Why IP Video Intercoms Are Replacing Analog Systems
Traditional analog intercom systems require dedicated wiring for each apartment, a central switching panel, and a handset or display in every unit. They're expensive to install, hard to maintain, and can't be managed remotely.
DoorBird's IP-based approach replaces all of this with a single Ethernet connection. Each resident receives calls on their smartphone via the free DoorBird app — no in-unit hardware needed. The building manager can add or remove tenants instantly from the app.
Choosing the Right Model by Building Size
Small Buildings: 2–12 Units
Medium Buildings: 12–50 Units
Access Control for Any Building Size
How Multi-Tenant DoorBird Works
- One DoorBird device at the building entrance with one button per unit (D21 series) or a separate RFID reader (A1121)
- Each resident creates a free DoorBird account and is assigned their call button by the building manager
- Visitor presses Unit 4's button → only the Unit 4 resident's phone rings
- Resident sees live HD video, talks to the visitor, and taps "Unlock" to open the door — from anywhere in the world
- Building manager manages all accounts via the DoorBird admin panel — add/remove residents, assign buttons, configure access
Access Control: RFID vs Fingerprint vs PIN
For the building entrance door (not the call buttons — the actual lock/gate release):
- RFID key fobs (A1121): Up to 500 fobs. Residents tap their fob to enter without ringing. Best for high-traffic buildings where residents should enter without calling themselves.
- Fingerprint (A1122): Same as RFID but residents use their finger. No fobs to issue or manage. Maximum 50 fingerprints.
- PIN keypad: Shared PIN for deliveries, maintenance. Up to 6 codes on D21 models.
- App-based entry: Every resident can also unlock from the DoorBird app — no hardware credential needed.
Wiring and Installation Requirements
DoorBird multi-tenant installations typically require:
- One Cat5e/Cat6 Ethernet cable from your PoE switch to each DoorBird device (preferred)
- A PoE switch or PoE injector in the building's IDF/MDF closet
- Low-voltage wire from DoorBird relay output to door strike or gate controller
- Existing doorbell conduit can often be repurposed for the Ethernet run
For buildings with existing 2-wire doorbell wiring and no Ethernet, the DoorBird A1072 2-Wire Converter converts existing 2-wire runs to IP networking — no new cable needed.
No Per-Door Subscription
DoorBird does not charge a monthly fee per door, per unit, or per user. One device, one purchase price. All residents get free cloud recording of their own 50 most recent visitor events. The optional Cloud Recording Pro plan ($135.40/year) extends event history — but it's optional and building-wide, not per-unit.
Recommended Setup by Building Type
| Building Type | Recommended System |
|---|---|
| Duplex / 2-unit | D1102V (2 call buttons) |
| 3–12 units | D21 series + A1121 RFID for entry |
| 12–50 units | Multiple D21 panels + A1121 + PoE switch |
| Commercial / 50+ units | D21 + A1121/A1122 + integration to BMS via open API |
| Biometric preferred | A1122 Fingerprint 50 + D21 call panel |