Making the Case for Next Gen Intercom and PA Systems

Thousands of intercom and public address (PA) systems are in schools today, and these workhorses have been around for more than a century. Most of us remember being in school, hearing announcements over the public address system, watching teachers communicate from the classroom with intercom technology – and yes, hearing the Pledge of Allegiance each morning over the loud speakers.

The traditional intercom and public address systems that reside in thousands of the nation’s schools today are based on analog technology. This basic method of communication works, has been the backbone of communication in most schools and, in many instances, can have a lifespan of 15 or more years.

This technology is always on, never moves around, is familiar to campus staff and students and used every day. It makes sense, then, that intercoms and PAs should be the first line of defense in an emergency.

Analog systems, however, have their limitations, and campuses should consider investing in network-based intercom and PA systems so they can ensure that with one simple operation, pre-recorded or custom announcements can be distributed to virtually every indoor and outdoor area of a campus, providing life-saving information to students, faculty, staff and visitors.

Why Schools Should Adopt Network-Based Communication Solutions

Over the years, schools have typically had separate cabling for their intercom/PA, telephone and video surveillance systems. But, as Category 5/6 data infrastructure has become common and the standard in both new architecture and retrofit projects, it is only natural that all of these systems, including intercom and PA, should converge on a district’s network.

Manufacturers of intercom and public address systems started the migration from analog to network-based solutions around 2011 by adding network capability to existing analog systems. By 2014, systems began to appear on the market that were 100% IP-based. IP-based intercom and PA systems operate similar to computer networks where data packets containing digital audio are transmitted from one device to another with each having a unique IP address. Devices such as IP speakers take the digital audio and convert it to analog for broadcast over the built-in cone loudspeaker.

Here are some of the reasons why this network-based approach is the here, the now, and the future:

• Software-based management makes programming of system hardware easy. Both on-site and remote management capability simplifies maintenance.
• Network cabling structure provides cost savings in installation, labor and materials as it requires less cabling and reduced cable and conduit size.
• Reconfiguration and system expansion is highly flexible as each speaker and intercom station is addressable, making zone re-assignment simple.
• Unlimited channel capacity provides the ability to make simultaneous intercom calls and paging announcements to different locations and multiple paging zones.
• Expansion is easy and low cost as intercom stations and amplifiers can be added in locations wherever a network drop is available.
• As long as there is a network connection, it is simple to create paging across many buildings and locations – even multi-building paging.
• Network systems are easier to integrate with other building subsystems that are TCP/IP compliant such as telephone, video surveillance, access control, etc.
• All of the above adds up to a very economical, reduced cost of ownership over time.

IP-Based vs. Ethernet-Based Intercoms and PAs

IP devices use up to seven layers and need the high overhead IP, TCP or UDP transport protocols. Ethernet devices operate effectively at Layer 2 of the OSI network stack model.

Some of the benefits of Ethernet Systems over VoIP (Voice over IP) are:

• High Fidelity Audio as Ethernet Systems generally do not utilize audio data compression.
• Increased speed means using less network bandwidth.
• Lower latency than VoIP means better quality of service and less audio jitter.
• No requirement for any network configuration or administration.
• No DHCP server required means no central point of failure.
• Increased security with manufacturer’s unique proprietary protocol vs. published IP protocol.
• Peer-to-Peer technology provides unlimited speech channels.
• Less prone to packet fragmentation, bandwidth efficient and converges rapidly to provide fast operation.
• Allows the use of less expensive, unmanaged or semi-managed network switches.

Consider a Hybrid Approach When Transitioning to Network-Based Solutions

Many educational facilities and campuses across the United States and beyond still have hundreds of thousands of dollars wrapped up in analog technology – and, in many cases, it is still working for day-to-day and emergency communication. Therefore, a hybrid approach incorporating both analog and network-based solutions can help get the transition process started very economically. The right partner will be able to work closely with facility management to determine where existing speakers and call-in devices can be re-used with an upgraded, network-based solution.

Here are some areas to consider when evaluating whether to go fully network-based or to slowly transition with a hybrid approach:

• State of current network
• Condition of analog wiring to devices
• Wiring of existing speakers
• Volume function of existing speakers
• Placement of speakers and signage
• Condition and location of current emergency/panic stations and call switches
• Overall budget

Campus Communication Matters

Whether it is routine, day-to-day messaging around campus or a critical emergency situation, having a plan and using clear and concise communication throughout the process will greatly impact outcomes. Intercom and public address technology that is familiar and used every day by school staff should be a key component in any school’s emergency preparedness plan.

Next generation, network-based communication technology will have a lower cost of ownership over time and allow for advanced features, integration with existing systems and both on- and off-site administration. Distributing devices evenly along the network and eliminating a central head-end controller will provide peace of mind and ensure communication is “always on.”

Peter Jova is the President of Telecor Inc., an international manufacturer of day-to-day and emergency communication systems. He has been in the sound contracting and communication business for more than 40 years. Telecor has over 50,000 systems in place worldwide.

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