The benefits of scalable access control systems

Changing needs: when is it time to upgrade?

Updating, upgrading, or adding new devices to an access control system is a common necessity. Customer demands can increase, security requirements change, new threats emerge, or technology advances, and regular updates ensure the system remains protected against vulnerabilities, while upgrades improve performance, compatibility, and user experience.

Adding new devices may be required for expanding coverage or enhancing functionality—such as mobile credentials. However, prioritizing scalability in the access control system you originally install will be able to keep device addition or replacement at a minimum. How?

The scalability advantage

At the heart of a successful access control system is scalability, which is one of the huge benefits that IP technology offers over analogue systems.

Scalable IP access control systems leverage the power of networks, allowing for seamless integration and adaptability to changing project requirements. IP devices within the system can have software updates that offer new features as and when needed: sometimes even remotely. What’s more, IP systems can be upgraded to include supplemental new devices should the building grow or the needs change (for example, if a client now requires an IP camera somewhere or wants to upgrade to mobile access control)

This flexibility translates into a system that grows with the needs of the user, eliminating the necessity for frequent replacements and that can also dynamically improve cybersecurity.

General steps for upgrading IP access control systems while minimizing the need for device replacements

Find out what you need

First things first, conduct a system assessment. Conduct a comprehensive assessment of your existing IP access control system alongside your customer’s needs and identify the components, evaluate their current capabilities, and make sure you understand any limitations. If you're uncertain about the necessary upgrades, begin by asking yourself the following questions:

• Which areas within the building require controlled access, and has anything changed?

• How will any enhancements, such as adding mobile access control or a new camera, integrate with your existing system?

• What is the level of security provided by your current access devices?

• Is it possible to administer the system remotely?

• Are access credentials being efficiently managed, and are they secure enough?
  
  

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Adding new devices

After you’ve evaluated your needs, the next step is to determine if you need to replace or add new devices. Doing this can sometimes be an unavoidable necessity – but you should nonetheless choose an access provider that prioritises reliable, future-proof devices to limit unnecessary replacement as much as possible in the future.

Thankfully, adding new devices into an IP system is easy. You only need a power source and ethernet cable (or PoE cable) at the new location, connect the device to it, and add it to the system. Set up the access/calling rules via your chosen management system, and you’re up and rolling!

Upgrading device capability

If you just want or need a brand-new feature, however, you can take steps to ensure the intercom or access reader you’ve already installed can stay where it is.

Take this scenario: you already have an audio-capable IP intercom installed at the parking lot entrance of a project. However, you now want to add licence plate reading to ensure quick, seamless access. Do you need to replace the intercom with a video intercom or some other device? If it’s a 2N IP intercom, such as the 2N IP Force, no!

1. You already have a 2N IP intercom or access control reader device installed and connected to the garage door or barrier
2. To add license plate reading, install an IP camera capable of reading licence plates (our parent company Axis make the best)
3. Set up the connection between the camera and the 2N intercom/access reader: it will be simple with our devices since we always prioritize easy integration with CCTV, VMS, and other security systems
4. Assign a licence plate number as a credential to the user via the 2N OS or 2N Access Commander
5. The barrier will automatically open for cars with authorised licence plates – and, in the end, you only needed to add an IP camera!

Another way to upgrade the capabilities of the access solution you’re using is to make sure existing devices get regular updates.

The 2N OS lies at the heart of every IP device 2N makes, and it is updated all the time to allow you to add great new features to existing devices as well as great new integration opportunities. For example, previous versions of the 2N OS included new features such as:

Adaptive Face Zooming

With Version 2.0, we added a feature never seen before in intercoms. Adaptive Face Zooming allows the wide-angle camera of the 2N IP Style, 2N IP Verso 2.0, and 2N IP One to automatically detect faces in the shot and then adaptively zoom in on them. It adds an extra layer of security to projects and crystal-clear visitor identification.

The DoorViewer Feature

DoorViewer not only boosts the security of residents' homes but also enhances the user experience. It achieves this by enabling the 2N Indoor View indoor station to seamlessly integrate with third-party cameras, effectively transforming them into spyholes. When the doorbell is pressed, a live video preview displays who’s at the door on the display of the answering unit.

Discover more about the 2N OS

Check for management software upgrades

When scaling up, it’s always worth checking for available software upgrades for your access control management software. Newer versions often come with improved features, security patches, and better integration capabilities. Ensure that your existing hardware is compatible with the new software.

The 2N Access Commander, used for managing access systems in mainly office environments, is regularly updated to ensure more capabilities and tighter security. Managing a residential system with the My2N Management Platform? You won’t need to think about updates, it’s updated regularly automatically.

Assess your cybersecurity protection

Regular updates to IP access control systems are essential to protect against evolving cyber threats. This applies not only to commercial environments but also to residential properties, where security risks are increasingly relevant. Keeping both device firmware and management software up to date ensures your system remains resilient.

Evaluate the cybersecurity measures of your current system and verify that they align with industry best practices. Review encryption protocols, password policies, and access management processes, updating them as needed to maintain a strong defense.

At 2N, cybersecurity is our ongoing priority. Every firmware update includes not only new features but if needed also crucial security enhancements. As part of our transparent approach, we publicly disclose identified and mitigated vulnerabilities in the form of CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures). Most recently, we published four CVEs under the CNA account of our parent company, Axis Communications.

For best practices on securing your system, consult the 2N Hardening Guide.

Embrace the future with scalable IP technology

In conclusion, the key to efficiently upgrading or avoiding the total replacement of access control systems lies in the adoption of scalable IP technology.

With IP intercoms, access control readers, mobile access control, and indoor stations working cohesively, IP offers a future-proof, more convenient solution for everyone involved. Whether you are an end-user seeking enhanced security features, an integrator looking for efficient installations, or a project manager striving for long-term cost-effectiveness, scalable IP access control systems prove to be the answer to the evolving needs of modern security.