Paxton Net2 Access Control Installation Guide

# Paxton Net2 Access Control Installation Guide

Comprehensive installation and programming guide for Paxton Net2 Plus and Net2 Pro access control systems.

## Overview

Paxton Net2 is a PC-based access control system used extensively in commercial buildings. This guide covers installation, configuration, and maintenance of Net2 systems.

## System Components

### Hardware

### Software Versions

– **Net2 Plus**: Up to 50,000 users, 1,000 doors
– **Net2 Pro**: Up to 50,000 users, 1,000 doors, video integration
– **Net2 Online**: Cloud-hosted option

## Installation

### Controller Placement

1. Install in secure location
2. Ensure adequate ventilation
3. Allow space for cabling
4. Label all connections

### Wiring Requirements

| Connection | Cable Type | Max Distance |
|————|————|————–|
| Readers | CAT5e/CAT6 | 100m |
| Locks | 1.5mm² | 50m |
| Door contacts | 4-core alarm | 100m |
| Network | CAT5e/CAT6 | 100m |

### Reader Installation

1. Mount at 1100mm height (standard)
2. Allow clearance for cards/fobs
3. Protect from direct weather
4. Connect 6-wire cable:
– Red: +12V
– Black: 0V
– Green: Data 0
– White: Data 1
– Yellow: LED
– Blue: Buzzer

## Software Installation

### Server Setup

1. Install Net2 software on dedicated PC/server
2. Configure SQL Server Express
3. Set up administrator account
4. Configure network settings

### Client Installation

1. Install Net2 client on workstations
2. Connect to server
3. Configure user permissions
4. Set up operators

## System Configuration

### Adding Doors

1. Open Net2 Operator
2. Select **Hardware** → **Doors**
3. Click **Add Door**
4. Configure:
– Door name
– Controller assignment
– Reader ports
– Lock type

### Lock Configuration

### Door Settings

1. Set unlock time (5 seconds typical)
2. Configure door held open alarm
3. Set forced door alarm
4. Configure exit button

## User Management

### Adding Users

1. Go to **Users** → **Add User**
2. Enter personal details:
– First name
– Last name
– Department
– Photo (optional)
3. Assign access privileges

### Token Enrollment

1. Select user
2. Click **Add Token**
3. Present card/fob to reader
4. Token automatically assigned

### Access Privileges

## Timezones

### Creating Timezones

1. Go to **Timezones**
2. Click **Add Timezone**
3. Define:
– Timezone name
– Start time
– End time
– Days of week
– Holiday exceptions

### Common Timezones

### Holiday Schedules

1. Create holiday calendar
2. Add public holidays
3. Set alternative timezone
4. Apply to relevant users

## Access Levels

### Creating Access Levels

1. Go to **Access Levels**
2. Click **Add**
3. Define:
– Level name
– Doors included
– Timezone applied
– User groups

### Group Management

Organize users by:
– Department
– Building/floor
– Security clearance
– Shift pattern

## Anti-Passback

### Hard Anti-Passback

Prevents card being used twice without exit:
1. Enable in door settings
2. Set readers as Entry/Exit
3. Configure timeout
4. Set violation action

### Soft Anti-Passback

Warns but allows access:
1. Enable warning only
2. Log violations
3. Report to supervisor
4. No door lockout

## Reports and Monitoring

### Event Log

View all system events:
– Access granted/denied
– Door forced
– Door held open
– Invalid token attempts
– System alarms

### Custom Reports

Generate reports for:
– User activity
– Door usage statistics
– Time and attendance
– Exception reporting
– Fire roll call

### Export Options

– PDF reports
– Excel spreadsheets
– CSV data
– Email scheduling

## Integration

### CCTV Integration

Net2 Pro supports:
– Camera association with doors
– Video verification
– Recording on events
– Live view popup

### Fire Alarm Integration

1. Connect fire relay to controller
2. Configure emergency unlock
3. Set auto-open on fire
4. Generate fire roll call report

### Building Management

API available for:
– HR systems integration
– Time and attendance
– Lift control
– Intruder alarm linking

## Troubleshooting

### Door Won't Unlock

### Reader Not Working

### Communication Failures

1. Check network connection
2. Verify IP settings
3. Test cable continuity
4. Restart controller
5. Check firewall settings

## Maintenance

### Regular Tasks

### Software Updates

1. Check for updates regularly
2. Backup before updating
3. Test after update
4. Document version changes

## Best Practices

1. **Backup database** regularly
2. **Use strong admin passwords**
3. **Limit operator permissions**
4. **Document all changes**
5. **Test fire release** monthly
6. **Clean readers** regularly
7. **Review access logs** weekly
8. **Train users** on proper use

## Advanced Features

### Bluetooth Readers

Net2 Air allows:
– Smartphone entry
– No physical tokens needed
– Remote provisioning
– Visitor management

### Video Entry

Integration with:
– Paxton Entry panel
– SIP phone systems
– Remote door release
– Call logging

### Global Net2

Multi-site management:
– Centralized control
– Synchronized users
– Cross-site reporting
– Distributed administration

## Related Resources

– [Paxton Net2 Troubleshooting](/paxton-net2-troubleshooting/)
– [Access Control Commissioning](/access-control-commissioning/)
– [Token Programming Guide](/token-programming-guide/)

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*Last updated: February 2026*
*For qualified access control installers only. Follow BS EN 60839 standards.*