The S2 NetBox is a uniquely advanced integrated physical security management system. It is the first security management system to fully integrate the IP network using network appliance architecture. The system provides credential-based access control, event and alarm monitoring, video surveillance, analog temperature monitoring, and VoIP communications through a set of locally intelligent network appliances. Control is through a network appliance that delivers a rich user interface using only a common web browser. The S2 NetBox fully distributes data to the network edge to maximize robustness.

Network Controllers are the brains that manage distributed intelligent Network Nodes which in turn support end devices like card readers, input points, and temperature points. Network Controllers provide the browser-based user interface, ODBC-compliant database management, web services API, and system management functions. They are available in several sizes - all capable of operating a common set of edge devices. This fully networked approach vastly reduces installation cost while increasing reliability. For even greater reliability, the S2 NetBox offers several models that are solid state, utilizing embedded software and solid state memory. The S2 Enterprise product line offers disk-based storage protected by an optional internal RAID array.
Network Nodes use an expandable blade-oriented architecture for maximum flexibility when working with hub-and-spoke style wiring. For completely distributed applications, the S2 NetDoor MicroNode offers two full doors of access control functionality along with a temperature monitoring point.
MicroNodes can be powered by Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) or directly, and provide all the power necessary for readers, inputs, outputs, electric strikes, and REX devices(such as PIRs). When MicroNodes are used with PoE, a single powered network connection is all that is required. For ease of installation, Network Nodes are automatically discovered by Network Controllers and are configured with a web-based visual configuration utility.
The S2 NetBox delivers full geographic independence: the ability to manage any asset from anywhere that a network is available. The system requires very low network bandwidth, making it suitable for use in enterprise settings. Data security features built into the software and hardware assure that it is safe to deploy systems across any network, even the public Internet. Remote locations are easily handled using the S2 NetBox or the larger S2 Enterprise.
The S2 NetBox delivers superior TCO - Total Cost of Ownership. Its browser-managed user interface requires no software installation or maintenance. Just plug it in and start your computer's web browser. Because it operates like a common web site, users adapt to its sophisticated features with minimal training. And, because there are no moving parts in our solid state models, an S2 NetBox can operate for years without maintenance of any kind. PC-based servers, on the other hand, require frequent maintenance - a fact that leads to a much higher cost of operation. But moreso than servers, PC-based clients with installed software can be a maintenance headache due to software incompatibilities and operating system updates. None of those problems exist for S2 NetBox owners.
Because of their network appliance architecture, S2 NetBox systems cost-effectively operate the smallest facilities and the largest enterprises alike. S2's snap-together integration approach uses auto-detecting hardware, real time graphics, and web standards to deliver amazing sophistication without the installation and management headaches that usually go with it.