Upgrade Analog Doorbell Systems to IP Video: Cost-Effective Retrofit with Nessum (HD-PLC)
Seamless IP Migration for Video Doorbell Systems
Video doorbells are becoming an essential feature in modern residential and commercial buildings. As demand for IP-based video intercom systems grows, building owners are seeking ways to upgrade their legacy analog doorbell systems without incurring excessive costs or disrupting existing infrastructure.
However, retrofitting multi-dwelling buildings with IP-based video doorbells presents significant challenges. System integrators require a cost-effective communication technology that simplifies deployment while maintaining high performance and reliability.
The Challenge: Retrofitting Without Rewiring
One of the biggest obstacles to upgrading analog doorbell systems is the cost and complexity of installing new Ethernet cabling. In many cases, the cost of new wiring exceeds that of the doorbell hardware itself.
Beyond replacing the doorbell units, system integrators often need to re-cable the entire building, requiring extensive electrical work. This can lead to project delays, higher labor costs, and inconvenience for residents.
To address these challenges, system integrators need a solution that enables IP-based video doorbell functionality without requiring costly rewiring.
10BASE-T1L: A Potential Solution, but with Limitations
10BASE-T1L is a promising wired communication technology that supports long-distance connectivity up to 1 km, making it a strong candidate for large buildings and industrial environments where Ethernet wiring is impractical.
However, 10BASE-T1L has a major limitation—it only supports point-to-point communication. While point-to-point connections can be applied in a daisy-chain topology where multiple devices are cascaded, they do not support a bus topology.
The Problem with 10BASE-T1L
Since 10BASE-T1L relies on one-to-one connections in a daisy-chain topology, the biggest drawback of this approach is that if a single device in the middle of the chain fails, all downstream devices lose connectivity.
For example, in a building with ten video doorbells connected in a daisy chain, if the third device fails, the fourth and all subsequent devices will also go offline. This poses a serious reliability risk in multi-tenant buildings, where stable communication is essential.
To overcome this limitation, a loop topology (ring structure) can be used. A loop topology provides multiple communication paths, ensuring that if one device fails, the signal can still reach the remaining devices via an alternative route. However, implementing a loop topology requires additional cabling, which may not be feasible in all retrofit scenarios.
The Solution: Nessum (HD-PLC) – A Superior Alternative
This is where Nessum (HD-PLC) provides a game-changing solution.
Nessum employs Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), which offers two key advantages:
- High Bandwidth Efficiency – Enables Mbps-level data transmission, supporting multiple HD video streams over existing 2-wire cabling.
- Strong Reflection Resistance – Ensures stable communication even in environments where signal reflection is a concern, making it ideal for free-topology networks.
These advantages enable installers to flexibly deploy video doorbell systems in a way that suits the existing infrastructure. Additionally, Nessum’s high bandwidth efficiency ensures that multiple HD video streams can be transmitted without interference.
Furthermore, Nessum’s Ethernet Bridge function provides L2 switch-equivalent capabilities, allowing for seamless network expansion by easily connecting multiple sub-networks. This means integrators can build scalable and flexible video doorbell systems without requiring extensive rewiring.
With these advanced features, Nessum is the optimal solution for upgrading analog doorbell systems to IP video while ensuring cost-effective, reliable, and scalable deployment.
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About the Author
Kengo Tamukai is a senior engineer specializing in wired and wireless communication technologies. With over 20 years of experience in LSI design, system architecture, and technical marketing, his expertise spans SoC design, OFDM-based technologies, and hybrid communication systems, driving innovation in modern digital networks.
