Introduction to the Hikvision DS-K2701X(O-STD) and its key features
Hikvision DS-K2701X(O-STD)is a professional single-door network access controller from Hikvision's Ultra Series. Designed for enterprise and commercial access-control systems, it offers robust hardware, large user and event capacities, flexible I/O and communication options, and a web-based configuration interface that simplifies on-site management. Although it natively controls a single door, the controller is engineered to scale: with optional DS-K2M002X expansion modules, a single system can be expanded to manage up to 125 doors, making it suitable for projects that begin small but may grow over time.
Key features at a glance
- Native single-door control with expandability to 125 doors via DS-K2M002X modules.
- Downstream RS-485 redundancy wiring (5-channel downlink with one channel reserved for redundancy) for improved communication stability.
- Web browser configuration — no desktop PC software required for basic setup and management.
- Advanced access control functions including multi-door interlock, anti-passback, multi-factor authentication, and first-person-in support.
- High capacities: support for up to 100,000 users, 10,000 fingerprint templates, 200,000 cards, and 600,000 event records.
- Extensive I/O and communications: Gigabit Ethernet, multiple RS-485 ports, Wiegand interfaces, USB, lock relay, exit button, door contact, fire input, alarm I/O and tamper detection.
- Backup battery support with charging/discharging and status indicators for power, communication, door, and RS-485.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The DS-K2701X(O-STD) is built around a Linux-based system OS and a metal, wall-mount enclosure designed for reliable, long-term operation in commercial environments. Below are the key specification groups and the benefits they deliver.
- User capacity: Supports up to 100,000 users — suitable for medium-to-large organisations or multi-site deployments where one controller might serve multiple functions or where the system stores large user databases.
- Biometrics and credentials: Holds up to 10,000 fingerprint templates and 200,000 cards. This makes the controller a strong fit for installations that require biometric authentication alongside card-based access.
- Event logging: Stores up to 600,000 event records, enabling long-term retention of access logs for auditing, investigations, or compliance reporting without immediate offloading to central servers.
- Network: Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps RJ-45) supports high throughput and reliable network connectivity for remote management and integration with other security systems.
- RS-485 ports: Seven RS-485 ports (2 for readers and 5 for downstream modules) with 5-channel downlink redundancy give installers flexibility and resiliency in large or distributed installations. The redundancy channel helps maintain communication even if one downstream path fails.
- Access control I/O: Includes lock relay, exit button, door contact, fire input, two alarm inputs and two alarm outputs, and tamper detection. These interfaces deliver the hardware hooks needed to integrate with doors, electric strikes, alarm panels, and building fire systems.
- Wiegand and USB: Two Wiegand ports (26/34) and a USB 2.0 port enable connection to legacy readers and easy firmware or configuration imports when needed.
- Power: Accepts 100–240 VAC with a maximum power draw of approximately ≤ 42 W. Integrated battery backup support provides charging/discharging and status indicators so the controller can remain operational during short power outages and report battery status.
- Operating environment: Rated for -10 °C to 55 °C and 0–90% non-condensing humidity, enabling use in a wide range of indoor commercial settings.
- Form factor: Rugged metal enclosure with wall-mount installation; exact dimensions and weight are provided in the official datasheet and should be consulted during planning.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
The DS-K2701X(O-STD) is especially well-suited for installations that require both reliability and the ability to scale. Typical scenarios include:
- Commercial office buildings— Single-door reception points, server-room entrances or restricted areas can be managed centrally while allowing growth to additional doors without replacing the core controller.
- Data centres and technical facilities— High user capacity, detailed event logs and resilient communications (RS-485 redundancy) make it a good choice where continuity and traceability are critical.
- Education campuses— From administrative offices to dormitory access, the controller supports large user databases and varied authentication methods — cards, fingerprints and multi-factor setups — which are common in campus deployments.
- Distributed or phased projects— Because it can be expanded up to 125 doors via downlink modules, the DS-K2701X(O-STD) is ideal for projects implemented in phases or for organisations that anticipate gradual expansion.
- Installations requiring browser-based management— Sites where on-site PC software is impractical or where remote IT teams prefer web-based tools benefit from the controller’s browser configuration capability.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When evaluating the DS-K2701X(O-STD), it helps to compare it against other single-door controllers and multi-door systems from both Hikvision and other vendors. Key differentiators include expansion strategy, communication redundancy, user capacities, and ease of management.
Some controllers offer native multi-door support (e.g., 4-door or 8-door masters). Those are attractive for small installations that never plan to grow. The DS-K2701X(O-STD)’s approach — a robust single-door controller with module-based downstream expansion up to 125 doors — is advantageous when you need fine-grained distributed control, or when a project will expand over time without replacing hardware.
Not all access controllers provide downstream redundancy. The DS-K2701X(O-STD)’s 5-channel downlink with one reserved for redundancy improves uptime in larger distributed systems where a single communication failure could otherwise isolate parts of the access network. This is a notable advantage in environments where resilience is a priority.
Many access controllers rely on dedicated desktop management software. The DS-K2701X(O-STD) supports web browser configuration, simplifying setup and reducing the need for on-site software installations. For organisations that prefer centralized security management platforms, compatibility with broader Hikvision management ecosystems should be considered alongside the standalone web functionality.
Other vendors (including major access-control manufacturers) offer controllers with similar capacities and I/O. When comparing, evaluate:
- User and credential capacities (100k users and 200k cards are high marks for this class).
- Biometric template support if fingerprints are required.
- Redundancy and failover options for downstream communications.
- Integration options such as Wiegand, RS-485, and Ethernet speed (Gigabit is preferable for heavy traffic).
- Ease of installation and the availability of professional installation services and documentation.
Customer feedback and reviews
While specific customer testimonials are not provided here, common feedback themes for controllers in this class and from Hikvision users typically include:
- Positive remarks about ease of initial setup when using the web interface, especially for technicians familiar with networked devices.
- Appreciation for high user and log capacities that reduce the need for frequent data maintenance.
- Recognition of the system's resilience when RS-485 redundancy is employed in larger deployments.
- Requests for clear documentation about expansion modules, wiring diagrams and battery management — a reminder that complex installations benefit from qualified installers.
As with any security product, prospective buyers should review installation testimonials, installer case studies and independent forum discussions to understand real-world performance and any integration details specific to their environment.
Compliance, installation guidance and pricing
Refer to Hikvision’s official datasheet and product documentation for certification details (for example, CE/UKCA where applicable) and exact mechanical dimensions. The device is intended for professional installation; installers should follow local wiring and safety regulations. The controller supports battery backup and includes status indicators for power, communications and door states, which simplifies commissioning and troubleshooting.
For budgeting: the listed suggested price for the DS-K2701X(O-STD) is approximately $369.00 (cost price reference: $249.37). Final project costs will also include expansion modules, readers, locks, cables, batteries and labour.
Conclusion: why the DS-K2701X(O-STD) is a strong choice
The Hikvision DS-K2701X(O-STD) is a versatile, enterprise-grade single-door network controller that balances immediate usability with long-term scalability. Its combination of high user and event capacities, robust I/O and communication options (including Gigabit Ethernet and multi-port RS-485 with redundancy), web-based configuration and battery backup support make it particularly well-suited for commercial offices, data centres, campuses and projects that may expand over time.
For organisations that need a controller capable of starting small and growing into a large, distributed access-control system — while maintaining resilient communications and comprehensive event recording — the DS-K2701X(O-STD) presents a compelling option. As always, match the controller’s capabilities to your project needs, consult the official Hikvision datasheet for mechanical and certification details, and engage qualified installers to ensure a secure, code-compliant implementation.