A practical guide to Net2 software, Net2 Plus controllers, readers, wireless locks, Entry intercom and upgrade planning for commercial facilities.
Where Net2 fits
Net2 is Paxton’s networked access-control platform for organizations that want centralized door and user administration without turning the project into a complex enterprise deployment. Paxton publishes a system capacity of up to 1,000 doors and 50,000 users. A design can combine hardwired Net2 Plus door controllers, compatible readers and credentials, PaxLock wireless hardware and Paxton Entry at selected entrances.
Net2 Lite or Net2 Pro?
| Capability | Net2 Lite | Net2 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Core administration | User and door administration for most standard sites. | Includes the core tools plus advanced operational features. |
| Web management | Not the choice when browser-based Net2Online management is required. | Net2Online web user interface is available with Pro. |
| Advanced controls | Suitable when advanced features are not required. | Adds features such as anti-passback, lockdown, roll call, multi-zone intrusion/fire integration and card design. |
| Planning approach | Good for straightforward single-site access control. | Better where security operations, compliance reporting or more complex rules matter. |
Paxton describes Net2 software as license-free with free upgrades, but software edition, operating-system requirements, integrations and any third-party services must still be confirmed for the proposed deployment.
What belongs in a complete Net2 design
- Net2 Plus controller and enclosure/power strategy for each controlled opening
- Reader or reader-keypad selected for mounting, weather and credential requirements
- Door position monitoring and request-to-exit devices
- Code-compliant locking hardware and free-egress operation
- Credential enrollment, badging and user migration plan
- Net2Air Bridge where the selected PaxLock design requires it
- Entry panel, monitor and door-control components where intercom is required
- Fire, intrusion, elevator or video integrations validated by current compatibility documentation
- Backup, workstation, permissions, training and support plan
- Network addressing, cybersecurity and remote-support policy
Best-fit questions
Net2 is often the sensible choice for conventional commercial access control, especially when a customer values local management, modular one-door expansion and a broad mix of Paxton hardware. Before recommending it, we confirm whether the client needs native combined video management, multi-site browser administration, mobile/watch credentials, or future workflows that may point to Paxton10 instead.
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 Access Control, 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 about Net2 software editions, Net2 Plus door hardware, PaxLock wireless openings and Paxton Entry at commercial sites.
What is the difference between Net2 Lite and Net2 Pro?
Net2 Lite covers user and door administration for standard sites. Net2 Pro adds the Net2Online web user interface plus advanced operational features such as anti-passback, lockdown, roll call, multi-zone intrusion and fire integration, and card design. Choose Lite for straightforward single-site access control, and Pro where security operations, compliance reporting or more complex rules matter.
When would Paxton10 be the better fit than Net2?
When the site needs native combined video management, multi-site browser administration, or mobile and watch credentials, we look at Paxton10 before recommending Net2. Net2 remains the sensible choice for conventional commercial access control where local management, modular one-door expansion and a broad mix of Paxton hardware matter more. Paxton publishes Net2 capacity as up to 1,000 doors and 50,000 users.
What else does a controlled opening need beyond the reader?
Each opening gets a Net2 Plus controller with an enclosure and power strategy, a reader or reader-keypad chosen for mounting, weather and credential requirements, door position monitoring, a request-to-exit device, and code-compliant locking hardware that keeps free egress. Credential enrollment, badging and the user migration plan are scheduled alongside the hardware so doors go live with real permissions.
Do PaxLock wireless locks avoid cabling entirely?
Not entirely. A PaxLock design still calls for a Net2Air Bridge where the selected hardware requires one, and that bridge needs a mounting position, power and a connection back to the Net2 system. Survey lock locations and bridge positions on the same visit, since door prep for the lock and placement of the bridge are decided together.
Our fire alarm and elevator controls are already in place. How does Net2 interface with them?
Through interfaces validated one at a time against current compatibility documentation for the specific panels and elevator controls on your site, rather than assumed from a feature list. Net2 Pro is the edition listed with multi-zone intrusion and fire integration. Bring panel makes, models and the approved emergency sequence to the design meeting so the interface list is settled before hardware is ordered.
Can we add an intercom at the main entrance without running a second system?
Yes, at the entrances you choose: Paxton Entry panel, monitor and door-control components are specified inside the same Net2 design where intercom is required. Decide which entrances get a panel, where monitors sit, and who answers calls during and after business hours, because those answers drive component counts more than the door count does.
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.