SDC 400U-RMB vs Axis A1711: Specification Comparison
Both the SDC 400U-RMB and the Axis A1711 are 4-door access control controllers aimed at commercial and enterprise physical-security deployments. The SDC unit is a standalone controller module powered at 24VDC, while the Axis A1711 is a kit pairing the A1710-B network door controller with a steel enclosure and integrated 150W power supply. Buyers evaluating either product are typically selecting a head-end controller for multi-door wired access control. This comparison covers credential capacity and communication, power and enclosure, and integration and compliance—the three axes that most often determine fit in this product class.
In This Guide
- Which controller offers greater credential capacity and more flexible communication protocols?
- How do the two controllers differ in power architecture and physical enclosure?
- Which controller better supports enterprise integration, VMS compatibility, and regulatory compliance?
- Which should you choose: the 400U-RMB or the A1711?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Which controller offers greater credential capacity and more flexible communication protocols?
The SDC 400U-RMB specifies a maximum of 250,000 user records stored locally on the controller. This on-board capacity reduces reliance on a central authentication server and is significant for large campuses or facilities with high personnel turnover. The Axis A1711 kit datasheet does not state a maximum user or credential record count in the provided specifications, so a direct numeric comparison cannot be made on this dimension.
For communication, the 400U-RMB supports both OSDP (Open Supervised Device Protocol) and TCP/IP over a wired connection. OSDP is an industry-standard reader bus protocol that supports encrypted, supervised reader communication, while TCP/IP enables direct network integration. The Axis A1711 specifies PoE compatibility and ONVIF integration for VMS platforms; OSDP or other reader-bus protocol support is not stated in the provided specifications. Buyers requiring explicit OSDP reader support should note this gap in the Axis data.
How do the two controllers differ in power architecture and physical enclosure?
The SDC 400U-RMB operates on 24VDC input (with 12VDC also noted in specifications) and is packaged as a 2½" × 4½", 1 lb controller module with a 1-gang wall-plate buzzer. It does not include an integrated power supply or enclosure in the provided specifications; a separate power source and housing would typically be required for a full installation.
The Axis A1711 is sold as a complete kit that bundles the A1710-B controller inside the AXIS TA1202 tamper-protected steel enclosure, paired with a 150W regulated DC power supply that includes battery charging capability. This all-in-one approach reduces field procurement of ancillary components. For installers who prefer to specify their own enclosure and power supply, the SDC approach offers more flexibility; for those seeking a pre-integrated solution, the Axis kit provides a ready-to-mount assembly.
Which controller better supports enterprise integration, VMS compatibility, and regulatory compliance?
The SDC 400U-RMB lists HID credential system compatibility and OSDP/TCP/IP communication. No VMS compatibility, software platform certifications, or third-party access management software integrations are specified in the provided data. The included buzzer on a 1-gang wall plate provides local annunciation. Warranty is stated as Lifetime.
The Axis A1711 is UL Listed, which is a requirement for many North American authority-having-jurisdiction (AHJ) approvals in commercial construction. It specifies ONVIF-capable platform compatibility, enabling integration with a broad range of VMS and access management systems that support the ONVIF standard. No warranty duration is stated in the provided specifications. Buyers operating in jurisdictions that mandate UL listing, or those standardized on ONVIF-based VMS platforms, will find the Axis compliance posture directly relevant.
Which should you choose: the 400U-RMB or the A1711?
Our take: The 400U-RMB is the stronger choice when on-board credential scale and explicit OSDP reader-bus support are the primary requirements. It stores up to 250,000 user records locally—a figure the Axis A1711 kit does not specify—and supports both OSDP and TCP/IP communication, whereas the A1711's provided specs cite only PoE and ONVIF integration without confirming OSDP. Conversely, the A1711 kit includes a 150W regulated DC supply with battery charging and a tamper-protected steel enclosure, components the SDC 400U-RMB does not bundle, and it carries UL Listing that the 400U-RMB specs do not mention. The 400U-RMB also carries a Lifetime warranty versus no stated warranty for the A1711. Platform fit is the deciding factor: specify the 400U-RMB for HID-centric, OSDP-reader environments requiring high local credential storage; specify the A1711 kit for ONVIF/VMS-integrated deployments where UL compliance and a self-contained power-and-enclosure assembly are required.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | SDC 400U-RMB | Axis A1711 |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Controller | Controller (Kit) |
| Door Capacity | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Max User Records | 250,000 | — |
| Communication Protocol | OSDP, TCP/IP | PoE, ONVIF |
| OSDP Support | Yes | — |
| Input Voltage | 24VDC (12VDC also noted) | — |
| Integrated Power Supply | — | 150W regulated DC |
| Battery Charging | — | Yes |
| Enclosure Included | — | Yes — AXIS TA1202 steel, tamper-protected |
| Credential System | HID compatible | — |
| VMS Compatibility | — | ONVIF-capable platforms |
| UL Listed | — | Yes |
| Built-in Buzzer | Yes, 1-gang wall plate | — |
| Connectivity | Wired | Wired (PoE) |
| Dimensions | 2½" × 4½" | — |
| Warranty | Lifetime | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the 400U-RMB or the A1711?
The 400U-RMB is the stronger choice when on-board credential scale and explicit OSDP reader-bus support are the primary requirements. It stores up to 250,000 user records locally—a figure the Axis A1711 kit does not specify—and supports both OSDP and TCP/IP communication, whereas the A1711's provided specs cite only PoE and ONVIF integration without confirming OSDP. Conversely, the A1711 kit includes a 150W regulated DC supply with battery charging and a tamper-protected steel enclosure, components the SDC 400U-RMB does not bundle, and it carries UL Listing that the 400U-RMB specs do not mention. The 400U-RMB also carries a Lifetime warranty versus no stated warranty for the A1711. Platform fit is the deciding factor: specify the 400U-RMB for HID-centric, OSDP-reader environments requiring high local credential storage; specify the A1711 kit for ONVIF/VMS-integrated deployments where UL compliance and a self-contained power-and-enclosure assembly are required.
Is the 400U-RMB or the A1711 better for a large facility with tens of thousands of cardholders?
Based on available specifications, the SDC 400U-RMB explicitly supports up to 250,000 user records stored on the controller itself. The Axis A1711 kit does not state a maximum credential capacity in the provided specifications, so that comparison cannot be made from spec data alone. If on-board credential scale is critical, the 400U-RMB has a documented figure to evaluate.
Which controller is easier to install out of the box?
The Axis A1711 is a kit that includes the A1710-B controller, a tamper-protected AXIS TA1202 steel enclosure, and a 150W regulated DC power supply with battery charging—reducing the number of separate components an installer must source. The SDC 400U-RMB is a controller module (2½" × 4½", 1 lb) without a specified integrated enclosure or power supply, so additional components would typically be required. For a pre-integrated solution, the A1711 kit has a documented advantage.
Does either controller meet UL requirements for commercial AHJ approvals?
The Axis A1711 is specified as UL Listed, which is relevant for North American building and fire authority approvals. The SDC 400U-RMB's provided specifications do not state UL Listing. Buyers in jurisdictions where UL compliance is required should verify the 400U-RMB's certification status directly with SDC before specifying it.
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