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Gavin Sykes

Introducing the DrayTek Vigor 2927 Routers

Building on the success of their 2926 range of dual-Ethernet WAN routers, DrayTek have decided to go one better and launch the 2927 range as its replacement.

Sharing many of the same features, the 2927 builds on DrayTek’s robust, reliable router range by offering the following:

New Connectivity

  • The 2926 had models including ‘n’ Wi-Fi and ‘ac’ Wi-Fi.
  • The 2927 has models including ‘ac’ Wi-Fi and ‘Lac’: ‘ac’ Wi-Fi as well as built-in dual-SIM 3G/4G connectivity, which can be used for failover, load balancing or as the primary connection.

One More Dedicated LAN Port

  • The 2926 had 4 dedicated LAN ports, with a 5th port configurable to LAN or WAN.
  • The 2927 has 5 dedicated LAN ports, with a 6th port configurable to LAN or WAN.

Higher Total Throughput

  • The 2926 had a total throughput of 400Mbps on each WAN port.
  • The 2927 has a total throughput of 900Mbps on each WAN port, and through load balancing you can even achieve speeds of up to 1.8Gbps. With this comes higher VPN speeds, totaling up to 800Mbps rather then the 2926’s 60Mbps.

More VPN Tunnels

In today’s remote-working world, it is more important than ever to ensure that workers outside the office have fast, secure, reliable access to your company’s network and files.

  • The 2926 allowed for up to 32 VPN tunnels.
  • The 2927 allows for up to 50 VPN tunnels, at up to 800Mbps as above.

Discover the DrayTek Vigor 2927

Extended Warranties on 2N Products

At the start of 2018, 2N updated their standard warranty terms from 2 years to an industry-leading 3 years. What you may not know, however, is that you can extend the warranty on your 2N purchases even further, up to a total of 5 years.

Why should you consider buying an extended warranty for your 2N products? Besides protecting your investment for a longer period of time, you get the added benefit of a simple pricing structure, and there is no need to buy it immediately – you can keep CAPEX down by buying the extended warranty up to a year after you buy the items.

Warranty length Price
Up to 3 years FREE
1 additional year (total of 4 years) 7% of the items’ price
2 additional years (total of 5 years) 14% of the items’ price

The extended warranty can be purchased on all 2N products, covering all their intercoms, access units and gateways that we supply.

Find Out More

Meet the Konftel Range of Conference Phones

Konftel, a manufacturer based in Sweden, has been providing conferencing solutions for over 30 years, and for the last 10 of those years those solutions have been supplied throughout the UK via ProVu.

Unlike other vendors who manufacture deskphones and DECT solutions, whilst also offering conference units, Konftel have spent 30 years focusing only on conferencing solutions, meaning they are able to offer the very best when it comes to quality and performance in your meeting rooms and huddle spaces.

Konftel have developed their patented OmniSound® technology which guarantees powerful and crystal-clear HD sound in both directions of the call, and all directions of the meeting room, with automatic echo cancellation and background noise suppression. They have included this technology in all of their available units.

Konftel 300IPx

As Konftel’s flagship conference phone, this device is designed to make hosting and attending conference calls as easy and stress-free as possible. Thanks to the Konftel Unite app, users can manage their conference calls through their mobile phone. The Konftel 300IPx is ideal for small and medium-sized conference rooms for up to 12 people (30 m2) as standard, but, with the ability to connect up to two additional microphones, this solution is expandable for larger parties and rooms. You can add a SIP account directly to the unit and make calls to and from it, or connect it to your PC and use it with your chosen meeting software.

Connections: SIP (PoE), USB

Konftel Unite: Yes

Expansion microphones available: Yes

Konftel 300Wx

This unit uses DECT technology to allow you to move your conference calls to wherever it is convenient without having to worry about network or power sockets. Its powerful Li-ion battery gives you up to 60 hours of talktime and is recharged simply by placing the unit back onto its charging base. Like the 300IPx this unit is ideal for small and medium-sized conference rooms, but has expansion microphones available.

Compatible with a range of DECT base stations, the Konftel 300Wx is easily integrated into your existing solutions, and its USB port allows you to use it via your PC with your chosen meeting software.

Connections: DECT, USB

Konftel Unite: Yes (via adapter)

Expansion microphones available: Yes

Konftel 300Mx

The Konftel 300Mx offers you true mobility by allowing you to make calls wherever there is mobile network coverage, and it remains the only conference unit that has this functionality. Simply insert your SIM card and you can start your conference immediately. With support for HD voice when 3G network coverage is available your calls can be as clear as if you were using any other Konftel model. With the expansion microphones as an option this unit allows you to cover larger conference rooms as well as small and medium rooms.

Connections: GSM, UMTS (3G), USB

Konftel Unite: Yes (via adapter)

Expansion microphones available: Yes

Konftel 55Wx

The Konftel 55Wx allows you to turn any communication device into a conference unit, by way of connecting to your PC or mobile phone via USB or Bluetooth, or your deskphone via the included switchbox, which allows seamless switching between your handsets and the 55Wx. Suitable for meeting with up to 20 people the Konftel 55Wx is the ideal add-on solution for an SME’s offices. Its battery allows portability so that you may take your conference calls anywhere.

Connections: Bluetooth, USB

Konftel EGO

The Ego is Konftel’s smallest unit and is designed for one thing, portability. With a footprint not much larger than that of a CD it is designed to go anywhere and turn anywhere into a conference room. It connects via USB and Bluetooth to your PC or mobile phone, and even includes an NFC chip for instant Bluetooth pairing.

Connections: Bluetooth, USB

Why Choose Gigaset Multicell over other Systems?

This blog post will explore the advantages of Gigaset multicell DECT systems over single-cell, Wi-Fi and other manufacturers’ systems.

  1. Greater Coverage and Roaming

The most immediate advantage of a multicell system is the simple fact that they give you greater coverage and roaming capabilities. Using a single-cell system with repeaters can work in smaller situations, however, the number of simultaneous calls can be greatly limited by doing this.

  1. More endpoints than single-cell systems

Using a multicell system rather than single-cell allows for a greater number of handsets to run off the system, as they have more antennas to speak to which in themselves are often more powerful.

  1. More simultaneous calls

The need for more handsets, of course, brings about the need for more simultaneous calls, which the Gigaset N720IP system can handle with ease, up to a maximum of 30 per system.

  1. Greater reliability

Using a Wi-Fi based system can sometimes result in dropped calls when a handset needs to handover between access points. Using a DECT system, however, eliminates this problem and allows a “pre-handover”, if you will, once the system detects the handset is leaving the range of its current base.

  1. Cheaper handsets

Wi-Fi based portable handsets will often retail for hundreds of pounds, whereas the S650H at the time of writing retails for £74.99, meaning the handsets and the system as a whole can be far cheaper.

  1. Greater choice of handsets

Many systems will allow you the base stations and a single handset, which will be expected to handle all possible situations. The Gigaset system, however, will offer an S650H for everyday use, an R650H for tougher environments and outdoor use, and an SL750H for higher-end executive use.

Webinar

Join me in March to learn more about Gigaset’s multicell offering, including an in-depth look at these advantages and how they will benefit your customers and details on new products that will be released in 2018.

Utilising 2N as an Access Control System

Why choose 2N?

2N have a focus on the IP market, meaning that all of their intercoms and access control units are IP-enabled, allowing for far easier management and installation of the units.

What options are available?

Keypad – There are mechanical keypads and touch-sensitive keypads available, allowing the user to enter their PIN in order to gain access to the building.

RFID – There are several standards that the 2N readers work with, allowing the user to swipe their fob or ID card, or even their smartphone in NFC-enabled reader, to gain access to the building.

Fingerprint – Arguably the most secure option, 2N’s fingerprint reader ensures that no-one can gain access to the wrong areas.

Bluetooth – Paired with a user’s smartphone, the Bluetooth option allows for very secure entry, as it can be set to have the user unlock their smartphone in order to input a code before the door will open. It can also allow opening from a distance which would be useful on vehicle gates where getting out of the vehicle is inconvenient.

As well as access control, you can purchase a matching reader to go inside the door and build an accurate clocking in/out system, you can even purchase more than one method of authentication to make your premises more secure.

WEBINAR

Join me on Wednesday 14th February for an in-depth look at the access control options available with the 2N range and the management of such systems.

Register to attend now

Our Range of Wi-Fi Enabled Deskphones

Last updated: 14th June 2019

More and more we are receiving requests from customers who want to use their deskphones via a Wi-Fi connection, there could be all sorts of reasons behind this relating to practicality, cost, and reliability.

Whilst we would recommend a wired connection wherever possible due to its greater stability, especially in areas with poor Wi-Fi signal, that of course isn’t always an option.

With that in mind (and for our own reference as much as anyone else’s!) I have compiled below a list of our deskphones ordered by brand that have Wi-Fi built-in, or a supported solution available:

Brand Model Notes
Cisco CP-8861
CP-8865
Gigaset Maxwell 10S
Grandstream GXP1760W
GXV3240
GXV3275
GXV3370
Sangoma S705
Snom D315 Requires Snom A210 Dongle
D345 Requires Snom A210 Dongle
D375 Requires Snom A210 Dongle
D385 Requires Snom A210 Dongle
D715 Requires Snom A210 Dongle
D725 Requires Snom A210 Dongle
D735 Requires Snom A210 Dongle
D745 Requires Snom A210 Dongle
D765 Requires Snom A210 Dongle
D785 Requires Snom A210 Dongle
Yealink T27G Requires Yealink WF40 Dongle (firmware 69.81.0.90 or higher
T29G Requires Yealink WF40 Dongle (firmware version 81 or higher)
T41S Requires Yealink WF40 Dongle (firmware version 81 or higher)
T42S Requires Yealink WF40 Dongle (firmware version 81 or higher)
T46G Requires Yealink WF40 Dongle (firmware version 81 or higher)
T46S Requires Yealink WF40 Dongle (firmware version 81 or higher)
T48G Requires Yealink WF40 Dongle (firmware 35.80.0.95 or higher)
T48S Requires Yealink WF40 Dongle (firmware version 81 or higher)
VP T49G
T52S Requires Yealink WF40 Dongle
T53W
T54S Requires Yealink WF40 Dongle
T54W
T56A
T58A
T58V

Other phones in our portfolio may work with 3rd-party equipment, such as Wi-Fi dongles or access points, however these are not supported.

Please note: By using a USB dongle to enable Wi-Fi, you will take use of the USB port on the phone and therefore may restrict other features.

2N Launch the Helios IP Base – Now Available to Order

2N have launched the new Helios IP Base, in order to offer a cost-effective video intercom.

The Helios IP Base is incredibly easy to install and is configurable as a 1 or 2 button model straight out of the box. For added access control capabilities you can also add an RFID reader.

Key points:

  • Full integration with the new My2N service
  • Non-optional HD camera
  • Pictograms
  • IP65 and IK07 ratings
  • No licenced features
  • Surface mount only

The Helios IP Base is now available to order through ProSys, or you can call or email us to discuss more about it or place your order.

2N’s Helios IP Verso Tamper Switch

We have had an enquiry come in about how to wire in a tamper switch without an I/O module or a Wiegand module. I must admit I thought this was strange at first, given that I always thought it was fairly simple to do. It turns out it is but it is also easy to overcomplicate.

Make no mistake that 2N’s ideal setup would be a tamper switch connected to either an I/O module or a Wiegand module – every single piece of documentation I have found shows it connected in this manner. The idea is that it has 2 switches – we’ll call them switch 1 and 2 – with switch 2 connecting to the I/O module and back into the Verso, where it is recognised as a tamper switch, and switch 1 connecting to, for example, a 3rd-party alarm system, where it is recognised as a generic input that activates whatever the alarm system is programmed to activate.

The Verso however has its own generic input, into which you can wire switch 1 and have it behave as exactly that – a generic input.

Please note: in order to make use of a tamper switch in any way, you must have at least the Enhanced Integration Licence.

What you will need:

  • A 2N Helios IP Verso base unit with or without camera – 9155101C or 9155101
  • A tamper switch – 9155038
  • 2 lengths of thin wire, about 6 inches long should do it – the lengths of wire I picked up for this demonstration are closer to about 6 feet.
  • A small screwdriver
  • Whichever other modules you wish to connect to the Verso – we have just an infopanel on our demo one.
  • The relevant mounting boxes and/or frames – we are using a 2-module flush-mount box and frame.
  • A computer on the network to do the programming.

 

This is the bottom of the backbox and the tamper switch is inserted where the green square is.
This is the bottom of the backbox and the tamper switch is inserted where the green square is…
The tamper switch is inserted like so...
…the tamper switch is inserted like so…
...and screwed in.
…and screwed in.

The tamper switch then needs wiring in via that little green terminal block on the left:

Fairly simple, just insert the wires into here...
Fairly simple, just insert the wires into here…
...and here.
…and here.
Your wires will ideally be a bit shorter than this!
Your wires will ideally be a bit shorter than this!

As mentioned earlier, because of the way it’s wired in, the Verso doesn’t know it is communicating with its own tamper switch, so the below is what you’ll see in the web interface when you try and program it as a tamper switch:

What You Will See if No Tamper Switch is Installed or if One is Installed without a Wiegand or I/O Module

To run a quick demo of it working, I told the Verso that its Secured State Control was controlled by the status of input 1 – all this does short of any programming is activate a red LED next to the camera in the shape of a padlock – without the Enhanced Integration Licence this is all it will be able to do.

How to set the Secured State Control
How to set the Secured State Control.

By using a screwdriver to press and depress the tamper switch, I was then able to turn the red LED on and off.

Please note: If you are using a tamper switch in this way you will not be able to wire anything else, such as an exit button, into the same input on the Verso. The only way to use an exit button without buying an I/O module will be to buy a security relay.

2N IP Force Model Changes

You will already be aware of the large range of models available of 2N’s IP Force intercom.

2N have decided to simplify their range slightly by adding a HD camera and phasing out the 1-Watt speakers in favour of more powerful and easily audible 10-Watt speakers.

This means that a few ordering codes have gone, or will be going, end-of-life, to be replaced by the newer codes.

Old Model New Model
9151101 9151101W
9151101C 9151101CHW
9151101K 9151101KW
9151101CK/9151101CKW 9151101CHKW
9151101RP 9151101RPW
9151101CRP 9151101CHRPW
9151102R 9151102RW
9151102CR 9151102CHRW
9151104 9151104W
9151104C 9151104CHW

If you have already been ordering these new part codes, then nothing will change, however the 10-Watt speaker models have been running in tandem with the older models for a while, resulting in 10-Watt speaker models with non-HD cameras, 9151101CW for example, also going end of life.

We had some larger projects after this post was originally published where we were still able to get hold of the older models from 2N, however as of 31st December 2016 this is no longer possible – only the ones left in stock are available.

Please see our IP Force model selector to view current models.

2N Licenced Features

I have had a growing number of enquiries recently regarding licences for 2N intercoms and what they do and what they will allow the user to do.

With this in mind, we have set about creating a new information page detailing everything you could ever want to know about 2N’s licences.

http://www.provu.co.uk/2n-licences.html

These licences have been designed because 2N realise that most of their intercoms will “do the job” without these features, so by not coming preloaded with these features, they are able to keep the price down. Anyone who does need one or more of these features can then simply buy the relevant licences.

If you have any queries that are not answered by this new page, then please let us know! We will get an answer for you and probably add it to the page as well.

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