Both are capable Paxton platforms, but they solve different operational problems. Use this guide to frame the design conversation—not to substitute for a site survey.
Side-by-side planning view
| Decision area | Net2 | Paxton10 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary model | Networked access control with Lite or Pro management software. | Web-based access control and video management in one platform. |
| Published scale | Up to 1,000 doors and 50,000 users. | Up to 100 sites, 1,000 doors, 1,000 cameras and 50,000 users. |
| Video strategy | Video may be integrated through supported partners/workflows; it is not the core combined platform. | Access and video are designed to share the Paxton10 interface and events. |
| Browser management | Net2Online requires Net2 Pro. | Web interface is a central part of the platform. |
| Credentials | Paxton and compatible reader/credential choices by selected hardware. | Encrypted cards/fobs plus compatible Bluetooth smartphone/watch workflows. |
| Wireless locks | PaxLock via the appropriate Net2 wireless architecture. | PaxLock via Paxton10 Wireless Connector. |
| Entry intercom | Paxton Entry can be deployed alongside Net2. | Paxton lists Entry within the Paxton10 ecosystem. |
| Best fit | Straightforward to advanced access-control sites that value modular door expansion. | Organizations prioritizing combined access/video, multi-site web management and mobile credentials. |
Do not overlook the existing controller generation
Questions that usually decide the platform
- Is combined access and video a primary operator requirement?
- How many sites, doors, cameras and users are expected now and in five years?
- Is browser-based multi-site management required?
- Are mobile/watch credentials approved by IT and HR?
- Which existing badges, readers, locks and door wiring can responsibly remain?
- Are PaxLock or Entry products part of the plan?
- Which fire, intrusion, elevator, HR or visitor systems must interface?
- What resilience, backup, retention and cybersecurity controls are required?
Our recommendation deliverable
Boston High Tech can provide an opening schedule, platform recommendation, riser/architecture concept, credential migration approach, network and power requirements, integration assumptions, phased budget options and an explicit list of exclusions. That lets the client compare systems on real operational requirements rather than marketing labels.
Manufacturer references
Product capabilities and compatibility were checked against Paxton’s official U.S. materials. Specifications, availability and software support can change; Boston High Tech confirms the current design before procurement.
Explore the Paxton product family
Plan a Paxton system around your doors—not a generic parts list
Boston High Tech surveys the openings, network, power, life-safety interfaces, credential population and operating workflow before finalizing equipment. We serve projects from our Charlotte headquarters and local client offices serving Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey. Visits are by appointment so the appropriate specialist is available.
How to compare and specify this product family
For Paxton Net2 vs. Paxton10 Comparison, the right model and architecture depend on the site, existing infrastructure and operating policy. A proposal should clearly document the following access-control system decisions before equipment is ordered:
- Number and type of controlled openings
- Controller, reader, lock and credential compatibility
- Cloud or on-premise administration and ownership
- Offline behavior, backup power and emergency operation
- Directory, HR, video, visitor and elevator integrations
- Licensing, cybersecurity, training and lifecycle support
Installation, testing and handoff
A site survey records each opening, door hardware, cable path, power, network, credential policy and integration requirement. The design then maps readers, controllers, locks, inputs, outputs and administrator roles to the operational workflow. Commissioning includes door-by-door functional tests, failure-mode and backup-power checks, permission and schedule tests, event verification, administrator training and as-built documentation. Product availability, subscriptions and supported integrations are confirmed for the current project before procurement.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions from facility and IT teams weighing Paxton Net2 against Paxton10 before doors, credentials and video are specified.
How is Paxton10 different from Net2?
Net2 is networked access control managed with the Lite or Pro software, while Paxton10 is a web-based platform that carries access control and video management together. Paxton publishes Net2 at up to 1,000 doors and 50,000 users, and Paxton10 at up to 100 sites, 1,000 doors, 1,000 cameras and 50,000 users. Operator workflow decides which shape fits.
We want managers to handle badges from a browser. Does that change the software we buy?
Yes. Browser management on Net2 runs through Net2Online, and Net2Online requires Net2 Pro rather than Net2 Lite. On Paxton10 the web interface is a central part of the platform, so browser access is not a separate software step. Count how many people need day-to-day badge duties before you pick the edition.
Can we keep the badges and readers we already have?
Some can stay and some cannot, and the deciding factors are the existing badge technology, the reader wiring and the controller generation already in the building. Our recommendation deliverable includes a credential migration approach listing which badges, readers, locks and door wiring can responsibly remain and which get replaced, so the reuse decision is on paper before purchase orders go out.
Do we have to pull cable to every door we want to control?
No. Openings where a cable path is impractical can use PaxLock, which reaches Net2 through the appropriate Net2 wireless architecture and reaches Paxton10 through the Paxton10 Wireless Connector. Hardwired openings still need a documented cable route, power and door hardware prep, so the survey records both groups and the riser and architecture concept covers them.
If we want camera footage next to door events, which platform does that natively?
Paxton10. Access and video are designed to share the Paxton10 interface and events, which is why the published Paxton10 figures include cameras alongside doors and users. With Net2, video may be integrated through supported partners and workflows, so the combined view depends on the partner product chosen and on what your operators actually need to see.
Our fire alarm, elevators and HR system all touch the doors. When does that get sorted out?
Before equipment is ordered. The recommendation deliverable states integration assumptions, and the survey records which fire, intrusion, elevator, HR or visitor systems must interface, what each interface has to do, and who supplies the connecting hardware. An interface found after the order can change controller counts and the input and output requirements.
Paxton owner, administrator and buyer resources
Discuss Paxton installation, upgrade or service
Detailed guides are maintained by 360TechnologyGroup.com, the parent-company knowledge center.
Official Paxton software, firmware and support
Official manufacturer resources. We link out rather than host firmware.
Before updating: confirm model, hardware revision, current version, entitlement and rollback plan, and schedule monitored or life-safety-adjacent systems with the administrator.