Net2 installation: server-based access control

Authorised Paxton installer. Net2 Plus and Net2 Nano installs across the UK. Free survey.

Net2: Paxton's established server-based access control platform

Net2 is Paxton's longest-running access control system and the default choice for sites that want a robust, on-premise, licence-free platform. SEG Ltd installs Net2 across London, Kent, Essex and Surrey for offices, schools, healthcare premises, multi-tenant buildings and industrial sites where access decisions need to stay on the local network rather than in someone else's cloud.

A Net2 installation centres on a small Windows server (or VM) running the Net2 software, plus one Net2 Plus controller per group of doors or a Net2 Nano per single door. Each controller drives proximity readers, keypad readers, or multi-credential readers, talks to the lock hardware (electric strike, magnetic lock, motorised lock), and reports back to the Net2 database. There is no per-door subscription and no recurring cloud fee, once the software is licensed for the door count you need, the cost is fixed.

Every installation begins with a free site survey. We walk the building, map your doors, identify the integration points (CCTV, intruder alarms, lifts, visitor management), and write a transparent quote covering controllers, readers, lock hardware, cabling, software licensing and engineer time. Cabling is run in trunking or containment where exposed, terminated to manufacturer specification, and labelled at both ends. Contact us to book a survey.

What a Net2 installation includes

Net2 server software

Net2 Pro installed on your existing Windows server or a dedicated machine we supply. Licensed for your door count, no recurring fee. SQL Server LocalDB or Express bundled.

Net2 Plus & Net2 Nano controllers

Multi-door Net2 Plus units in your comms cabinet for grouped doors; Net2 Nano for isolated single-door installations. Sized for door count plus 25% headroom for growth.

Readers & tokens

Paxton proximity, keypad, multi-format (HID/MIFARE/EM4100) and KeyPad TouchScreen readers. Initial tokens or cards supplied with your installation; we configure how new credentials are issued.

Lock hardware

Electric strikes, magnetic locks, motorised locks, push-to-exit buttons, REX motion sensors and break-glass overrides, sized for each opening's fire-strategy and ingress profile.

Software setup & user database

Net2 user groups, time zones, access levels and event reporting all configured before handover. Users imported from your existing list or HR system where supported.

BS 7273-4 fire interface

Fire-alarm interface wired and tested so every exit-route door releases on alarm. We sign off the test on the day.

How a Net2 installation works

1. Survey

A SEG engineer attends your site, walks every door you want controlled, and discusses integration with existing CCTV, intruder and visitor management. You get a written quote within a few working days.

2. Install & commission

Cabling, controllers, readers and lock hardware fitted to manufacturer spec. Net2 software installed and licensed; the user database built. Most 4–8 door projects complete in one to two days.

3. Handover & training

We demonstrate Net2 to your admin team, how to add users, set access levels, run event reports, manage time zones. Documentation provided. Optional maintenance contract for ongoing support.

Net2 installation FAQs

Net2 software runs on Windows 10/11 or Windows Server. It does not need a dedicated server, many sites run it on an existing office machine or a small VM. We can also supply a small dedicated PC if you prefer to isolate the Net2 install. There is no Apple/Linux client at present.

Net2 software is licensed once at install time for the door count you need (in bands: up to 10 doors, up to 50, up to 500). There is no per-door monthly subscription. If you add more doors later you can upgrade the software licence without replacing hardware.

Net2 is server-based and runs on your local network. The database lives on your premises, you administer Net2 on a Windows PC, and there is no per-door subscription. Paxton10 is cloud-managed: you administer it from a web browser or app, the database lives in Paxton's cloud, and pricing includes a per-door subscription. Net2 suits single-site offices and sites that prefer on-premise data; Paxton10 suits multi-site organisations and customers who want integrated video alongside access control.

Yes. Net2 integrates with most modern VMS platforms (Milestone XProtect, Hikvision HikCentral, Dahua DSS) via API or plugin. Camera footage can be triggered or bookmarked from Net2 events. We confirm the integration during the survey.

Net2 supports thousands of doors on a single database. Practical limits depend on Windows server sizing and network topology. We have customers running Net2 across a few doors and others running it across 200+ doors on multi-site networks.