Introduction to the Hikvision DS-PWA64-L-WE (AX PRO)
Hikvision DS-PWA64-L-WE (AX PRO)is a modern wireless intruder alarm hub designed for residential and small-to-medium commercial security systems. With support for up to64 wireless zones(including up to 48 PIRCAM devices for video verification), multi-path communications (Ethernet, onboard Wi‑Fi and onboard GPRS via a single SIM) and two-way Tri-X/Cam-X wireless protocol with AES‑128 encryption, the AX PRO hub aims to combine flexible connectivity, secure wireless signalling and optional video verification in a single compact enclosure.
Key features at a glance
- 64 wireless zones(up to 48 PIRCAMs for video verification)
- Multi-path communications: Ethernet (RJ‑45), Wi‑Fi and onboard GPRS (single SIM)
- Tri‑X/Cam‑X two‑way wireless protocol with AES‑128 and frequency hopping (868 MHz)
- Video verification and live view through Hik‑Connect / Hik‑ProConnect with compatible PIRCAMs
- Built‑in rechargeable Li backup battery (~4520 mAh, typical ~12 hours under normal conditions)
- Supports keyfobs, tag readers/keypads, repeaters and wireless sounders; memory logs up to 5,000 events
Detailed specifications and benefits
- Model: DS‑PWA64‑L‑WE (AX PRO, 868 MHz). Colour: white (EU listing may also show a black variant).
- Dimensions: 170 × 170 × 38.6 mm; Weight: ≈557.5 g. Compact plastic enclosure suitable for wall mounting in utility cupboards or service areas.
- Wireless zones: Up to 64 (sufficient for moderately large homes and many small commercial sites). Benefit: supports a wide mix of door/window contacts, motion sensors, glass-break detectors and PIRCAMs without extra receivers.
- Users & areas: Up to 32 network users (1 installer, 1 admin, 30 users) and up to 16 areas. Benefit: flexible user management and partitioning for multi-tenant or zoned arming.
- Event log: Stores up to 5,000 events for post-incident review or service diagnostics.
- Frequency: 868 MHz; Protocol: Tri‑X / Cam‑X two‑way. Benefit: two-way comms provide acknowledgement and improved reliability compared with one-way systems.
- Encryption: AES‑128 plus frequency hopping. Benefit: strong protection against interception and replay attacks — important when using wireless sensors and PIRCAMs for video verification.
- Ethernet (RJ‑45), onboard Wi‑Fi and onboard GPRS (single SIM). Benefit: multi-path communications ensure alarms and notifications can be sent over alternate channels if one fails — increasing resilience.
- Interfaces: RS‑232 output and integration options including SIA DC09 / Contact ID reporting and ISUP/ISAPI/Hik‑IP Receiver & Receiver Pro. Benefit: can integrate with monitoring stations and other security ecosystem components.
- Built‑in Li backup battery ≈4520 mAh, typically delivering ~12 hours under normal conditions. Benefit: short-term power independence during mains loss to keep the system active and communicative.
- Operating temperature: -10 °C to +55 °C. Benefit: suitable for typical indoor installations; verify siting if installing in unheated locations.
- Keyfobs: Up to 32. Tag readers/keypads: Up to 8. Repeaters: Up to 2. Wireless sounders: Up to 4 (2 internal + 2 external).
- PIRCAM support: Up to 48 PIRCAMs for video verification and live view via Hik‑Connect. Benefit: the ability to combine intrusion detection with short video clips or snapshots for confirmation reduces false alarms and helps monitoring stations and owners make quicker decisions.
Benefits summarised
- Scalability — 64 zones and 48 video-enabled PIRCAMs makes the hub suitable for a broad range of properties.
- Resilient communications — Ethernet, Wi‑Fi and GPRS provide fallback paths for notifications and monitoring station reporting.
- Secure wireless protocol — AES‑128 and frequency hopping reduce the risk of tampering or interception.
- Integrated video verification — paired PIRCAMs provide visual context to alarms, lowering false alarm rates and speeding response.
- Installer and integrator features — event logs, user management and reporting protocols simplify commissioning and monitoring station integration.
Use cases and scenarios where the AX PRO excels
- Residential estates and large homes: Multiple zones and partitioning let homeowners arm per floor or per wing, while PIRCAMs provide on-alarm images or short video clips to mobile devices.
- Small-to-medium commercial premises: Retail shops, small offices and clinics benefit from multi-area support, multiple users and GPRS backup where wired Internet is unreliable.
- Remote or semi-rural sites: Onboard GPRS ensures alarm reporting if broadband or wired links fail; battery backup supports continued operation during short power outages.
- Mixed sensor + video systems: Properties that need motion + visual confirmation — e.g., storage rooms, back-of-house retail areas or vulnerable entry points — will value PIRCAM verification paired with sensors.
- Managed properties and multi-tenant buildings: Up to 16 areas and 30 regular users allow flexible partitioning and per-user access control for property managers or landlords.
How it compares with other products on the market
When considering wireless alarm hubs, buyers typically evaluate zone capacity, communications resiliency, encryption and integration with video or monitoring platforms. The AX PRO positions itself strongly in several of these areas:
- Zone & device capacity:64 wireless zones place the AX PRO above many entry-level panels (often 16–32 zones) and in line with mid-range systems that target large homes and small businesses.
- Integrated video verification:Not all wireless hubs have dedicated support for camera-like PIRCAM devices that can provide short clips on alarm. This is a distinct advantage when paired with Hikvision PIRCAMs and Hik‑Connect/Hik‑ProConnect services.
- Multi-path comms:Having Ethernet, Wi‑Fi and onboard GPRS as standard is more comprehensive than many systems that rely on add-on modules for cellular backup.
- Security:AES‑128 encryption and frequency hopping on the Tri‑X protocol provide solid wireless security comparable to other reputable wireless protocols.
- Cost/Value:With a suggested price of around 189.00 (trade cost example provided 106.80), the AX PRO offers mid-range pricing for the feature set — competitive where video verification and multi-path comms are priorities.
Competitors such as other mid-market wireless panels may match or exceed one or two of these categories (for example, higher-end control panels might offer native cellular redundancy with dual-SIM or more advanced integration options), but the AX PRO is notable for its balanced feature set focused on wireless reliability and video integration.
Customer testimonials and typical feedback
Verified public reviews specifically for the DS-PWA64-L-WE may be limited depending on region and reseller listings. Below is a summary of common themes reported by installers and end-users working with AX PRO-like systems and Hikvision wireless solutions. These are representative impressions rather than sourced quotes:
- Positives: Installers often praise the multi-path communications (Ethernet/Wi‑Fi/GPRS) and the convenience of integrated PIRCAM verification. Users appreciate the mobile apps (Hik‑Connect/Hik‑ProConnect) for remote arming, alerts and live view.
- Reliability: Two-way wireless communication and AES encryption are repeatedly noted as improving reliability and security compared with older one-way systems.
- Considerations: Some installers highlight the need for competent installation and commissioning to ensure wireless devices are optimally enrolled and that GPRS/wireless coverage is adequate. Firmware updates and regional compliance (CE/UKCA) should be checked before deployment.
- Wish-list items: Larger installations sometimes request more repeaters or additional external antenna options for very large or metal-structured premises.
Conclusion: Who should choose the AX PRO?
The Hikvision DS‑PWA64‑L‑WE (AX PRO) is a compelling choice for homeowners, property managers and small-to-medium commercial operators who need a flexible, secure wireless alarm hub with the option of video verification. Its support for up to64 wireless zones, AES‑128 encrypted two-way wireless protocol, multi-path communications and built-in battery make it a resilient and feature-rich platform at a mid-market price point.
It is particularly well-suited to installations that value integrated video verification, require reliable alarm reporting paths (Ethernet/Wi‑Fi/GPRS) and want a system that can grow with additional wireless devices. As with all security systems, professional or competent installer commissioning is recommended, and you should verify CE/UKCA marking and local compliance before deployment. For full technical detail and integration notes, refer to the official Hikvision datasheet and installation guide.
