What is included in a modern door communication system?
Depending on the required range of functions, a door communication system can consist of several components. These can include an outdoor station, doorbell button, camera, speaking unit, indoor station, door chime, power supply, control unit and access control.
It is important not to select these components independently of one another. Outdoor station, indoor station and system units must be technically compatible. In an existing system, the existing cabling also plays an important role.
Therefore, first consider what you expect the system to do: Is a classic voice connection sufficient, should a camera image also be transmitted, or do you want to receive door calls on a mobile device and control access comfortably?
Which door communication components do you need?
The individual areas fulfil different functions. First choose the appropriate module and then refine the specific product selection there.
Door station
The outdoor station at the entrance: depending on the system with doorbell button, speaking unit, camera and additional functions.
Select door stations →Indoor station
The indoor station for answering calls, voice communication, camera image and door opening – depending on the system used.
Select indoor stations →Door chime
Acoustic signalling of a door call – classic, radio-based or as part of a compatible system.
View door chimes →Camera
Camera modules and video components for suitable door communication systems.
View cameras →System units
Power supplies, gateways, control units and other modules required for the setup and operation of the respective system.
View system units →Speakers & microphones
Audio components for compatible intercom and door communication solutions.
View speakers & microphones →Mounting components
Housings, fronts and other parts for the structural integration of suitable system components.
View mounting components →Access control
Solutions for system-dependent access control and release of doors or gates.
View access control →Doorbell, door intercom or video door communication?
| Solution | Typical functions | Suitable when |
|---|---|---|
| Doorbell system | Visitors signal their presence using doorbell buttons and a chime | no direct voice or video connection is required |
| Audio door intercom | Ringing, speaking and listening and, depending on the system, door opening | communication with visitors without a camera image is sufficient |
| Video door communication | Voice connection plus camera image | visitors should be visually identified before opening |
| Mobile door communication | depending on the system, door calls, video and further functions via smartphone or tablet | door calls should also be answered outside a fixed indoor station |
| Door communication with access control | communication and system-dependent access release | ringing, communication and access should be planned together |
Plan door communication clearly for apartment blocks
The more apartments or usage units are connected, the more important clear participant assignment and user-friendly operation at the entrance become.
Classic systems use multiple doorbell buttons and nameplates for this. In suitable digital systems, call lists and display elements can structure the selection of participants.
In addition to operation, system size, number of indoor stations and potential later changes should be considered already during planning.
IP or 2-wire – which door communication system is suitable?
In a new build, network and cabling paths can be planned from the outset to suit the door communication. In existing buildings, however, suitable existing cabling can significantly influence the choice of system.
2-wire / BUS
Manufacturer-specific bus systems can be of interest for an existing installation if the existing wiring is suitable for the chosen system.
Outdoor station, indoor station and control units must then come from a compatible system environment.
IP / LAN
IP-based door communication is integrated into the building's network structure. Depending on the system, LAN, PoE and other network functions are used.
This is particularly interesting when door communication, apps and other building functions are planned to be networked.
How does door communication work with a smartphone?
In suitable systems, door calls can be forwarded to a smartphone or tablet. Which functions are actually available depends on the respective manufacturer and system.
Depending on the solution, camera image, voice connection and other control functions are possible. However, an app does not automatically replace all components of a classic door communication system.
Therefore, check during planning whether only mobile devices are to be used or whether a fixed indoor station is also sensible.
Plan door communication and mailbox as an entrance solution
The special BML approach lies in the combination of door communication and metal design. Depending on the product, technical components can be integrated into mailboxes, mailbox systems, fronts or freestanding entrance solutions.
As a result, camera, doorbell button, speaking unit and mailbox do not have to be installed as independent individual devices next to each other. Material, colour, positions and labelling can be planned together.
The current range includes different system manufacturers, mounting types as well as stainless steel and RAL finishes. House numbers and name labelling can also be incorporated into the design for suitable products.
Why is system compatibility so important in door communication?
Outdoor station, indoor station, power supply, gateway, control unit and other components form a technical system. Products from different manufacturers or product lines are therefore not automatically compatible with each other.
For a new system, first determine the desired system environment. For an existing door intercom, manufacturers, model designations and existing system units should be documented before individual components are replaced or expanded.
What should be planned before installing a door communication system?
Cable routes, power supply, network, door opener, number of participants and position of the indoor stations should be determined as far as possible before installation.
For video systems, camera position and detection area must be added. For freestanding systems, the cabling and mounting point up to the property boundary must also be planned.
Connection and commissioning should be carried out by appropriately qualified personnel in accordance with the instructions of the respective system manufacturer.
Frequently asked questions about door communication
What belongs to a door communication system?
Depending on the system, this includes an outdoor station, doorbell button, speaking unit, camera, indoor station, door chime, power and control units and, if applicable, door openers and access control.
What is the difference between an outdoor station and an indoor station?
The outdoor station is located at the entrance and is operated by visitors. The indoor station is located inside the building and is used to answer calls, communicate and, depending on the system, display the camera image and open the door.
Is an IP door intercom better than a 2-wire system?
Not necessarily. Which technology is better depends on the building, existing cabling, desired range of functions and the chosen manufacturer's system.
Can door communication work via smartphone?
In systems designed for it, door calls and other functions can be transmitted to a smartphone or tablet. Scope and required additional components depend on the manufacturer.
Can a door communication system be combined with access control?
Yes, in suitable systems door communication can be supplemented with an access control solution. Which components can be combined depends on the respective system.
Can door communication be integrated into a mailbox?
Yes. BML offers various solutions in which doorbell buttons, speaking units, cameras or other system components are integrated directly into mailboxes, mailbox systems or entrance pillars.
Can I combine components from different manufacturers?
Not arbitrarily. Door communication systems use different bus, network and control concepts. Components may only be combined if the corresponding compatibility is explicitly given.
What do I need for door communication in an apartment building?
In addition to a suitable door station, the number of participants, call assignment, indoor stations, system units and, if applicable, digital participant displays must be dimensioned appropriately.
We will help you choose the appropriate components
Tell us whether it is a new build or an existing installation, how many parties are to be connected and which functions you require. For existing systems, manufacturer, model designations and photos of the existing system components are also helpful.
