The History of Telephone Entry Systems

Telephone entry systems, also known as intercom or entry phone systems, have evolved over the years to provide convenient and secure communication between visitors and residents or businesses. Here is a brief history of telephone entry systems:

1. Early Intercom Systems (Late 19th Century): The concept of intercom systems can be traced back to the late 19th century when basic two-way communication systems were developed. Early intercoms were primarily used for communication within buildings.
2. Telephony and Building Communication (Early 20th Century): With the widespread adoption of telephony in the early 20th century, intercom systems began to incorporate telephone technology for communication between different parts of a building.
3. First Telephone Entry Systems (Mid-20th Century): In the mid-20th century, the first telephone entry systems emerged. These systems typically consisted of a telephone handset and a call button at an entrance gate or door. Visitors could press the button, and residents or businesses could grant access by remotely unlocking the door or gate.
4. Integration with Access Control (1960s-1970s): As access control technology advanced, telephone entry systems started to integrate with electronic access control systems. This allowed for more sophisticated control over who could enter a property, with features like PIN codes or access cards in addition to voice communication.
5. Touch-Tone Keypads (1980s): In the 1980s, telephone entry systems began to incorporate touch-tone keypads as an alternative to traditional dial pads. This allowed for the use of PIN codes for entry, enhancing security.
6. Digital and Wireless Technology (1990s): Advancements in digital and wireless technology in the 1990s contributed to improvements in telephone entry systems. Wireless communication allowed for more flexible installations, and digital audio processing enhanced the clarity of voice communication.
7. Visual Verification and Video Entry Systems (2000s): The 2000s saw the integration of video cameras into telephone entry systems, enabling visual verification of visitors. Video entry systems provided an added layer of security by allowing residents or businesses to see and interact with visitors before granting access.
8. IP-Based Systems (2010s): With the widespread adoption of IP (Internet Protocol) technology, telephone entry systems transitioned to IP-based solutions. This allowed for remote management, integration with other security systems, and the ability to use smartphones or computers for entry control.
9. Cloud-Based Systems and Mobile Access (Present): In recent years, telephone entry systems have increasingly moved towards cloud-based solutions. Cloud-based systems offer enhanced scalability, remote management, and mobile access control through dedicated apps, providing even greater convenience and flexibility.

The history of telephone entry systems reflects a continual evolution driven by advancements in telephony, access control, and communication technologies. As technology continues to advance, these systems are likely to incorporate more features for seamless and secure access control.