Tc/ip Door Access (Paxton)

[mcelec]

Hi Guys,

 

I'm no networking expert and so would appreciate a bit of guidance.

 

I have this afternoon been passed a enquiry from a electrical company for whom we do a lot of work, they have fitted 20 Paxton Net 2+ TC/IP devices, basically they have asked the data company to provide a data point to each unit which they have however they have reached the point where the job is at handover and don't know how to make it work, they have approached us but I'm not over familiar myself.

 

Looking at the manual it says that each point connects to the LAN (POE) at present each data line is just wired back to a port in the cab and no switching is installed.

 

So question is whats involved, do we just need to get a 24 port POE switch, patch each of the ports to this and then connect the computer running the paxton software to this? is it that simple or am I missing something?

 

Next question, what is the difference between managed and unmanaged switches?

 

And last does anyone know where I can get a cheap 24 port switch with POE that will work?

 

Sorry one more question is there any good courses for networking, is it worth getting some of ourengineers to do a CISCO course and if so any recommendations?

 

Thanks

[PeterJames]

You will still need a router the switch will not give out the IP's

[mcelec]

You will still need a router the switch will not give out the IP's

 

Pardon my ignorance Peter, any chance you could post a link to a suitable router? 

 

so basically we need a router & also the 24 port poe switch?

 

and connects like this......

 

each unit connects to a port.....the port is patched to the poe switch......the pc is patched to the poe switch......and the router is patched to the poe switch?

[Cubit]

And brace yourself for a bill. Especially if they are running mag locks over the poe.

 

24 port PoE switches capable of handling that don't come cheap.

 

Standard smart switch will do but these don't usually come in 24 port full PoE format.

If you do need managed, i think you may be heading for some pain.

[mcelec]

Still struggling for a answer.

 

At present I have 20 controllers, what do I need to make them work?

[Pedders]

As long as you have a network point and 230v at each door location you wont have a problem, if as you say the data co have installed the points then just get them to patch through, then just install the software and program.

[mcelec]

As long as you have a network point and 230v at each door location you wont have a problem, if as you say the data co have installed the points then just get them to patch through, then just install the software and program.

 

I Have only been asked to look at this today, basically our client have installed the kit NET 2+ devices, the data company have installed the points however then come back to them today to and told them they need to provide switching etc....so our client has asked if we can help and Im keen to do so but we have told him it is not something we specialise in, it is already giving me a headache 

[Pedders]

Personally if you are using the customers network as supplied by the data co then its down to them to patch and route all of the door controllers, if you are or your client have run your 'own' network for the access control then yes you will have to switch and route yourself but from what you said in your original post your on the customers network.

[Cubit]

When you say computer. Is this a going to be a standalone network or part of the corporate network, also, is interweb connectivity required?

Pedders beat me to it.

 

If standalone, you can avoid the Router and use fixed IP.

[arfur mo]

As long as you have a network point and 230v at each door location you wont have a problem, if as you say the data co have installed the points then just get them to patch through, then just install the software and program.

above is correct, no POE switch is needed for this.

Paxton offer a free 1 day training course, which is well worth it. tbh i'd get one of your guys to go do it. Paxton also offer support over the phone, so your best option really is to contact them direct over your concerns for clear advice.

TBH nothing is really that difficult with exception of planning out all the clients needs, groups of user and initial setting up the computer, the basic software is free, but the fancier one gets expensive

just don't panic, and you can download plenty of info from their site.

afaik you won't need a router, switches or hubs, while they use network cable for interconnection, the controllers are addressable (so think of it as like addressable fire alarms), if powering locks your best advised to use separate AC/DC power supplies, and not the controllers supplies to reduce any spiking or Rfi noise from causing glitches.