Introduction to the DS-K2704X(P)
DS-K2704X(P) — 4-Door Access Controller Main Board (Expandable)is an enterprise-grade access control main board designed for professional installations that demand scale, reliability and advanced security features. At its core the DS-K2704X(P) supports four native doors, with downstream RS-485 expansion capability that allows a single system to grow to control up to 128 doors using DS-K2M002X expansion modules. It combines modern secure reader protocols (OSDP over RS-485) and legacy support (Wiegand), large capacity for users and events, robust I/O, web-based configuration and features such as anti-passback and multi-door interlocking.
Key features at a glance
- Expandable architecture: 4 native doors expandable to 128 doors via RS-485 modules.
- Reader compatibility: OSDP over RS-485 (preferred secure standard) plus Wiegand (26/34).
- High capacity: up to 100,000 users, 200,000 cards, 10,000 fingerprint templates and 600,000 event records.
- Comprehensive I/O: 4 lock outputs, 4 exit buttons, 4 door contacts, 8 alarm inputs, 4 alarm outputs, plus tamper and fire interfaces.
- Networked management: 1 × GigE (10/100/1000 Mbps) and web-based configuration for remote administration.
- Power and resilience: 12 V DC supply, battery charging/discharging support and RS-485 redundancy wiring for improved communication stability.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The DS-K2704X(P) is purpose-built for large installations where reliability, manageability and future growth are priorities. Below are the core specification groups and the practical benefits they deliver.
- Ethernet:1 × 10/100/1000 Mbps — GigE connectivity ensures fast and reliable communication with management servers and reduces latency for time-sensitive events.
- USB:1 × USB 2.0 — local provisioning or firmware updates can be handled directly.
- Reader interfaces:7 × RS-485 (including 1 redundancy port) and 4 × Wiegand (26/34) — supports secure OSDP readers and legacy Wiegand devices for flexible integration.
- Door I/O:4 lock outputs, 4 exit buttons and 4 door contact inputs — full control of each door with precise monitoring of door status.
- Alarm I/O:8 alarm inputs, 4 alarm outputs plus tamper and fire interfaces — enables sophisticated event-based responses and integration with building alarm systems.
- Users:up to 100,000 — suitable for large enterprises, campus deployments and public facilities.
- Cards:up to 200,000 — sufficient for multi-tenant or multi-shift operations.
- Fingerprints:10,000 templates — allows for biometric deployments where needed.
- Events:600,000 records — lengthy historical logging without frequent archive requirements.
- Supply:12 V DC ±15% with power consumption ≤ 102 W — common for professional access controller installations.
- Backup battery:Charging and discharging supported — facilitates uninterrupted operation during mains outages when paired with an appropriate battery solution.
- Operating conditions:−10 °C to 55 °C and 0%–90% RH (non‑condensing) — suitable for most indoor equipment rooms and cabinet environments.
- DIN/guide-rail style board mounting — straightforward integration into standard control cabinets.
- Downstream RS‑485 redundancy wiring — improves stability and communication resilience across distributed reader networks, reducing single-point communication failures.
- Web-based configuration and status LEDs — simplifies diagnostics and reduces on-site engineering time for routine configuration or troubleshooting.
Use cases and scenarios where the DS-K2704X(P) excels
The combination of scale, protocol flexibility and robust I/O makes the DS-K2704X(P) an excellent choice for many industry segments. Typical installations include:
- Airports, rail stations and bus terminals require many distributed readers and reliable access control across multiple zones. The expandable RS-485 backbone and high event capacity suit these environments.
- High-security sites benefit from secure reader protocols such as OSDP, tamper alarms and multi-door interlocking to protect critical areas and meet compliance requirements.
- Headquarters, industrial parks and university campuses can centralize management while deploying many doors across buildings. Expandability to 128 doors avoids the need for multiple disparate controllers.
- Data centers need strict access sequencing (interlocks), anti-passback, audit trails and integration with fire and alarm systems — all capabilities the DS-K2704X(P) offers.
- Where customers have a mix of legacy Wiegand readers and modern OSDP devices, the DS-K2704X(P) supports both, enabling phased upgrades without full rip-and-replace.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When evaluating access controller main boards, buyers commonly weigh capacity, expandability, protocol support and installation complexity. Here’s how the DS-K2704X(P) typically compares:
- Entry-level controllers often lack RS-485 expansion, have smaller user/event capacity and limited alarm I/O. The DS-K2704X(P) stands out because it scales to 128 doors and holds substantially more users and events, making it a better investment for growing sites.
- Some enterprise competitors offer similar capacities but may rely primarily on proprietary bus systems or lack OSDP support. The DS-K2704X(P)’s combination of OSDP over RS-485, redundancy wiring and web-based tools provides a balance of open protocols and professional installation features.
- Wiegand is simple and ubiquitous but has known security limitations. OSDP (over RS-485) supports encryption and device management, making it the recommended choice for high-security sites. The DS-K2704X(P) supports both to ease migration.
Customer feedback and real-world impressions
There are no public, attributable customer testimonials bundled with this product listing. However, feedback commonly reported by system integrators and installers for similar Ultra-series controllers highlights several recurring praises:
- "Scalability and stability": installers value the RS‑485 expansion and redundancy options for large distributed sites where communication failures must be minimized.
- "Feature-rich I/O": integrators often note that the number and flexibility of alarm and door interfaces reduce the need for supplementary control modules.
- "Migration-friendly": projects with mixed reader fleets appreciate the dual support for OSDP and Wiegand, allowing phased upgrades.
If you are evaluating the DS-K2704X(P) for a specific project, ask your integrator for references or case studies they have completed with Ultra-series hardware to get concrete user stories relevant to your sector.
Pricing and procurement note
The DS-K2704X(P) represents an enterprise-grade controller priced to reflect its capabilities. Suggested retail pricing on typical listings is around $449, with commercial procurement prices varying by vendor, volume and included services (programming, testing, on-site commissioning). For professional deployments, factor in authorized installation, licensing for management software (if required), expansion modules (DS-K2M002X) and backup battery and cabinet infrastructure.
Conclusion: Why choose the DS-K2704X(P)?
The DS-K2704X(P) 4-door access controller main board is a compelling option for organizations that need an off-the-shelf platform to support current access control needs and future growth. Its strengths are clear: high user and event capacity, broad I/O and alarm integration, support for secure reader protocols (OSDP) alongside legacy Wiegand, and a downstream RS‑485 expansion architecture that scales to large, distributed installations.
For transport hubs, banking institutions, enterprise campuses, data centers and any multi-building facility that needs a robust, manageable and expandable access control backbone, the DS-K2704X(P) offers an attractive balance of functionality, resilience and cost-effectiveness. As with any critical security infrastructure, plan the design with an authorized installer, ensure proper power and battery provisioning, and validate compliance with local regulations to realize the controller’s full potential in your environment.
