Akuvox NS-2 2-Wire IP Network Switch

Most older villas and buildings in Kuwait were wired for analogue intercoms with a two-core cable from the entrance to each flat, and replacing that cable means opening walls. The Akuvox NS-2 lets the old cable carry a modern IP system instead. Installed in the intercom or network cabinet, it puts both data and power onto each two-wire pair, so Akuvox two-wire devices such as the R20A-2 and E12S-2 door phones and the C313W-2 indoor monitor work on the existing wiring. A single villa with one door phone and one monitor does not need it: Akuvox's two-wire kits connect the two directly with one power adapter. The NS-2 is for buildings where several flats share the entrance.

It has six two-wire ports for up to six devices and one RJ45 port (10/100 Mbps) that joins the whole system to the building network and the internet, which is what lets residents answer on the Akuvox SmartPlus app. For larger buildings, several NS-2 switches can be cascaded over two-wire cable. Akuvox describes the transmission distance over two-wire as very long, which suits long cable runs in old buildings.

The NS-2 runs on a 48V (or 24V) DC supply that is ordered separately; the HDR-60 DIN-rail power supply is the matching unit. It mounts on a DIN rail, measures 161 × 90 × 65 mm, has four status lights, and works from -20 °C to +50 °C.