keypads, and RFID systems for enhanced security.
- Works with POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service), cellular, and VoIP communication methods.
- Optional third-party camera integration for added security.
The Doorking 1837 is a top choice for property managers who need a scalable and remotely manageable telephone entry solution.
Considering a Doorking telephone entry system? Read our full review of the Doorking lineup.
Linear – Best for Traditional Landline Phone Installations
Company Overview: Founded in 1961, Linear is a leading manufacturer of telephone entry systems and gate and garage door operators for multifamily communities.
Product Model: Linear EntryPro 736 Telephone Entry System
Key Features:
- Supports up to 36 doors, expandable to 64.
- 7” touchscreen display with built-in digital directory
- Provides clear two-way voice audio calls.
- Dependent on traditional telephone lines, VoIP functionality is available through third-party adapters.
- Manufacturer 2-year hardware and software warranty
Kantech Best for Simple Design
Company Overview: Kantech, part of Tyco Security Products, provides integrated access control technologies for small—and medium-sized businesses.
Product Model: Kantech Telephone Entry System (KTES)
Key Features:
- Remote management through Kantech’s EntraPass software with an Internet connection.
- Built-in directory supporting up to 3,000 contacts
- Supports up to five units on a single phone line
- Can connect using modem, ethernet, or telephone cable
- Simplified design with numeric keypad and small LCD
Intercoms with Video Integration
As technology has advanced, many modern telephone entry systems now include video capabilities along with audio. These video intercom systems let you hear and see your visitors, offering security and convenience. They are handy for high-security properties or upscale residential buildings. Modern video intercoms often feature touchscreen interfaces, remote monitoring via smartphone apps, and even advanced functions like facial recognition.
Use Cases for Video Intercoms
- Visual verification: See who is at the door and verify their identity before granting access.
- Commercial uses: Greet guests or customers personably before granting building access.
- Virtual doorman: Use staff in a central location to manage multiple building doors virtually.
Mircom – Best for Oversized Touch Screen
Company Overview: Mircom is a global designer, manufacturer, and distributor of intelligent building solutions, including fire detection, communications, and security systems.
Product Model: Mircom TX3 Series Touch Screen Voice Entry Systems
Key Features:
- Available in 15” and 22” full-color touchscreens—significantly larger than the industry standard—it allows full QWERTY keyboards onscreen to search the built-in digital tenant directory.
- Built-in HD camera for video communication.
- Supports SIP calling to connect with mobile devices via the MiEntry app.
- Electronic directory with capacity for up to 2,000 contacts.
Mobile video and audio calling is provided via the MiEntry mobile app, which only works with specific TX3 series touch phone models.
Security Brands Inc. – Best Cellular Only Model
Company Overview: Security Brands Inc. offers a range of access control products, including telephone entry systems, keypads, and card readers.
Product Model: Ascent M3 Cellular Telephone Entry System
Key Features:
- Full-color 8-inch LCD touchscreen
- Controls up to two doors with multiple access methods, including app, text, and voice.
- Supports up to 10,000 users and 1,000 keypad codes.
- Cloud-based management for remote programming.
- Built-in camera for capturing images of visitors.
- 2 Wiegand inputs for key fobs and ID cards
Swiftlane – Best for Video and Facial Recognition
Company Overview: Swiftlane is a modern provider of integrated access control and video intercom systems. It offers touchless solutions for secure and convenient building entry. Its 2-way video intercoms feature built-in facial recognition access control.
Product Model: Swiftlane Video Intercom System
Key Features:
- Integrated two-way video intercom calling for secure visitor and guest management.
- Connects via IP connections: cellular, WiFi, or ethernet.
- Mobile app allows users to answer calls and unlock doors remotely.
- Touchless, industry-leading face recognition access and mobile unlock capabilities provide convenient hands-free access for building tenants.
- Cloud-based management for remote access and monitoring.
- IK10 and IP65 rated to withstand vandalism and extreme weather elements.
Cost Considerations
The cost of implementing a call box system varies based on the type and features:
- Audio-only Telephone Line Systems: Hardware costs range from $1,000 to $4,000, installation costs around $2,000, and monthly telephone service fees.
- Video Intercom Systems: Hardware costs range from $2,000 to $6,000, with similar installation costs and potential cloud service subscription fees.
Investing in a suitable call box system can significantly enhance the security and convenience of residential and commercial properties. It provides controlled access and peace of mind for occupants and managers alike.
If you want to learn more about your options for building access control, read our guide to the Best Apartment Intercom Systems.
Looking for a solution for commercial buildings and offices? Try our guide to the Best Business & Office Intercom Systems.
Consider Swiftlane for Your Telephone Entry System Upgrade
Our Swiftlane video intercoms provide a modern offering with all the top features of a telephone entry video intercom system. Our IP smart intercoms can connect via 5G cellular, ethernet, or building WiFi. Unlike most products on the market, ours are 2-way video capable, an option that lets visitors and residents talk to each other “face-to-face” over the system. Meanwhile, with facial recognition access control, building tenants have a fast and hands-free way to access the building.
Standout features include:
- Touchless access control with facial recognition for tenants
- HD video and audio capabilities
- Seamless mobile app integration
- IP65 and IK10 durability (Swiftreader X model)
- Integration with key fob/ID card readers, PIN pads, and mobile device entry
- Integrates with doors, elevators, and parking gates
- Scalable solutions for businesses of all sizes
- Strong 24/7 customer support and glowing testimonials
- Top-tier rated 4.8-star app in the Apple Store and 4.7-star rated app in the Google Play store.
Schedule a demo with us to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a telephone entry system?
A telephone entry system is an intercom system that allows visitors to communicate with residents or property managers by telephone before being granted access to a building or gated area.
How does a telephone entry system work?
When visitors arrive, they use a keypad or touchscreen to call a specific resident or office. The resident can answer the call on their phone and press a button to unlock the door or gate remotely.
Do I need a landline to use a telephone entry system?
No, many modern systems use cellular or VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) connections, eliminating the need for a traditional landline.
Can I integrate a telephone entry system with my existing security system?
Yes, many entry systems can be integrated with access control, CCTV cameras, and alarm systems for enhanced security. Check with the manufacturer if your chosen intercom can integrate with your building’s existing systems.
What types of properties use telephone entry systems?
These systems are commonly used in apartment buildings, gated communities, office buildings, commercial properties, and industrial facilities.
Can I answer calls from my mobile phone?
Yes, modern systems allow calls to be forwarded to mobile phones, allowing you to grant access remotely.
Is video available in telephone entry systems?
Some advanced models include video calling features so residents can see visitors before granting access.
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