Choosing a Wireless Call Box System

When it comes to choosing a wireless call box system, there are a lot of factors to consider. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision, when buying or upgrading to a new wireless call box. Let get started!

Table of contents

• What is a Call Box?
• What is a Wireless Call Box?
• Types of Wireless Call Boxes
• Choosing a Wireless Call Box System: Different Entry Points
• Choosing a Wireless Call Box System: Key Considerations
• Best Wireless Call Boxes for Apartments

Suggested Posts:

• Wireless Commercial Intercom Systems
• How to Buy a Wireless Intercom System
• Buying an Apartment Intercom System with Door Release

What is a Call Box?

Before we dive into the specifics of wireless call boxes, let’s first define what a call box is. Essentially, a call box is a device that allows communication between a visitor at the building entrance and one of the residents or users inside the building.

What is a Wireless Call Box?

A wireless call box is a call box that allows for communication between a visitor and a resident wirelessly, without the need for a physical receiver in each individual apartment unit. Instead, the call box can be connected to a telephone line or an internet connection in order to make a call to one of the building occupants wirelessly.

Comparison with Wired Call Boxes

Historically, buildings would come with wired call boxes where the front door device was wired to every individual apartment unit receiver. Compared to wired call boxes, wireless call boxes offer a number of benefits, including:

• No need for wiring individual units to the front door intercom
• Easier installation and maintenance
• More flexibility in terms of where the call box can be placed

Types of Wireless Call Boxes

When it comes to choosing a wireless call box system, it’s important to consider the different types available to ensure that you select the best option for your building’s unique needs. Let’s take a closer look at the two main types of wireless call box systems:

Telephone Line Call Boxes

Telephone line call boxes utilize a landline connection between the call box and the resident’s phone. Here’s how it works:

• A visitor presses the call button on the call box outside the building.
• The call box uses the telephone line to make a call to the resident’s phone.
• The resident picks up the call and can talk to the visitor through the phone’s speaker.
• After verifying the visitor’s identity, the resident can press a key on the phone’s keypad to send a signal to unlock the door.

Telephone line call boxes are a simple and straightforward option that don’t require any additional hardware or equipment beyond a telephone line connection.

Video Intercom Systems

Video intercom systems, on the other hand, offer a more advanced level of security and convenience. Here’s how they work:

• A visitor presses the call button on the call box outside the building.
• The resident receives a video call on their smartphone using a video intercom app.
• The resident can view the visitor on their phone’s screen and verify their identity.
• After verifying the visitor’s identity, the resident can press a button in the app to unlock the door.

Video intercom systems offer several advantages over telephone line call boxes, including:

• The ability to visually verify the visitor’s identity.
• Greater convenience for residents, who can receive calls and unlock the door from anywhere using their smartphone.
• Enhanced security features, such as recording and storing video footage of visitors.

Choosing a Wireless Call Box System: Different Entry Points

Wireless call boxes can be used in various entry points to secure and provide restricted visitor access. Here are a few examples:

Apartment Buildings

Deploying a wireless call box at the entrance of an apartment building can be an excellent way to screen visitors before granting them access to the building.

Gated Communities

A wireless call box can also be installed at the vehicle gate entry system of a gated community to screen incoming visitors.

Offices

In an office building, a call box can be used at the entry of the building to allow building employees to screen visitors before opening the door for them In many cases, call boxes can be used to eliminate the need for a front desk and opting for a more efficient virtual front desk.

Schools

Call boxes can be utilized in schools or higher education institutions to provide access to parents or unannounced visitors. As security concerns have increased in schools, most entry points are closed, and schools require an intercom system to grant access to visitors.

By using wireless call boxes in these different entry points, you can provide a higher level of security and convenience to the residents or employees of the building while maintaining control over who enters the building. So, consider the different entry points of your building and install a wireless call box system today to enhance security and convenience.

Choosing a Wireless Call Box System: Key Considerations

When selecting a wireless call box system for your building, there are several key considerations to keep in mind. Here’s what you need to know:

Video Capabilities

Modern call box systems come with video capabilities, making it easier to verify visitors and prevent unauthorized access.

Package Delivery

With the rise in package delivery and theft, it’s important to have a system in place that can help prevent porch pirates from accessing your building. A video intercom system can help verify the person at the door before granting them access.

Photo Capture or Audit Log

Consider a system that takes photos of visitors or maintains an audit log of who’s entering and exiting the building to enhance security and serve as a deterrent to intruders.

Connectivity

When purchasing a wireless call box, you may need a new landline connection or an internet connection. If you’re purchasing a video intercom, you’ll need a common area internet connection. Consider cellular connectivity as a cost-effective option that eliminates the need for a wired internet line.

Ease of Use

Make sure the system you choose is easy to use for residents of all ages and demographics.

Data Security

Check if the company you choose has invested resources in data security and privacy to protect the data being hosted in the cloud with these modern systems.

Aesthetics

Consider the appearance of the call box as it will sit in front of the building, making sure it looks stunning and fits in with the overall aesthetic of the building.

Vandal Protection

Invest in vandal protection to ensure that the hardware is secure and cannot be easily tampered with or vandalized. It is important to look into industry vandal resistance certifications and ensure that the call box system you plan on investing in has one.

Cellular Internet Fail Over

Make sure the manufacturer provides cellular redundancy and failover to the main internet in case the main internet line goes down, ensuring that the system continues to run even during internet outages from the ISP.

Costs

Be sure to check the cost of the hardware installation, any monthly fees, and the cost of a telephone line or common area internet connection that may be required to run the system.

By considering these key factors and doing your research, you can choose a wireless call box system that provides the level of security, convenience, and affordability your building needs. So don’t delay – start exploring your options today!

Here are further helpful articles to help you get steps closer to finding the ideal call box for your needs:

Apartment Call Box: A Complete Guide

The Evolution and Types of Apartment Entry Systems

Best Wireless Call Boxes for Apartments

If you are looking for a side-by-side comparison of the best wireless landline and video intercoms for apartment buildings, please refer to our in-depth blog post on this topic

The Best Apartment Intercoms

If you are interested in learning about Swiftlane’s cutting edge video intercom call box system please reach out to us for a quote or a demo.