Is Audio Lag Making Conversations on Your Aiphone Intercom Difficult?
Aiphone intercoms are renowned for their clarity and reliability. However, experiencing a significant delay in two-way audio can undermine their effectiveness, making conversations feel unnatural and difficult. If you find yourself talking over visitors or struggling with choppy audio, this guide will help you troubleshoot the root causes of audio lag in your Aiphone system.
Key Factors Causing Audio Lag in Aiphone Intercoms
Unlike traditional analogue intercoms, modern Aiphone systems, especially IP-based ones, transmit audio as digital data over a network. The delay, or latency, you experience is the time it takes for this data to travel from one point to another. The issue almost always lies in the pathway, not the Aiphone hardware itself.
- Network Congestion: Your local network can only handle so much traffic at once. If multiple devices are streaming movies, downloading files, or gaming, the data packets from your Aiphone system can get delayed.
- Poor Wi-Fi Signal (for App-Based Systems): If you are using an Aiphone mobile app, a weak Wi-Fi signal on your smartphone is a common cause of delay.
- Sub-optimal Wiring: For wired IP and digital systems, using the wrong type of cable, having damaged cables, or running them too close to sources of electrical interference can corrupt data and cause delays.
- Router/Switch Performance: An old or underpowered network router or switch may struggle to process the real-time data from the intercom efficiently.
Initial Network Troubleshooting Steps
Start by diagnosing your network, as it's the most likely source of the problem.
1. Isolate the Network
Temporarily disconnect other high-bandwidth devices from your network. Try using the intercom again. If the delay is gone, you know that network congestion is the issue.
2. Test Your Mobile App Connection
If you are experiencing the delay when using a mobile app (like for the IXG Series):
- Switch to Mobile Data: Turn off Wi-Fi on your smartphone and use your 4G/5G connection. If the audio delay improves, the problem lies with your Wi-Fi network.
- Move Closer to the Router: If the delay is present on Wi-Fi, move closer to your wireless router and test again. A stronger signal can significantly reduce latency.
Checking Your Aiphone System's Configuration and Wiring
If basic network tests don't solve the problem, it's time to look at the system's physical connections.
1. Inspect All Wiring
For wired systems, carefully inspect all the cabling between the master station, door station, and any power or network supplies.
- Look for Damage: Check for any visible kinks, cuts, or frayed wires.
- Ensure Proper Cable Type: Verify that the installed cable meets the specifications in your Aiphone installation manual (e.g., CAT5e/6 for IP systems). Using an inferior cable type is a common installation error.
- Check for Interference: Ensure the intercom wiring is not running parallel to high-voltage electrical cables for long distances, as this can cause interference.
2. Reboot the System
A simple reboot can often resolve temporary glitches.
- Power down your Aiphone master station and door station.
- Also, reboot your network router and any switches the system is connected to.
- Wait a few minutes, then power everything back on.
Advanced Network Optimisation Techniques
If the delay persists, you can take further steps to optimise your network for real-time communication.
- Update Router Firmware: Check your router manufacturer's website for any available firmware updates.
- Implement Quality of Service (QoS): Many modern routers allow you to prioritise network traffic for specific devices. In your router's settings, you can assign a high priority to the IP address of your Aiphone master station. This tells your router to handle data from the intercom before other, less time-sensitive traffic.
If you have worked through these steps and still experience significant audio delay, it may be beneficial to consult with a professional Aiphone installer to perform an in-depth analysis of your system and network environment.