Control Who Enters.
Log Every Visitor.

SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) intercoms use the same signaling protocol as VoIP phones — they register to a PBX or SIP server, and calls are routed like internal extensions. This makes them straightforward to integrate with existing office phone systems: the door station becomes an extension, and calls ring at the reception desk, a specific phone, or a ring group. Standard IP intercoms use proprietary apps or platforms instead. Both run over your network and both support video; SIP is the better choice if you have an existing phone infrastructure. We assess your network and phone system during the quote to recommend the right platform.

Yes. When we install both systems, they share the electric strike or magnetic lock on the door — the intercom system triggers it when a visitor is buzzed in, and the access control panel triggers it when a credential is presented. The door hardware, the request-to-exit sensor, and the door position contact are all wired into both systems. This requires careful coordination during installation but results in a clean setup: one set of door hardware, two systems using it for their respective purposes. We design these integrations regularly for NYC office buildings and multi-tenant commercial spaces.

A lobby panel lists tenants either on physical buttons (one per suite) or on a touchscreen directory where visitors can search by name or suite number. The visitor selects the tenant, the system dials the configured extension — a SIP extension at the suite, a phone number, or a mobile app. The tenant answers, speaks with the visitor, and presses a key to release the lobby door. Modern IP-based panels let tenants update their own directory entries and configure forwarding rules themselves. Tenant directories can be updated by building management without replacing hardware. We configure each tenant's routing during setup and train building management on the admin interface.

Yes, with planning. Most commercial intercom work can be phased so the building is never without a functioning entry system. We sequence the installation so the old system remains operational until the new one is fully tested and ready — then we cut over. For buildings that need absolute zero interruption, we can work evenings or weekends. The cut-over itself — swapping door hardware and reconnecting to the new panel — typically takes under an hour per entry point. We discuss the schedule in detail during the quote so you can plan around it.

For commercial IP and SIP video intercoms, we primarily install Aiphone (IX Series and GT Series), 2N (Verso and Helios), and BAS-IP systems — all of which are SIP-compatible, network-managed, and designed for commercial durability. For multi-tenant lobby panels in mid-rise office buildings, Aiphone GT Series and 2N Access Unit are common choices. For high-end commercial installations with full visitor management software, we use Verkada Intercom and Latch. We recommend based on your specific requirements — budget, network setup, number of tenants, and whether you need cloud management or prefer on-premises. We don't install consumer-grade brands like Ring or Nest in commercial settings.