Gira IP door communication: The new standard for digital door communication
Gira IP door communication: The new standard for digital door communication
With the new IP door communication, Gira door stations are now being converted to a digital IP standard that is particularly easy to scale. Learn more about the new technological standard and discover your ideal Gira product solutions for indoor and outdoor use.
When talking about IP-based door communication, it is important to first distinguish between two levels: the IP protocol as a software “language” and the hardware, i.e. the physical operating devices such as door stations on the exterior façade or home stations. In the following, we will therefore consciously differentiate between the software and hardware components of this technology. The IP standard defines how image, audio and control data are transmitted, addressed and managed in the form of digital information. The hardware transforms these processes into tangible reality – as a door station on the façade and as a home station inside the building: visible, intuitive to use and tailored to the respective architectural requirements.
Door communication is evolving: From two-wire technology to the IP standard
Historically, door communication in many existing buildings was based on classic two-wire technology. This widespread infrastructure still forms the basis for a large number of systems. However, since it is based on an analogue functional logic, it has technical limitations and offers only limited flexibility. Adjustments often require manual work to be undertaken in the fabric of the building. This quickly becomes evident in buildings with a large number of units – for example, in the event of a change of tenant, name changes or changing assignments.
More options for projects with a large number of units
The added value is particularly evident where door communication is not static, but is constantly evolving. Typical areas of application include multi-family homes, larger residential complexes and varied-use buildings. Name changes, adaptations or extensions can be conveniently implemented digitally as and when required – for example via remote diagnostics. IP-based systems really come into their own in more complex projects when compared with classic two-wire technology. When a large number of units needs to be organised, conventional signage quickly comes up against spatial and design limitations. Call display solutions offer a modern alternative: Names are managed digitally and can be selected directly with a tap of the finger. Physical doorbell signs are no longer required – expensive replacements, exchange processes and design compromises are now a thing of the past. This creates clarity and reduces operating costs, and the system remains scalable, even as structures grow. Gira IP door communication is specifically designed to meet these requirements and enables flexible scaling – with up to 1000 units and a maximum of ten clients per unit.
Faster start-up, effortless operation
In addition to being more flexible during operation, start-up is also simplified. Systems can be set up more quickly and adapted as required. This reduces the start-up effort and creates more scope for implementation, both for the operator and for the specialist company.
The hardware: Door station and home station as system modules
To ensure that the IP standard is able to display its strengths in practice, compatible hardware components are required – modular, freely combinable and precisely tailored to the respective project. Door communication becomes a detailed design task, especially in the architectural context: The visible surfaces, grids, materials, colour scheme and arrangement determine whether the components are naturally integrated into the façade and entrance area or whether they are deliberately showcased as an independent design element.
As a door station, the Gira System 106 IP is a modular solution that has been specifically developed for IP-based door communication. As a visible element on the façade, the system can be surface-mounted or flush-mounted in accordance with the project requirements and can be configured in six colour variants. The Gira System 106 IP follows a clear modular principle in a 106.5 × 106.5 mm grid and is made up of freely combinable modules, such as cameras, call buttons, access control or call display. For more complex projects involving a large number of units, the ability to integrate the call display offers a convincing alternative to traditional call panels in terms of both design and functionality: Names are managed digitally and can be selected directly with a tap of the finger.
The Gira IP video home station pairs with the modular door station to handle indoor door communication. It provides a direct connection to the entrance area and combines video and intercom functions within a clearly designed, compact operating element. Visitors can be clearly identified and access can be controlled directly via the integrated 7-inch HD touch display. A built-in image memory documents missed visits, increasing everyday security. Thanks to its compact design and IP-based technology, the home station can be flexibly integrated into a wide range of building types, whether a new build or an existing building.