ButterflyMX devices are cloud-connected and require a reliable internet connection to operate. This article covers the general network requirements for ButterflyMX video intercoms, access controllers, and OSDP readers. For camera-specific network requirements, see Security Camera Network Requirements. For firewall and port configuration, see Firewall & Port Requirements.
Internet Connection Requirements
All ButterflyMX devices require an active, reliable internet connection. The following baseline requirements apply across all products:
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
Connection Type |
Broadband internet connection required. DSL is not recommended. |
Reliability |
An always-on connection is required. Intermittent or unstable internet will impact device performance and access events. |
Dedicated Circuit |
A dedicated internet circuit is recommended for properties with multiple ButterflyMX devices to ensure consistent performance. |
IP Addressing |
Both DHCP and static IP addressing are supported. IPv4 TCP/IP is required. |
Latency |
Target network latency of under 50 ms is recommended for best performance. |
UPS Power Backup |
A UPS (uninterruptible power supply) is required for video intercom installations to maintain operation during power interruptions. |
Ethernet Requirements
Wired Ethernet is the preferred and recommended connection method for all ButterflyMX devices.
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
Cable Type |
CAT5e or CAT6 is required. |
Maximum Cable Run |
328 ft (100 m) from the network switch or router to the device. Runs exceeding this length require an additional network switch. |
P2P (Point-to-Point) Wireless Connections
In installations where running a cable is not feasible, a P2P (point-to-point) wireless bridge can be used to extend the network to a ButterflyMX device. P2P connections can be used with any ButterflyMX device, including intercoms, access controllers, and camera systems.
Line of sight is required between both P2P bridge devices
P2P devices must bridge onto the same local network/subnet as the rest of the ButterflyMX installation
Wired Ethernet is always preferred where cable runs are feasible — P2P introduces additional points of failure
P2P bandwidth must meet or exceed the requirements of the devices being connected (see Bandwidth Requirements below)
Connection Types by Product
The table below shows the supported connection types for each ButterflyMX product.
Product |
Ethernet |
Wi-Fi |
Cellular Router |
PoE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Video Intercom (8" or 12") |
✅ Recommended |
✅ 5 GHz only (see below) |
✅ Via ButterflyMX Cellular Router (separate device) |
❌ No — powered by low-voltage hardwired power supply |
Access Controller (ACS) |
✅ Recommended |
✅ 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz |
❌ No |
❌ No — powered by wall adapter |
Elevator Control System |
✅ Required — same network as intercom |
❌ No |
❌ No |
✅ Yes — PoE powered |
OSDP Access Reader |
❌ No — OSDP wired protocol only |
❌ No |
❌ No |
❌ No — powered by the access controller |
Security Cameras / Camera Gateway |
✅ Required — same network as Camera Gateway |
❌ Not supported |
❌ Not supported |
✅ Yes — PoE switch or PoE injector required if PoE switch not available |
Same-Network Requirements
Several ButterflyMX components must reside on the same local network to communicate correctly. This does not require them to be on the same physical switch, but they must be on the same network or VLAN with local reachability to each other.
Device Group |
Requirement |
|---|---|
Video Intercom + Access Controller (ACS) |
Must be on the same local network. The ACS uses the local network to communicate with the intercom and 2-door controller. |
Video Intercom + Elevator Control System |
Must be on the same local network. |
Cameras + Camera Gateway |
Must be on the same local network. A separate VLAN for camera traffic is recommended for security and bandwidth management. |
Bandwidth Requirements
The following bandwidth requirements apply to ButterflyMX intercoms and access controllers. Bandwidth usage is highest during active video calls, software updates, and device provisioning. Idle devices use minimal bandwidth.
Product |
Absolute Minimum |
Recommended Minimum |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Video Intercom (8" or 12") |
2 Mbps up / 2 Mbps down |
5 Mbps per device |
Bandwidth usage is highest during active video calls. Below 2 Mbps, call quality and reliability will be degraded. |
Access Controller (ACS) |
2 Mbps |
5 Mbps |
Primarily used for access events and cloud sync. 5 Mbps ensures acceptable latency. |
OSDP Access Reader |
Not applicable — OSDP readers communicate over a direct wired connection to the access controller and do not use the IP network. |
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Wi-Fi Connectivity
Wi-Fi is supported for video intercoms and access controllers as an alternative to wired Ethernet. Wired Ethernet is always preferred for reliability.
Video Intercoms
5 GHz band only (802.11ac / Wi-Fi 5 or higher)
Network must be password-protected (WPA2 or WPA3 recommended)
Open (unsecured) Wi-Fi networks are not supported
2.4 GHz networks are not supported for video intercoms
Access Controllers
Supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands
Network must be password-protected
Wi-Fi is not supported for cameras. ButterflyMX security cameras and Camera Gateways require a wired Ethernet connection. Do not attempt to connect camera equipment over Wi-Fi.
Cellular Router Connectivity
ButterflyMX offers a Cellular Router add-on for properties where a wired internet connection is unavailable or where cellular failover is desired. The cellular router is a separate device — ButterflyMX intercoms do not have a built-in SIM card or cellular radio.
The ButterflyMX Cellular Router provides internet connectivity to the intercom over LTE
Can be used as the primary internet connection or as a failover backup
The intercom connects to the cellular router via Ethernet or 5 GHz Wi-Fi — no changes to the intercom hardware are required
For full details, see the ButterflyMX Cellular Router Fact Sheet.
Cellular is not supported for cameras. ButterflyMX security camera systems require a wired Ethernet connection and are not compatible with cellular connectivity.
Firewall & Port Requirements
For the complete list of required TCP and UDP ports, see Firewall & Port Requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ButterflyMX devices share the building's existing network?
Yes, but a dedicated internet circuit is recommended for properties with multiple connected devices to ensure consistent performance.
Can I use a static IP address?
Yes. Both DHCP and static IP addressing are supported.
What happens if the internet goes down?
ButterflyMX devices require an active internet connection to function normally. A UPS is required for video intercoms to protect against power interruptions, but an internet outage will impact cloud-based features until connectivity is restored.
Do I need to do anything special for the firewall?
If your network has a restrictive firewall policy, specific ports must be allowed. See Firewall & Port Requirements for the full list.
Does the video intercom have a built-in SIM card?
No. ButterflyMX intercoms connect via Ethernet or 5 GHz Wi-Fi. Cellular connectivity is available through the ButterflyMX Cellular Router — a separate add-on device. See the Cellular Router Fact Sheet for details.
Can I use a P2P wireless bridge instead of running cable?
Yes. P2P wireless bridges are supported for any ButterflyMX device where running a cable is not feasible. Clear line of sight between bridge devices is required, and both devices must be on the same local network/subnet.