Aiphone IX-SSA vs Aiphone IX-NVP2: Specification Comparison
Both the Aiphone IX-SSA and IX-NVP2 are IP audio door stations within Aiphone's IX Series, designed for SIP-compatible intercom deployments. Both are flush-mount, PoE-powered, vandal-resistant units sharing the same audio codecs and operating temperature range. This comparison addresses the three most decision-relevant dimensions for installers and IT buyers selecting between them: I/O capacity and expandability, physical form factor and protection rating, and network protocol support.
In This Guide
- Which unit offers more I/O flexibility for access control and trigger integration?
- How do the two units differ in physical size, mounting options, and environmental protection?
- Are there meaningful differences in network protocol support or SIP compatibility between the two stations?
- Which should you choose: the IX-SSA or the IX-NVP2?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Which unit offers more I/O flexibility for access control and trigger integration?
The IX-SSA provides six trigger inputs and two contact outputs, giving installers significant flexibility for connecting door sensors, REX devices, lock relays, or alarm triggers without external I/O expanders. The RJ45 in/out interface with PoE passthrough further reduces wiring overhead by allowing a downstream device to be powered through the door station itself.
The IX-NVP2 specifies one contact output and does not list any trigger inputs in the provided specifications. For single-door deployments where one relay output is sufficient — for example, a single electric strike — this is adequate. However, installations requiring multiple trigger inputs or a second relay output would need supplemental hardware when deploying the IX-NVP2.
The IX-SSA also includes a microSD card slot for local audio or event storage, a feature absent from the IX-NVP2 spec sheet. Additionally, the IX-SSA lists a 600Ω audio output impedance and IEEE 802.1x port security, neither of which appears in the IX-NVP2 specifications.
How do the two units differ in physical size, mounting options, and environmental protection?
The IX-SSA measures 10-7/16" H × 5-7/8" W and is specified for flush-mount installation only. Its stainless steel construction is rated IP65 for dust and water ingress and IK08 for impact resistance — a meaningful spec for high-traffic or exposed locations where vandal resistance is a primary concern.
The IX-NVP2 is a 3-gang form factor measuring 5-1/2" H × 7-1/2" W and accommodates two call buttons for directing calls to separate stations or zones. It supports both flush and surface mounting, which is an installation advantage where flush-mount is not feasible. The IX-NVP2 is rated IP65, matching the IX-SSA on ingress protection, but no IK impact resistance rating is provided in the available specifications.
Footprint orientation differs notably: the IX-SSA is taller and narrower (portrait), while the IX-NVP2 is wider than it is tall (landscape/3-gang), which affects rough-in box selection and aesthetic fit on door frames or entry pillars.
Are there meaningful differences in network protocol support or SIP compatibility between the two stations?
Both stations support an overlapping core protocol stack: IPv4, IPv6, TCP, UDP, SIP, HTTP, HTTPS, RTSP, RTP, RTCP, IGMP, MLD, SMTP, DHCP, NTP, and DNS. Both also support the same audio codecs — G.711 and G.722 — ensuring equivalent voice quality and wideband audio capability over the network.
One protocol difference: the IX-SSA lists SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) while the IX-NVP2 lists FTP (File Transfer Protocol). For deployments with security policies that prohibit unencrypted file transfers, the IX-SSA's SFTP support is preferable. The IX-SSA additionally specifies IEEE 802.1x port-based network access control, which is not listed for the IX-NVP2 — a relevant distinction for enterprise or government networks enforcing 802.1x authentication on every connected endpoint.
Both stations accept Cat-5e/6 cabling and are powered via 802.3af PoE at identical 3.36W draw, meaning the same PoE switch infrastructure supports either unit with no budget differential on the power side.
Which should you choose: the IX-SSA or the IX-NVP2?
Our take: The IX-SSA is the stronger choice when I/O density, port security, and single-button deployments are the priority. It delivers six trigger inputs versus zero specified for the IX-NVP2, two contact outputs versus one, IEEE 802.1x port authentication absent from the IX-NVP2 spec, SFTP rather than plain FTP, an IK08 impact rating not listed for the IX-NVP2, and a microSD slot for local storage. The IX-NVP2 is the appropriate selection when the installation requires two independently addressed call buttons in a 3-gang form factor, or when surface mounting is necessary — neither capability is available on the IX-SSA. Both units are electrically equivalent at 3.36W PoE draw and share identical audio codecs and operating temperature ranges, so the decision turns entirely on button count, I/O requirements, mounting constraints, and the need for 802.1x network access control.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Aiphone IX-SSA | Aiphone IX-NVP2 |
|---|---|---|
| Device Type | IP Audio Door Station | IP Audio Door Station (3-Gang) |
| Call Buttons | — | 2 |
| Power Source | PoE IEEE 802.3af class 0 or 24V DC | 802.3af PoE |
| Power Draw | 3.36W | 3.36W |
| Audio Codecs | G.711, G.722 | G.711, G.722 |
| Contact Outputs | 2 | 1 |
| Trigger Inputs | 6 | — |
| PoE Passthrough | Yes (RJ45 in/out) | — |
| Port Security | IEEE 802.1x | — |
| File Transfer Protocol | SFTP | FTP |
| Ingress Protection | IP65 | IP65 |
| Impact Rating | IK08 | — |
| Operating Temp | -40° to 140°F (-40° to 60°C) | -40° to 140°F (-40° to 60°C) |
| Dimensions (H × W) | 10-7/16" H × 5-7/8" W | 5-1/2" H × 7-1/2" W |
| Mounting | Flush-mount only | Flush or Surface |
| Local Storage | microSD card slot | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the IX-SSA or the IX-NVP2?
The IX-SSA is the stronger choice when I/O density, port security, and single-button deployments are the priority. It delivers six trigger inputs versus zero specified for the IX-NVP2, two contact outputs versus one, IEEE 802.1x port authentication absent from the IX-NVP2 spec, SFTP rather than plain FTP, an IK08 impact rating not listed for the IX-NVP2, and a microSD slot for local storage. The IX-NVP2 is the appropriate selection when the installation requires two independently addressed call buttons in a 3-gang form factor, or when surface mounting is necessary — neither capability is available on the IX-SSA. Both units are electrically equivalent at 3.36W PoE draw and share identical audio codecs and operating temperature ranges, so the decision turns entirely on button count, I/O requirements, mounting constraints, and the need for 802.1x network access control.
Can either station be used where two separate call destinations are needed at one door?
Yes — the IX-NVP2 is specifically designed for this use case, with two call buttons that can direct calls to different stations or zones. The IX-SSA provides a single call point with no call button count specified in the provided specifications, making the IX-NVP2 the appropriate choice for dual-destination entries such as a lobby serving both a reception desk and a security post.
Does either unit support surface mounting, or is flush-mount required for both?
The IX-NVP2 supports both flush and surface mounting, giving installers flexibility where core drilling is not permitted or practical. The IX-SSA is specified for flush-mount only. If the installation site cannot accommodate a flush-mount rough-in box, the IX-NVP2 is the only option of the two.
Which station is better suited for a network that enforces 802.1x port authentication?
The IX-SSA explicitly lists IEEE 802.1x port security in its specifications. The IX-NVP2 specifications do not mention 802.1x support. For enterprise or government networks that require every connected endpoint to authenticate before gaining network access, the IX-SSA is the confirmed-compatible choice based on available spec data.
More Intercom Comparisons
- Ubiquiti UA-G3-INTERCOM vs SDC IPDSE
- Ubiquiti UA-G3-INTERCOM vs Comelit TP6842
- Ubiquiti UA-G3-INTERCOM vs ACTi Q950
- Axis 03448-001 vs Axis 02892-001
- Comelit TP6842 vs ACTi Q950
- Comelit TP6842 vs Comelit 3460HEV
Intercom Buying Guides
Get a Second Opinion on Your Camera Choice
Share your site layout, coverage goals, and budget. Our team will validate the camera selection, flag anything we would change, and recommend products that match the use case.