Difference Between the Ajax Hubs

Difference Between the Ajax Hubs

Updated

  • Sep 11, 2022
  • 7:25 pm

Difference Between the Ajax Hubs

There are currently five Ajax Hub control panels available i.e.

1st Generation:

    • Hub– also referred to as Hub (1)
    • Hub Plus– also referred to as Hub Plus (1)

2nd Generation: 

    • Hub 2 (2G)
    • Hub 2 (4G)
    • Hub 2 Plus

The Hub (1) and Hub Plus (1) are the original control panels and neither one of them include Wings technology for MotionCam support. The Hub (1) has been switched to support mode, it no longer receives updates and will not support any future devices. 

Hub 2 (2G & 4G) and Hub 2 Plus are the latest second-generation control panels and include Wings radio protocol for MotionCam compatibility. They receive regular automatic updates which add new features and functionality to the system as well as firmware updates for new devices. 

This page will provide an overview of the various Hubs highlighting the common aspects of the control panels as well as their differences.

Ajax Hub Control Panels

The Hub control panels measure 163 x 163 x 36mm and are supplied complete and ready to operate out of the box. The Hubs includes the following built-in:

  • Power supply (cable included)
  • Battery backup for up to 15/16 hours,
  • SIM Card slot/s (SIM card not supplied)
  • Ethernet module (cable included)
  • Anti-tamper
  • Smart bracket for easy mounting.

The Hubs are fully setup and controlled via a very powerful and advanced free Ajax mobile app for Android and iOS devices with real time monitoring of all the wireless devices. Instant notifications are delivered to your phone via Push Notifications (similar to WhatsApp) and optionally Voice and/or SMS as well as a live cloud link or wired connection to your armed response company.

Ajax uses a technology called Jeweller which is the radio protocol that provides two-way communication between Ajax and its devices up to hundreds of metres aways. A second radio protocol called Wings was developed for the transmission of photos taken from the Ajax MotionCam indoor and outdoor devices for visual verification of alarms. Separate signal strength indicators bars are displayed on the Ajax app for both Jeweller and Wings applicable devices for.

Ajax Hub Differences

The Ajax Hub and Hub Plus (first generation Hubs) are based on older technology and do not include Wings for MotionCam compatibility. The major difference for consideration between the two Hubs beside the number of zones, users and groups is the 2G vs 3G and WiFi capability as well as the number of ReX range extenders and scenarios that each accommodates.

The second-generation Hub 2 and Hub 2 Plus control panels include the latest technology and are compatible with all Ajax devices. The only difference between the Hub 2 – 2G and 4G versions are the SIM card communication channels. The Hub 2 (2G) includes 2x 2G SIM slots whereas the Hub 2 (4G) includes 2x 2G/3G/4G/LTE SIM slots.

The Hub 2 Plus also includes 2x 2G/3G/4G/LTE SIM slots as well as WiFi that allows the Hub to be connected to a router via WiFi / without the cable

Other important features to consider when selecting a Hub include the following:

  • Number ofScenarios:
    • Scenarios can be created to automate various features and functions such as auto-arming / disarming of the system or groups,
    • Program actions of automation devices (Relay, WallSwitch & Socket)by schedule, in response to a system action or button press.
  • Number and type ofReX range extenders (ReX and Rex 2):
    • Used to extend the range between the Hubs and wireless devices
    • Hub and Hub Plus are only compatible with ReX
    • Hub 2 and Hub 2 Plus are compatible with both Rex and ReX 2
  • Video Surveillance: the various Hubs have a maximum number of IP cameras / DVR that they are able to live stream

SIM Cards for Ajax Hubs

SIM cards are mostly used as backup to an internet connection however they can be used without an Ethernet connection, e.g on yachts, building sites, storage / warehouses, caravans and campervans. However, if ethernet is available, we recommend to use both.

As backup to an Ethernet / WiFi connection, SIM cards are absolutely essential for the uninterrupted remote functionality of your Ajax system in the event of internet failure. Internet failures can occur during load shedding / power or network failures.

Without the internet, system users lose the ability to remotely control and communicate with the system (when away from the property) and also will not receive notifications. By inserting a SIM card/s into the Hub, Ajax will remain connected and continue operating as per normal.

Justworx are multi-network IoT SIM cards and are well suited for Ajax Hubs. The SIM cards are non-steering meaning they automatically connect to the strongest Vodacom or MTN network in the area therefore only one SIM Justworx SIM card is required. 

Justworx SIM cards include DATA with the various package options. For Ajax systems, one of the following options should be selected during activation:

  • As backup to an Ethernet connection:– Data4Life (10MB /month) – includes Data for 30 years
  • If no Ethernet is available:– 100MB per month – includes Data for 2 years

There are no monthly costs, no subscriptions and DATA never expires!!

Click HERE for more info on Justworx SIM cards, Data allocation, how and where they work. 

Hub Specifications

Hub (1) Specifications

The Hub is the original control panel that includes 100 wireless zones, 50 users, 50 rooms, 9 groups (partitions) and live stream up to 10 IP CCTV cameras / DVRs.

The Hub supports up to 1x ReX (1) range extender to expand its wireless range and allows for 5 Scenarios. Ready to work out the box, it includes a built-in Power Supply including power cableBattery backup for up to 15 hours, Ethernet port including patch cable for router connection and 1x 2G GSM SIM slot.

Although the Hub is still available for purchase, it was switched to support mode in April 2021 and no longer receives updates. The Hub is still perfectly adequate for properties that do not require MotionCams or DualCurtains. Click HERE to see a list of compatible devices.

*The Hub does not support MotionCam or DualCurtain. As the Hub no longer receives updates, it will also not support any future Ajax devices.

Hub Plus (1) Specifications

The Hub Plus is the expanded version of the original Hub control panel and includes a more powerful processor and increased memory capacity. It supports 150 wireless zones, 99 users, 50 rooms, 25 partitions and up to 50 IP CCTV cameras, NVR’s / DVR’s. 

The Hub Plus supports up to 5x ReX (1) range extenders to expand its wireless range and allows for 64 Scenarios. Ready to work out the box, it includes a built-in power supplyBattery backup for up to 16 hours, WiFi for wireless connection to the router, Ethernet port including patch cable for router connection1x 2G SIM slot and 1x 3G SIM slot.

*The Hub Plus does not support MotionCam.

Hub 2 Specifications (2G & 4G)

The Hub 2 is a second-generation control panel and the third addition to the Hub family after the Hub Plus. Hub 2 (4G) was launched in SA in August 2022 (the fifth Hub after Hub 2 Plus) with 4G / LTE SIM slots being the only difference vs 2G SIM slots in Hub 2, now also known as Hub 2 (2G)

The Hub 2 (2G / 4G) is a 100-zone wireless control panel and supports 50 users, 50 rooms, 9 groups (partitions) and can live stream up to 25 IP CCTV cameras / NVR’s / DVRs. 

The Hub 2 supports up to 5x ReX (1 and/or 2) range extenders to expand its wireless range and allows for 32 Scenarios. Ready to work out the box, it includes a built-in power supplyBattery backup for up to 16 hours and Ethernet port including patch cable to connect to your router as well as 2x SIM slots as follows:

    • Hub 2 (2G) includes 2x 2G SIM slots 
    • Hub 2 (4G) includes 2x SIM Slots – 2G, 3G and 4G / LTE 

*Hub 2 supports MotionCam and all Ajax devices

Hub 2 Plus Specifications

The Hub 2 Plus is the expanded version of the Hub 2 and the most efficient Ajax control panel. It has a processor that is 4.5 times faster than Hub 2 and 8 times more flash memory. This hardware configuration allows the device to work for years and remain relevant.

The Hub 2 Plus is a 200-zone wireless control panel and includes Wings technology for MotionCam compatibility. It supports up to 200 users, 25 groups (partitions) and live stream up to 100 IP CCTV cameras / NVR’s / DVRs.

The Hub 2 Plus supports up to 5x ReX (1 and/or 2) range extenders to expand its wireless range and allows for 32 Scenarios. Ready to work out the box, it includes a built-in power supplyBattery backup for up to 15 hours, WiFi to connect to the router wirelesslyEthernet port and 2x 2G, 3G & 4G / LTE SIM slots.

*Hub 2 Plus supports MotionCam and all Ajax devices

Technical Specifications of the Ajax Hubs

Technical Specifications

Hub

Hub Plus

Hub 2 (2G / 4G)

Hub 2 Plus

 

Connected Devices

100

150

100

200

 

Users

50

99

50

200

 

Rooms / Areas

50

50

50

50

 

Groups / Partitions

9

25

9

25

 

ReX Range Extenders

1

5

5

5

 

Scenarios

5

64

32

64

 

MotionCam Support

No

No

Yes

Yes

 

Video Surveillance

Up to 10 IP Cameras / DVR’s / NVR’s

Up to 50 IP Cameras / DVR’s / NVR’s

Up to 25 IP Cameras / DVR’s / NVR’s

Up to 100 IP Cameras / DVR’s / NVR’s

 

Communication Channels (Built-In)

Ethernet
GSM (1x 2G)

Ethernet
GSM (1x 2G & 1x 3G)
WiFi

Ethernet
GSM: (2G) – 2x 2G | (4G) – 2x 2G/3G/LTE

Ethernet
GSM 2G, 3G & LTE
WiFi

 

Battery backup

Up to 15 Hours

Up to 16 Hours

Up to 16 Hours

Up to 15 Hours

 

Size

163 x 163 x 36mm

163 x 163 x 36mm

163 x 163 x 36mm

163 x 163 x 36mm

 

Weight

350g

350g

362g

351g

 

Warranty

24 Months (batteries not included)

24 Months (batteries not included)

24 Months (batteries not included)

24 Months (batteries not included)

 

Complete Set

Ajax Hub Control Panel, SmartBracket, Power Cable, Installation Kit, User Guide

Ajax Hub Plus Control Panel, SmartBracket, Power Cable, Installation Kit, User Guide

Ajax 2 Hub Control Panel, SmartBracket, Power Cable, Installation Kit, User Guide

Ajax Hub Plus Control Panel, SmartBracket, Power Cable, Installation Kit, User Guide