What Is an IP PA System : Full Guide | AKOM

Imagine that you're located in a large office, a school or an industrial setting. You suddenly need to make an announcement that is pertinent to everyone in the building. It could be a safety situation, a last-minute schedule change, or something of an emergency nature. How easy is it to get that message loud and clear, to all personnel and students, without delay?

Unfortunately, many older PA systems do not deliver the communication needed anymore. They have obsolete wiring, range from okay to poor sound, and controlling multiple areas is daunting.  

That is why more organizations are switching to smarter solutions, like an IP PA System. These systems are more reliable, controllable, and faster. We will discuss what an IP PA system is, how it works, and if it is right for your building or campus in this guide.

What Is an IP PA Speaker?

An IP PA speaker is a networking sound device that can use voice, announcements, or background music, to sound over an IP (Internet Protocol) based network. An IP PA system takes advantage of your IP (Internet Protocol) based network by using the networking infrastructure without additional speaker wiring and runs analog PA (Public Address) systems. 

This means that IP speakers can be installed and configured through your computer networking (data) as well as your VoIP phones or computers, providing you with a scalable, flexible, and inexpensive deployment option.

How an IP PA System Works

An IP PA system transmits audio across your building's communications network (WAN & LAN). Here's a basic description of how it works, step by step:

• Audio Source: The sound can be from a SIP phone, computer application, microphone, or scheduling software.
• Network Transmission: The sound gets digitally encoded and transmitted over your IP network.
• Speaker Playback: All the IP speakers receive the sound via Ethernet and play it in real time.
• Power Supply: Most of the IP speakers are PoE (Power over Ethernet) capable, so they can get their power and data from the same cable.

Due to this architecture, announcement management between zones is as simple as clicking some buttons on a web dashboard or mobile app.

Key Characteristics of a Contemporary IP PA System

An IP PA system provides some advanced features sensitive to current communication requirements:

• Scalable zone paging for specific messaging
• Digital high-definition audio output
• Power over Ethernet (PoE) for easy installation
• Integration with SIP PBX or VoIP systems
• Centralized and remote system management

Where Are IP PA Systems Used?

IP PA systems are flexible and deployed in numerous industries. Below are some of the most frequent uses:

Education

Automate school bell schedules, make daily announcements, and broadcast emergency alerts to classrooms and hallways.

Offices and Campuses

Share HR updates, play background music, or issue building-wide emergency alerts instantly.

Healthcare

Page medical staff, deliver emergency codes, and communicate with multiple zones in hospitals and clinics.

Manufacturing

In big manufacturing units or industrial settings, there is a need for fast and concise communication. From transmitting safety alerts, production reports, or alarm information, an IP PA system ensures messages reach across the facility promptly.

IP PA System vs Old PA System

Here's how the IP PA system is better than old public address systems:

• Wiring: Conventional systems involve specialized audio cables. IP PA systems employ your current internet (IP) network, thus minimizing setup time and expense.
• Scalability: Increasing the number of speakers on a conventional system is complicated. IP PA systems are extremely scalable—you can add or rearrange zones easily.
• Audio Quality: Conventional systems tend to experience distortion or noise. IP PA systems provide digital audio with clear consistency.
• Maintenance: Manual checks are needed for older systems. IP PA systems provide remote, centralized maintenance and monitoring.
• Integration: Legacy systems typically function alone. IP PA systems integrate with VoIP phones, emergency systems, and building automation platforms.

Why Go With an IP PA System?

Making the move to an IP PA system brings numerous benefits:

• Simpler installation with less cabling
• Improved sound throughout all areas
• Growth potential to match your expanding facility
• Centralized control and configuration
• Reduced maintenance and long-term operation costs

For companies seeking to update communication, the IP PA system is an intelligent and future-oriented option.

Selecting the Proper IP PA Speaker

When picking a speaker, think about the following:

• Installation Area: Will it be mounted inside or outside?
• Power Supply: Do you need Power Over Ethernet (POE) or a separate power supply?
• Installation Type: Do you want it to be attached to a wall, ceiling, or a pole?
• Audio Output: How loud does it need to be, based on the noises around?

AKOM Technologies Recommended Models

• SP15 / SP15P - Smaller, PoE-powered speakers for classrooms, offices and corridors.
• SP30 / SP30P - Large-output speakers used in industrial areas, factory floors and in large, open spaces.
• Both are plug-and-play deployable, have consistent audio output, and can interface with SIP or VoIP systems.

How to Install an IP PA System

Here's an easy-to-follow guide for installing:

• Connect all your IP speakers to your Ethernet switch (PoE-capable if necessary).
• Assign IP addresses to all the speakers (via DHCP or manual configuration).
• Register all the speakers in your SIP server or IP PBX.
• Configure audio zones and schedule announcements if necessary.
• Verify sound output and network integrity.
• Most systems also provide easy-to-use software or mobile apps for off-site configuration and monitoring.

Security and Reliability

AKOM's IP PA solutions are mission-critical in nature. Our systems are designed with secure communication protocols and hardware of an industrial grade, providing consistent performance in cases of high traffic or emergency.

Used for everyday messaging or life-safety notification, IP PA systems provide a reliable communication layer to any enterprise.

Conclusion

An IP PA speaker is more than just a speaker, It’s a high-tech speaker system designed to integrate effortlessly with your current IP infrastructure. For organizations that have continued making use of a traditional analog PA system, switching to an IP PA system is a move toward better communication, improved safety and a more future-proof infrastructure.