Aiphone IX-NVP vs Aiphone IX-SSA: Specification Comparison
Both the IX-NVP and IX-SSA are Aiphone IX-series IP audio door stations designed for SIP-based intercom deployments. They share the same core audio codecs, PoE power draw, and IP65 vandal-resistant construction, making them plausible cross-shop candidates for installers specifying networked door stations. The key differentiators lie in form factor, gang configuration, I/O count, network security features, and finish material — factors that drive selection based on site architecture, enclosure type, and integration depth.
In This Guide
Which station offers more I/O flexibility and integration depth?
The IX-SSA is significantly richer in I/O. It provides two contact outputs and six trigger inputs, enabling control of multiple access-controlled doors or external devices and reception of signals from up to six external trigger sources. It also includes an RJ45 in/out port with PoE passthrough, allowing a downstream device to be daisy-chained without an additional PoE injector or switch port. A microSD card slot is present for local audio or log storage. The IX-NVP specifies a single contact output rated at 24V AC/DC, 500mA, and lists no trigger inputs, PoE passthrough, or onboard storage.
For network security, the IX-SSA adds IEEE 802.1x port authentication, which is absent from the IX-NVP spec sheet. The IX-SSA also lists SFTP in its protocol stack; the IX-NVP lists FTP but not SFTP. Installers deploying on 802.1x-enforced enterprise or government networks must account for this difference.
How do the two stations differ in physical form, finish, and environmental ratings?
The IX-NVP is a 3-gang plate format (5-1/2" H × 7-1/2" W) finished in white powder-coat, and supports both flush and surface mounting. Its wider footprint suits standard 3-gang electrical boxes or surface conduit enclosures common in commercial lobbies.
The IX-SSA is a taller, narrower unit (10-7/16" H × 5-7/8" W) with a stainless steel finish and supports flush mounting only. In addition to IP65 ingress protection shared by both units, the IX-SSA carries an IK08 impact resistance rating, indicating it is tested to withstand 5 joules of impact energy — relevant for exposed exterior or high-vandalism locations. The IX-SSA also carries UL 62368-1 and cUL 62368-1 compliance listings, which are not stated in the IX-NVP specification.
Are there meaningful differences in power sourcing and protocol support?
Both units draw 3.36W and support IEEE 802.3af PoE. The IX-SSA adds a 24V DC power input as an alternative source, providing a fallback for sites where PoE infrastructure is unavailable or where a local DC supply is preferred. The IX-NVP spec does not list a secondary power input.
Both stations support the same core audio codecs (G.711, G.722) and share a broadly overlapping protocol list including IPv4/IPv6, SIP, HTTP/HTTPS, RTSP/RTP/RTCP, IGMP, MLD, SMTP, DHCP, NTP, and DNS. The IX-SSA adds SFTP and IEEE 802.1x. The IX-NVP lists FTP rather than SFTP. Both units operate across an identical temperature range of -40° to 140°F (-40° to 60°C).
Which should you choose: the IX-NVP or the IX-SSA?
Our take: The IX-SSA is the stronger choice when the deployment demands higher I/O density, hardened network security, or verified impact resistance. It delivers two contact outputs versus the IX-NVP's one, adds six trigger inputs absent on the IX-NVP, and includes IEEE 802.1x port authentication for 802.1x-enforced networks — none of which appear in the IX-NVP spec. Its IK08 impact rating and stainless steel finish make it more suitable for exposed or high-abuse exterior locations. The IX-NVP is the appropriate selection when the installation requires a 3-gang plate form factor, accommodates white powder-coat aesthetics, or needs surface-mount flexibility — capabilities the flush-only IX-SSA does not cover. Installers should also note the IX-SSA's dual power sourcing (PoE or 24V DC) and PoE passthrough, which can simplify wiring runs. Choose the IX-NVP for standard commercial lobbies with existing 3-gang infrastructure; choose the IX-SSA for high-security, high-vandalism, or enterprise-networked exterior applications.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Aiphone IX-NVP | Aiphone IX-SSA |
|---|---|---|
| Form Factor / Gang | 3-gang plate | Single-column |
| Dimensions (H × W) | 5-1/2" × 7-1/2" | 10-7/16" × 5-7/8" |
| Finish / Material | White powder-coat | Stainless steel |
| Mounting | Flush or surface | Flush-mount only |
| Power Source | 802.3af PoE | PoE (802.3af cl.0) or 24V DC |
| Power Draw | 3.36W | 3.36W |
| Audio Codecs | G.711, G.722 | G.711, G.722 |
| Contact Outputs | 1 (24V AC/DC, 500mA) | 2 |
| Trigger Inputs | — | 6 |
| PoE Passthrough | — | RJ45 in/out with PoE passthrough |
| Onboard Storage | — | microSD card slot |
| Port Security | — | IEEE 802.1x |
| Secure File Transfer | FTP | SFTP |
| Ingress Protection | IP65 | IP65 |
| Impact Rating | — | IK08 |
| Safety Compliance | — | UL 62368-1, cUL 62368-1 |
| Operating Temp | -40° to 140°F (-40° to 60°C) | -40° to 140°F (-40° to 60°C) |
| Cable Type | CAT-5e/6 | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the IX-NVP or the IX-SSA?
The IX-SSA is the stronger choice when the deployment demands higher I/O density, hardened network security, or verified impact resistance. It delivers two contact outputs versus the IX-NVP's one, adds six trigger inputs absent on the IX-NVP, and includes IEEE 802.1x port authentication for 802.1x-enforced networks — none of which appear in the IX-NVP spec. Its IK08 impact rating and stainless steel finish make it more suitable for exposed or high-abuse exterior locations. The IX-NVP is the appropriate selection when the installation requires a 3-gang plate form factor, accommodates white powder-coat aesthetics, or needs surface-mount flexibility — capabilities the flush-only IX-SSA does not cover. Installers should also note the IX-SSA's dual power sourcing (PoE or 24V DC) and PoE passthrough, which can simplify wiring runs. Choose the IX-NVP for standard commercial lobbies with existing 3-gang infrastructure; choose the IX-SSA for high-security, high-vandalism, or enterprise-networked exterior applications.
Can either door station trigger more than one door strike or external device?
Yes, but only the IX-SSA specifies two contact outputs, allowing independent control of two circuits (e.g., two door strikes or a strike plus a gate). The IX-NVP specifies a single contact output rated at 24V AC/DC, 500mA. Neither spec discloses relay ratings beyond this for the IX-NVP.
Is either station suitable for an 802.1x-enforced corporate or government network?
Only the IX-SSA lists IEEE 802.1x port authentication support. The IX-NVP specification does not include this feature. Deploying the IX-NVP on a network that enforces 802.1x could result in the port being blocked unless a bypass or MAC authentication exception is configured.
Which station fits a standard 3-gang electrical box rough-in?
The IX-NVP is explicitly specified as a 3-gang format (5-1/2" H × 7-1/2" W) and supports both flush and surface mounting. The IX-SSA is a single-column unit (10-7/16" H × 5-7/8" W) rated for flush mounting only and is not described as a 3-gang plate.
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