Door Entry · 4 June 2026
IP Door Entry Systems for Homes and Businesses
A simple guide to IP door entry systems, explaining how they improve security, convenience and access control for your property.
IP Door Entry Systems: A Smarter Way to Control Access to Your Property
A door entry system is one of the most useful security upgrades for homes, flats, offices and commercial buildings. It lets you see, speak to and control who enters before the door is opened.
Traditional door entry systems were often simple audio or video systems wired directly between the door station and the handset inside. Modern IP door entry systems are far more flexible. They use the building's network to connect door stations, monitors, mobile apps and access control equipment.
For many properties across Weybridge, Surrey and South West London, an IP door entry system offers a cleaner, smarter and more practical way to manage access.
What Is an IP Door Entry System?
An IP door entry system is a door communication system that works over a data network. Instead of relying only on old-style dedicated wiring between each device, IP systems use network cabling and often connect through switches, routers or cloud and app platforms.
A typical IP door entry system can include:
- An external door station with camera and call button
- Internal video monitors or handsets
- Mobile app access
- Electric lock or maglock release
- Exit button
- Keypad, fob reader or card reader
- Network switch or PoE switch
- Power supply and door release equipment
When someone presses the call button, the system can ring an internal monitor, a mobile phone app, or both. The user can then see who is at the door, speak to them, and release the door if access is approved.
Why Choose an IP Door Entry System?
The main advantage of an IP system is flexibility.
For homes, it lets you answer the door from inside the property or, depending on the setup, from your mobile when you're away. For businesses and shared buildings, it makes access easier to manage and more convenient for staff, visitors and contractors.
IP systems are also easier to expand. Additional monitors, door stations or access points can usually be added more easily than with older systems, especially where network cabling is already in place.
Another benefit is integration. Many IP door entry systems work alongside CCTV, access control and alarm systems, giving the property owner a more complete security setup.
Where Are IP Door Entry Systems Used?
IP door entry systems suit a wide range of properties, but they come into their own in private and gated homes, blocks of flats, offices, and multi-tenant or managed buildings. These are exactly the situations where video calling, app control, remote access and integration with access control add the most value.
Important Things to Consider
An IP door entry system needs to be designed properly. It's not just a case of fitting a camera at the door and connecting an app.
The installer needs to consider the door type, lock type, cable routes, network connection, power supplies, internet stability, user permissions and how the door should behave both in normal use and in an emergency.
For example, a wooden door, aluminium door, glass door, communal entrance and automatic gate may all need different locking arrangements. A maglock, electric strike or gate relay must be chosen correctly for the application.
Good planning also helps avoid problems such as poor video quality, delayed app notifications, unreliable door release, weak network connection or incorrect lock operation.
Fire Safety and Emergency Escape
This is the part that's easy to overlook and the part that matters most, particularly on communal entrances and blocks of flats. Any door that forms part of an escape route has to let people out freely, without a key or special knowledge, even if the power fails.
In practice, that means a few things working together:
- Fail-safe locking on escape routes. Locks on escape doors should release when power is lost. Maglocks are inherently fail-safe, but electric strikes can be either fail-safe or fail-secure, so the right type has to be specified for the door's role.
- A link to the fire alarm. On many buildings, the door entry and access control should interface with the fire alarm so that controlled doors on escape routes release automatically when the alarm activates.
- An emergency door release. A green emergency door release on the exit side of a controlled door should provide a direct local override to release the lock, so people can escape if there is a system fault or emergency.
These arrangements need to suit the building's fire strategy, fire risk assessment and relevant building regulations. Getting them right is exactly the kind of thing a competent fire and security installer handles as part of the design — not something to leave to chance.
Mobile App Access
One of the most popular features of modern IP door entry systems is mobile app access.
This lets users receive calls from the door station on their phone, see the visitor, speak to them and release the door where permitted — useful for homeowners, landlords, small businesses and offices.
App access does depend on the system design, internet connection and manufacturer platform, so it should be set up securely, with strong passwords, correct user permissions and only the right people having access.
IP Door Entry and Access Control
An IP door entry system can often be combined with access control.
This means authorised users enter with a fob, card, PIN code or mobile credential, while visitors still use the call button. For businesses and shared properties, that gives much better control over who can enter and when.
Access can also be changed easily when staff leave, tenants move out or contractors no longer need entry — far safer and more convenient than relying on keys.
Is IP Door Entry Better Than a Traditional System?
In many cases, yes — but not always.
An IP system is usually the better choice when the property needs video calling, app access, future expansion, or integration with other security systems. A traditional system can still be the right fit for a simple single-door setup where the customer only needs basic audio or video communication and doesn't need remote access.
It's also fair to say IP systems generally cost more upfront, given the network equipment and design involved. For the right property that's money well spent; for a basic single door, it may be more than the job needs. The right choice depends on the property, the existing wiring, the network setup and what you want the system to do.
Final Advice
A well-installed IP door entry system can improve security, convenience and control over who enters your property, whether that's a single front door, a communal entrance, a business premises or a gated driveway.
The most important part is proper design. The door station, lock, power supply, network connection, user access and emergency arrangements all need to work together reliably.
At Surrey Fire and Security Systems, we're an owner-run firm installing and maintaining door entry, access control and security systems across Weybridge, Surrey, the surrounding KT and GU areas, and South West London. Get in touch to arrange a site survey and we'll help you choose the right door entry solution for your property.
Need security advice for your property?
Call Surrey Fire and Security Systems Ltd on 07404 808 277 for a free site survey.