Everything you need to know about the professional IP video intercom system
Introduction
For many years, electronic intercom systems evolved very slowly. First came the 4+N analog systems, then digital systems, and finally the 2-Wire technology, which revolutionized the market by allowing the reuse of existing wiring and greatly simplifying installations.
However, modern buildings no longer only need a video intercom.
Nowadays it is common for a building to have:
- access control
- smartphone access
- digital directories
- IP cameras
- smart elevators
- remote management
- virtual concierge
- centralized administration
- real-time monitoring
This is where IP DES SYSTEM comes in, a platform developed by BTicino to transform a simple video intercom into a true smart building management system. The manual itself presents the system as an IP network-based platform with tools to configure devices, communities, addresses, users, events, alarms, and multiple advanced functions.
What exactly is IP DES?
IP DES stands for IP Door Entry System.
It is not just an IP video intercom.
It is a complete platform capable of managing an entire installation from a single software.
While a traditional system simply receives calls from an outdoor panel, IP DES can control practically all elements related to building access.
Among them:
- outdoor panels
- monitors
- IP phones
- cameras
- elevators
- users
- RFID cards
- PIN codes
- maintenance staff
- installation maps
- history
- alarms
- statistics
In other words, it is the "brain" of the building.
Much more than a video intercom
One of the most common mistakes is thinking that IP DES is only used to make calls between the panel and the monitor.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
The software includes numerous administration modules, among them:
- community management
- building administration
- resident management
- visitor log
- temporary users
- access codes
- electronic cards
- elevator control
- ONVIF cameras
- building maps
- backups
- system restoration
- firmware update
- operator management
- different levels of permissions
- call history
- access history
- alarm history
- complete system diagnostics
All these functions are organized in the official manual’s index, which dedicates specific chapters to device configuration, communities, person records, access control, operator management, maps, call history, alarms, backups, and software updates.
A fully IP architecture
Unlike a conventional system, here almost all devices operate connected via an Ethernet network.
This allows:
- higher speed
- huge distances
- multiple buildings
- remote access
- management from any computer
The manual dedicates a full section to network infrastructure requirements, bandwidth sizing, IP address assignment, and router configuration to ensure stable operation.
A solution designed for modern buildings
IP DES is not designed solely for homes.
It can be used in:
- housing developments
- homeowner communities
- corporate buildings
- hospitals
- hotels
- universities
- campuses
- residences
- public buildings
Its modular design allows growth from a relatively small installation to complexes with thousands of users.
Fundamental concepts
The system organizes the installation through several hierarchical levels:
Community
Represents the residential complex or building.
Can contain multiple entrances.
Floor
Allows physical organization of the building.
It is especially useful in large developments.
Devices
Each connected device has its own identity.
For example:
- panels
- monitors
- phones
- cameras
- controllers
Directory
One of the most interesting elements.
Instead of memorizing apartment numbers, the visitor can search for:
- first name
- last name
- company
- alias
As described in the manual, the system supports numeric calls, alias calls, alphanumeric aliases, and contacts stored in the address book.
Advanced user management
One of the biggest advantages over a conventional video intercom is the management of people.
The administrator can create individual profiles for:
- owners
- tenants
- employees
- cleaning staff
- security
- maintenance
Each with different permissions.
intelligent access control
IP DES integrates multiple opening methods:
- RFID cards
- PIN codes
- electronic keys
- calls from monitor
- remote access
- compatible applications
Additionally, it allows managing additions, removals, and permissions from the central software.
Integration with IP cameras
One of the most powerful aspects is compatibility with ONVIF cameras.
This allows:
- expand video surveillance
- view secondary accesses
- control common areas
- integrate compatible third-party cameras
Support for ONVIF cameras is among the main functions described in the manual.
Elevator management
Another very interesting section.
After identifying the visitor, the system can authorize only certain floors.
This feature significantly increases security in office and residential buildings.
Administration via browser
All configuration is done from a web interface.
It is not necessary to configure each device individually.
From a single computer, you can manage:
- users
- buildings
- panels
- firmware
- copies
- alarms
Complete history
The system records absolutely everything.
Among others:
- calls
- openings
- alarms
- incidents
- disconnections
- operator activity
This is especially useful for property managers and maintenance staff.
Backups
The manual dedicates a specific chapter to backup and restoration of the configuration, allowing the entire installation to be saved and recovered in case of server replacement or failure.
Who should use IP DES
It is a solution especially suitable for:
- new construction developments
- office buildings
- hotels
- hospitals
- universities
- large communities
- smart buildings
- residential complexes
Advantages over a conventional system
Among the main advantages are:
- Fully IP architecture, scalable and ready for large installations.
- Centralized administration from a single software.
- Advanced user management and permissions.
- Access control using multiple technologies.
- Integration with ONVIF cameras.
- Elevator control and security functions.
- History, statistics, and alarms for preventive maintenance.
- Updates and backups from the platform itself.