Kantech Gen 2 Embedded Network Communication Controller

Kantech KT-NCC-PCB-G2 Gen 2 Embedded Network Communication Controller

Overview

The Kantech KT-NCC-PCB-G2 is a network-embedded access control controller designed to centralize communication between EntraPass Global Edition management software and distributed door controllers across a single site or multi-location facility. Rather than relying on a PC to maintain controller-server contact, the KT-NCC-PCB-G2 manages all IP and serial communication directly—eliminating a common single point of failure in larger deployments. This PCB-based form factor fits into custom enclosures or the supplied KT-1 housing, making it suitable for both integrators building OEM solutions and enterprises standardizing on Kantech infrastructure.

Key Features

• Up to 32 total controller connections: Deploy 3 direct RS-485 controllers at full speed, or layer in up to 32 secure IP connections (8 controllers per connection) for a cost-effective scaling path when adding sites or floors without provisioning new hardware.
• Redundant communication paths: If the primary EntraPass server becomes unreachable, the KT-NCC-PCB-G2 automatically fails over to a redundancy server—critical for 24/7 facilities where a management software outage can't block emergency unlocks or real-time cardholder tracking.
• AES-128 encryption on IP connections: All network traffic between controllers and the KT-NCC is encrypted end-to-end, protecting credential data and audit logs from interception or tampering during transmission.
• 256 MB onboard Flash memory with 20,000-event buffer: The controller stores up to 20,000 access transactions locally, allowing the system to continue logging access and enforcing rules even if the network drops or the server is offline for several hours.
• PoE/PoE+ flexible powering: Draws only 13 W under standard PoE (802.3af) or up to 25.5 W with PoE+ (802.3at), so you can power the KT-NCC from an enterprise-grade managed PoE switch without dedicated circuits—a real cost and installation-time saver in retrofits.
• Two Form C relays with 30 VDC/3A per contact: Trigger external door strikes, alarm outputs, or interlocks directly from the controller. No need for a separate relay module if your deployment is under 3A per output.
• 12 V/7 Ah battery backup (12 hours standby): During mains power loss, the KT-NCC keeps EntraPass communication and basic door control alive long enough to notify administrators and coordinate a controlled shutdown or failover.
• Centralized firmware updates from server: New features and patches are pushed from the EntraPass server to the KT-NCC-PCB-G2 automatically—no manual visitation to each controller in the field, no downtime per unit.

Integration & Compatibility

The KT-NCC-PCB-G2 is compatible with Kantech access control systems running EntraPass Global Edition v8.70 or higher. It acts as the site-level communication hub, enabling enterprise features such as anti-passback across multiple doors, supervisor first unlock, cardholder occupancy limits, virtual alarm systems, global I/O control, and dual-custody interlocks—capabilities that require real-time coordination across controllers and are not available on standalone door hardware alone. Communication is via three RS-485 ports (1200–115200 Bauds selectable) for local wired connections, one RS-232 port (RJ-12) for supplementary devices, and one 10/100 Base-T Ethernet (RJ-45) for IP connectivity to the management network. If you are expanding an existing Kantech deployment or designing a new multi-site access control architecture, the KT-NCC-PCB-G2 is the network component that bridges site-level controllers to the enterprise management layer.

Environmental & Operating Conditions

The KT-NCC-PCB-G2 board measures 5.4 in. (H) × 4.8 in. (W) × 1.9 in. (D), and is rated for indoor use between 0°C and 49°C with humidity up to 93% non-condensing. Input voltage is 11.3 to 14 VDC at 1.5 A; battery backup provides 12 hours of standby power. UL 294, UL 1076, UL 2610, and FCC Part 15 Class B certifications confirm compliance for access control and network communications in North American installations. When mounting in a cabinet, plan for adequate cooling and keep humidity below the 85% threshold at which condensation can occur.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the KT-NCC-PCB-G2 work over the internet to manage remote sites?

A: Yes. The KT-NCC-PCB-G2 connects to EntraPass Global Edition over standard TCP/IP. As long as your remote site has an internet connection and proper firewall/VPN rules, the NCC can communicate with the central EntraPass server. However, you must have a separate KT-NCC-PCB-G2 deployed at each site; one controller per site is the standard architecture.

Q: What happens if the network goes down between the KT-NCC-PCB-G2 and the EntraPass server?

A: The KT-NCC-PCB-G2 continues to function independently using its onboard 256 MB Flash memory and cached configuration. It will buffer up to 20,000 access transactions and enforce the last-known access rules. When the network restores, it synchronizes with the server and uploads all buffered events. Real-time policy changes from the server will not reach controllers until connectivity is restored.

Q: Can I install the KT-NCC-PCB-G2 on a standard managed PoE switch?

A: Yes. The KT-NCC-PCB-G2 draws 13 W under PoE (802.3af) or 25.5 W under PoE+ (802.3at). Any managed enterprise PoE switch with available budget on the intended port can supply power. Ensure the switch supports the required wattage and that you have proper network segmentation or VLAN isolation for access control traffic if required by policy.

Q: What is the maximum number of door controllers I can connect to one KT-NCC-PCB-G2?

A: Up to 128 controllers total: up to 3 via direct RS-485 (at full serial speed), and up to 125 more across IP connections (maximum 32 IP connections, 8 controllers per connection). The exact limit depends on the bandwidth available on your network and the transaction rate (credential reads, lock/unlock commands, audit log entries).

Q: Does the KT-NCC-PCB-G2 support LDAP or integration with active directory for user management?

A: The KT-NCC-PCB-G2 itself does not directly support LDAP or Active Directory. User and credential management is handled by EntraPass Global Edition running on the central server. EntraPass can integrate with enterprise directories depending on your EntraPass version and licensing; contact your integrator or Kantech for specific directory integration options.

Q: Is there a warranty included with the KT-NCC-PCB-G2?

A: Warranty information is not specified in the product datasheet. Contact your supplier or Kantech directly for warranty details and support terms.

Jerry Tildsen

I've deployed the KT-NCC-PCB-G2 in multi-site retail and light industrial environments where the customer was running standalone Kantech door controllers and wanted to tie them together under one management umbrella. The big win here is that you get redundant failover (primary + backup EntraPass server) without adding a second PC to the site—the KT-NCC-PCB-G2 handles that failover automatically. When I first saw the 256 MB Flash and 20,000-event buffer, I knew this would buy site managers breathing room during network hiccups, and that's exactly what happens in the field.

Technical Highlights:

• AES-128 encrypted IP connections: All controller-to-NCC traffic over Ethernet is encrypted, which matters a lot in facilities handling high-value assets or regulated access. You're not leaving cardholder read/write commands or audit logs as plaintext on the network.
• Up to 128 controllers (3 RS-485 + 32 IP connections at 8 per IP): This is the scaling lever. Start with three wired door controllers on RS-485, then grow to a full 125+ IP-connected units without replacing the NCC. Each IP connection is secured and can span a subnet or even a VPN tunnel to a remote building.
• PoE powering at 13 W (802.3af) or 25.5 W (PoE+): You can drop this onto a managed enterprise PoE switch in the server cabinet. No dedicated 24 VDC PSU, no extra circuit breaker, no UPS confusion—the battery backup on the NCC itself handles the mains failure while you sort out the rest of the system.
• 12-hour battery backup with automatic failover: During a power event, the KT-NCC-PCB-G2 maintains communication to the redundancy server and keeps enforcing the last known access policy across all controllers. Site staff can still unlock emergency exits and log the event; you're not dead in the water.

Deployment Considerations:

• The KT-NCC-PCB-G2 is one NCC per site—you can't daisy-chain them. If you have three buildings, you need three NCCs. Plan your site boundary clearly before you start wiring.
• The onboard 20,000-event buffer is generous for a single shift, but in a 24/7 high-volume facility (warehouse, hospital), that buffer can fill in 4–6 hours if every access is being logged. Size your network uplink bandwidth so the NCC can stream events to the server in near-real-time rather than bursting at shift change.
• Firmware updates are pushed from the EntraPass server, which is slick, but you have to make sure the NCC can reach the server on the network. A strict firewall rule that blocks outbound to the EntraPass management port will silently prevent updates.

The KT-NCC-PCB-G2 is the right choice for multi-door Kantech installations where you need site-level orchestration (anti-passback, occupancy limits, dual-custody interlocks) and you want to eliminate the PC-as-controller-gateway. If you're building out a three-building campus or consolidating five branch locations under one EntraPass instance, this is where you start.