March 31, 2026 • 10 min read
If you're running Genetec Security Center and adding doors with Axis hardware, this guide is for you. It covers what the A1210-G and A1610-G are, how PoE power works in practice, how enrollment into Security Center works, and the mistakes that turn a straightforward installation into an unplanned second trip.
We sell both controllers direct — Axis A1210-G and Axis A1610-G — with a 1-year guarantee and optional pre-programming.
The Axis A1210-G and A1610-G are network door controllers in the Axis Powered by Genetec line. They ship from the factory with Genetec Synergis firmware pre-loaded and are designed for Genetec Security Center deployments — on-premise, cloud, or hybrid.
Unlike centralized Mercury-based hardware that lives in an equipment room and runs RS-485 to every door, these are edge controllers. The controller goes above or near the door. One network cable — PoE or PoE+ — delivers both power and connectivity from the nearest network switch.
The short version: the A1210-G covers one door, the A1610-G covers two. If you have adjacent door pairs, the A1610-G covers both from a single PoE+ cable run and is the lower cost per door. For a full spec comparison, see Axis A1610-G vs. A1210-G: Which Genetec Door Controller Should You Buy?
A1210-G (single door): PoE 802.3af (15.4W max), 2 OSDP reader ports or 1 Wiegand reader port, 250,000 credentials / 150,000 events local storage, Axis Edge Vault cybersecurity (CC EAL6+).
A1610-G (two doors): PoE+ 802.3at (30W max), 4 reader connections across 2 doors, 250,000 credentials / 250,000 events local storage, DIN-rail mountable, same Axis Edge Vault platform.
Every PoE switch has a total power budget shared across all PoE-capable ports. The A1210-G draws up to 15.4W (802.3af). The A1610-G draws up to 30W (802.3at PoE+). Calculate your total PoE draw before you commit to a switch. Verify that individual ports support the right PoE standard — a PoE-only port (15.4W max) cannot deliver enough power to an A1610-G.
The Axis controllers have a PoE class override setting that must be configured correctly for the controller to negotiate the right power level from the switch. Apply the PoE override setting on the controller before deploying it in the field.
The controller must be on a network reachable by the Genetec Access Manager. During enrollment, Security Center discovers the controller by IP address, authenticates, and pushes configuration. Before enrolling: confirm the controller is on the correct network segment and the firmware version is compatible with your Security Center version.
IP Address Changes Break Enrollment. When you enroll a controller in Security Center, the server stores that controller's IP address. If the IP address changes after enrollment, Security Center loses communication with it. The fix is re-enrollment. Prevention: use static IP addresses for all Axis controllers, or configure DHCP reservations before enrollment.
Power supply for lock hardware: The PoE cable powers the controller, not the lock. Every door still needs a local power supply for the electric strike or maglock.
Labeling: Every wire at both ends, every controller with its IP address, MAC address, and door assignment. An unlabeled Axis deployment above a ceiling tile is a diagnostic nightmare.
Reader wiring: The A1210-G supports 2 OSDP readers or 1 Wiegand reader — not both simultaneously in all configurations. Know your reader protocol before you pull wire.