Understanding and Unlocking 2N Limited Features
2N IP intercoms are powerful devices packed with a wide range of capabilities. However, you might find that certain features you expect to see are missing, greyed out, or unavailable in the web configuration interface. This is often by design and typically relates to three key areas: licensing, firmware, and hardware models.
The Central Role of Licensing
The most common reason for limited features on a 2N device is its licensing level. 2N uses a tiered licensing model to enable specific functionalities. This allows customers to pay only for the features they need. If a feature is not working or is unavailable, the first place to check is your current licence status.
- Log in to your 2N intercom's web administration interface.
- Navigate to the System → Licences section.
- Here you will see a list of all available licences and their status (e.g., Active, Not available).
Common Licence-Locked Features:
- Video Codecs: The ability to stream video to third-party devices often requires a video licence.
- Integration Licences (e.g., Gold): The Gold Licence is a comprehensive package that unlocks many of the most sought-after features, including:
- ONVIF and RTSP streaming for integration with Video Management Systems (VMS).
- Advanced security protocols like 802.1x for network access control.
- Support for external camera streams.
- User time profiles for access control.
- HTTP API functions for automation.
- NFC or Bluetooth Licences: The ability to use mobile credentials via NFC or Bluetooth may require a specific licence key.
- Lift Control: Integrating the intercom with a building's lift control system is an advanced feature that requires its own licence.
If you find that a required feature is unlicensed, you will need to contact your authorised 2N distributor to purchase the appropriate licence key for your device's serial number.
The Importance of Firmware
Firmware is the software that runs on your 2N intercom. 2N continuously develops their firmware, adding new features, improving security, and fixing bugs.
- Missing New Features: If you are reading about a new feature in 2N's documentation but don't see it on your device, it's very likely that your firmware is outdated. For example, features introduced in firmware version 2.38 will not be present if your device is still running 2.32.
- How to Check and Update:
- In the web interface, go to System → Maintenance.
- The current firmware version will be displayed.
- You can download the latest firmware from the official 2N website and use the "Update Firmware" tool on this page to install it. Always read the release notes before upgrading.
Hardware Model Differences
Not all 2N intercoms are created equal. The hardware itself determines the baseline of available features.
- Modular vs. Compact: A modular intercom like the 2N IP Verso can be equipped with various components like a Bluetooth module, fingerprint reader, or touchscreen. If a specific module is not physically installed, its related features will not be available in the software.
- Camera and Audio: A model without a camera (e.g., an audio-only unit) cannot have video-related features.
- Processing Power: Newer models like the 2N IP Style have more powerful processors, enabling more advanced features that older hardware might not support.
By methodically checking your device's licences, ensuring its firmware is up-to-date, and understanding the capabilities of your specific hardware model, you can get a clear picture of why you might be experiencing limited features and how to unlock the full potential of your 2N intercom system.