Difference Between the Ajax Hubs
Updated
This article provides some useful information about the difference between the Ajax Hubs to assist in selecting the most suitable Hub for your requirements.
Ajax Hub Control Panels (Jeweller)
Currently four Ajax Hubs are available in SA.
- Hub (4G) – entry level model / limited compatibility
- Hub 2 (4G) – future-proofed with latest technology
- Hub 2 Plus – future-proofed with latest technology
- Hub BP – battery powered and SIM operated
- Hub¹ (2G) – No longer sold in SA
- Hub Plus¹ – No longer sold in SA
- Hub 2 (2G) – No longer sold in SA
About Ajax Hubs
The Ajax Hub is the control panel of the Ajax alarm system. It manages all connected Ajax detectors, sirens, keypads, remote controls, automation devices and selected third-party integrations. The correct hub depends on the size of the system, the required communication channels, MotionCam support, range extender requirements and whether the site has permanent power and fixed internet available.
Standard Ajax Hubs
The standard indoor Ajax Hub control panels, Hub (4G), Hub 2 (4G) and Hub 2 Plus, measure 163 × 163 × 36 mm and come ready to work out of the box. Each panel includes the essential hardware neatly integrated into a compact enclosure.
Ajax Hubs are ready to work out the box and include:
- Built-in power supply with power cable
- Built-in battery backup for up to 15 / 16 hours
- SIM card slot or slots
- Ethernet port with cable
- Wi-Fi on Hub 2 Plus
- Anti-tamper protection
- SmartBracket for easy mounting
Hub (4G) is best suited to simpler Ajax alarm systems that do not require MotionCam support. Hub 2 (4G) and Hub 2 Plus include Wings technology making them compatible with MotionCam detectors and photo verification. Hub 2 Plus offers the highest capacity in the standard Ajax wireless hub range with more users, devices, groups and communication options than the other standard hubs.
Hub BP
Hub BP (Battery Powered) is different from the standard indoor Ajax hubs. It is a battery-powered control panel designed for locations where permanent power, fixed internet or Wi-Fi is unavailable, unreliable or impractical.
Unlike the standard hubs, Hub BP does not include Ethernet or Wi-Fi. It connects to Ajax Cloud using mobile data via a SIM card (two SIM card slots available) and supports 2G / 3G / LTE connectivity. Hub BP also supports photo verification and is designed for battery-powered operation in an Ajax casing.
Hub BP supports Jeweller and Wings radio communication, up to 100 Ajax devices and up to 9 security groups. Ajax introduced it specifically for off-grid and hard-to-connect sites where a normal mains-powered hub is not practical.
Ajax App Control and Notifications
All Ajax hubs are set up and controlled via the free Ajax mobile app for Android and iOS. The app gives users real-time control and monitoring of their alarm system from their phone, whether they are at home, at work or away from the premises.
Users can view the live status of connected devices, arm or disarm the system, check which rooms or groups are active and receive instant push notifications when an event takes place. Notifications can include alarm activations, tamper alerts, power failures, low battery warnings, loss of connection, arming and disarming events and other important system messages.
All alarms and system events are recorded in the Ajax app’s event feed allowing authorised users to review previous notifications and check the system history directly from the app. Where Ajax MotionCam detectors are installed with a compatible hub, photo verification images linked to motion alarms can also be viewed in the app, helping users quickly confirm what caused the alarm.
Depending on the hub model, system configuration and communication method, alerts can also be sent by SMS or voice call. This provides an additional layer of notification where required, especially for important alarm events or sites where mobile app notifications alone may not be sufficient.
Armed Response Connectivity
Ajax systems can be linked to an armed response company or monitoring station so that alarm events are transmitted directly to a control room for professional response.
In most installations, this is done via the Ajax app by selecting your nominated security company from the available monitoring options. Communication is then handled by the Ajax hub using its available internet or mobile data channels.
If your preferred security company is not listed in the Ajax app, alternative integration options are available. Ajax Relays or the Ajax vhfBridge can be used to connect the system to the security company’s radio transmitter or monitoring equipment.
For remote areas, farms or sites where internet connectivity is unavailable or unreliable, the Ajax vhfBridge provides an additional option. When used with a compatible third-party VHF radio transmitter, it allows alarm signals to be sent by radio to the monitoring station, making it a practical solution where standard internet or mobile data communication may not be dependable.
Jeweller and Wings Technology
Ajax uses a proprietary radio protocol called Jeweller for two-way communication between the hub and its connected devices. Jeweller is used to transmit alarms, events and commands securely between the hub and Ajax devices.
Wings is a separate Ajax radio protocol used to transmit photos from MotionCam detectors for visual alarm verification. MotionCam uses Jeweller to transmit alarms and events and Wings to transmit photos.
It is important to note that not all Ajax hubs support Wings.
Hub (4G) uses Jeweller but does not support Wings, so it is not compatible with MotionCam photo verification.
Hub 2 (4G), Hub 2 Plus and Hub BP support both Jeweller and Wings making them suitable for Ajax systems that require MotionCam support and photo verification.
Key differences between the Ajax Hubs
Ajax Hub Models Overview
Ajax hubs are the control panels of the Ajax alarm system. The correct hub depends on the size of the system, communication requirements, MotionCam support, range extender compatibility and whether the site has permanent power and internet available.
Current Ajax Hub Models
Hub (4G)
Hub (4G) is the entry-level Ajax hub for standard alarm systems. It is based on the original Hub platform but includes 4G / LTE mobile connectivity.
It is suitable for simpler Ajax alarm systems where MotionCam photo verification is not required. Hub (4G) does not support Wings technology, which means it is not compatible with MotionCam detectors.
Best suited for:
- Standard home and small business alarm systems
- Systems that do not require MotionCam support
- Basic intrusion, fire, flood and control applications
- Installations where a cost-effective 4G Ajax hub is required
Hub 2 (4G)
Hub 2 (4G) is the preferred choice for most standard Ajax alarm systems. It supports both Jeweller and Wings technology, making it compatible with MotionCam detectors and photo verification.
It includes Ethernet and two 4G / LTE SIM slots, giving it stronger communication options than Hub (4G). It also supports more automation scenarios and both ReX and ReX 2 range extenders.
Best suited for:
- Homes and businesses requiring MotionCam support
- Systems where photo verification is important
- Standard Ajax installations requiring reliable 4G backup
- Installations that may need ReX 2 range extension
Hub 2 Plus
Hub 2 Plus is the most advanced hub in the standard Ajax wireless range. It is designed for larger systems, commercial installations and sites where maximum communication reliability is required.
It includes Ethernet, Wi-Fi and two 4G / LTE SIM slots. Hub 2 Plus also supports more users, more connected devices, more groups and more automation scenarios than Hub 2.
Best suited for:
- Larger homes and commercial properties
- Systems requiring the highest communication redundancy
- Installations with many users or devices
- Sites requiring multiple groups / partitions
- Advanced Ajax systems with automation and video integration
Hub BP (Battery Powered)
Hub BP is a specialised battery-powered Ajax hub designed for locations where fixed power and fixed internet are unavailable, unreliable or impractical.
Unlike the standard Ajax hubs, Hub BP uses mobile data only. It has two SIM slots and does not include Ethernet or Wi-Fi. It supports Jeweller and Wings technology, making it compatible with MotionCam detectors and photo verification.
Best suited for:
- Remote sites
- Vacant properties
- Construction sites
- Farms and outbuildings
- Temporary security installations
- Sites without permanent power or internet
Hub BP should not be seen as a replacement for Hub 2 Plus. It is designed for a different purpose: battery-powered Ajax security in remote or difficult-to-connect locations.
Legacy / Discontinued Ajax Hub Models
The following models are older Ajax hubs and are no longer sold in South Africa. They may still be found in existing installations, but they are not recommended for new systems.
Hub¹ (2G)
The original Ajax Hub is a first-generation control panel. It uses Jeweller technology but does not support Wings, which means it is not compatible with MotionCam detectors.
It is limited compared to newer Ajax hubs and is best regarded as a legacy model for existing systems.
Hub Plus¹
Hub Plus was an upgraded first-generation hub with additional communication options compared to the original Hub. However, it still does not support Wings technology and is therefore not compatible with MotionCam detectors.
Although Hub Plus offered more capacity than the original Hub, newer models such as Hub 2 (4G), Hub 2 Plus and Hub BP are better choices for new installations.
Hub 2 (2G)¹
Hub 2 (2G) introduced Wings technology and MotionCam support, but it uses 2G SIM connectivity. With 4G models now available, Hub 2 (2G) is no longer the preferred option for new installations.
For new systems, Hub 2 (4G) is the better choice.
¹ No longer sold in South Africa. Existing systems may still operate, but new installations should use one of the current Ajax hub models.
SIM Cards for Ajax Hubs
Ajax Hubs support SIM cards as a failover communication method in the event of internet outages. They can also operate entirely on mobile data making them ideal for locations where wired internet isn’t available such as construction sites, yachts, storage facilities, campervans, warehouses, and remote properties.
We recommend Webbing and Justworx IoT SIM cards for Ajax Hubs. These SIMs are non-steering which means they automatically connect to the strongest available Vodacom or MTN signal in the area ensuring stable and reliable performance.
Both SIM types come with preloaded data packages valid for periods ranging from 2 to 30 years, depending on the selected option.
✅ No Monthly Fees
✅ No Contracts
✅ No Subscriptions
✅ Just a once-off purchase — insert and forget
NO Monthly Costs | NO Subscriptions | DATA never expires!
IoT SIM cards are designed for low-data devices such as alarm communicators, trackers, routers, monitoring equipment and other IoT applications. They are data-only SIM cards and cannot be used for normal voice calls or general web browsing.
Click the Button purchase or learn more about the relevant SIM card options.
Government has proposed a total shutdown of 2G and 3G networks in South Africa by the end of December 2027.
The document signed by DCDT Minister Mondli Gungubele stipulates:
Read the article South Africa pushes 2G, 3G sunset to 2027.
Ajax Hub Specifications
Hub (4G) Features:
The Hub (4G) is ready to work out of the box and includes a built-in power supply, battery backup for up to 15 hours and two communication channels. It is Ajax’s entry-level 4G hub and is best suited to standard alarm systems that do not require MotionCam photo verification or the full compatibility of the Hub 2 range.
The Hub (4G) features:
- 100 Ajax devices / zones, including selected wired third-party devices via Ajax MultiTransmitter
- 50 users
- 50 rooms
- 9 groups / partitions – independent control over groups of devices
- Up to 5 scenarios
- Supports 1 × ReX range extender
- Live streaming support for up to 10 standalone third-party IP cameras using RTSP or SDK
- Supports Ajax cameras and third-party cameras via Ajax NVR, where applicable
Communication Channels:
- 1 × Ethernet port, including cable to connect to router
- 1 × 4G / LTE SIM slot
Hub (4G) does not support the following Ajax devices at the time of writing:
ReX 2
vhfBridge
WaterStop
LifeQuality
LightSwitch
KeyPad Outdoor
KeyPad TouchScreen
Curtain Outdoor
Curtain Outdoor Mini
DualCurtain Outdoor
MotionCam / MotionCam PhOD
MotionCam Outdoor / MotionCam Outdoor PhOD
DoorBell
IndoorCam
Hub 2 (4G) Features:
The Hub 2 (4G) is the preferred Ajax hub for most standard alarm installations. It supports Jeweller and Wings technology, MotionCam photo verification, two 4G / LTE SIM cards and up to 32 automation scenarios making it a reliable and future-ready option for homes and businesses.
The Hub 2 (4G) features:
- 100 Ajax devices, including selected wired third-party detectors connected via Ajax integration modules such as MultiTransmitter
- 50 users
- 50 rooms
- 9 groups / partitions – independent control over groups of devices
- Up to 32 scenarios
- Wings technology for MotionCam support and photo verification
- Supports up to 5 ReX / ReX 2 range extenders
- Live streaming support for up to 25 third-party IP cameras, DVRs and NVRs
Communication Channels:
1 × Ethernet port, including cable to connect to router
2 × 4G / LTE SIM slots
Hub 2 Plus Features:
The Hub 2 Plus is the premium Ajax wireless hub for larger homes, businesses and advanced alarm installations. It includes Ethernet, Wi-Fi and two 4G / LTE SIM slots, supports MotionCam photo verification and provides higher capacity than Hub (4G) and Hub 2 (4G).
The Hub 2 Plus features:
- 200 Ajax devices / zones, including selected wired third-party detectors connected via Ajax MultiTransmitter
- 200 users
- 50 rooms
- 25 groups / partitions – independent control over groups of devices
- Up to 64 scenarios
- Wings technology for MotionCam support and photo verification
- Supports up to 5 ReX / ReX 2 range extenders
- Live streaming support for up to 100 third-party IP cameras, DVRs and NVRs
Communication Channels:
- Wi-Fi connection to router
- 1 × Ethernet port, including cable to connect to router
- 2 × 4G / LTE SIM slots
Ajax Hub BP Features
The Hub BP is a battery-powered Ajax hub designed for locations where permanent power and fixed internet connections are unavailable or unreliable. It connects to Ajax Cloud using mobile data via two SIM cards and supports Ajax Jeweller and Wings radio technologies, making it suitable for remote sites, vacant properties, construction sites, farms, outbuildings and temporary installations.
The Hub BP features:
- 100 wireless Ajax devices
- 50 users
- 50 rooms
- 9 groups / partitions – independent control over groups of devices
- Up to 32 scenarios
- Wings Technology for MotionCam support
- Supports MotionCam and MotionCam Outdoor photo verification
- Supports up to 5 ReX / ReX 2 range extenders
- Supports external antenna connection for cellular, Jeweller and Wings communication
- Video surveillance support for third-party IP cameras and Ajax video devices
- Battery-powered operation with internal and external power options
- Battery Power Saver mode for extended autonomous operation
Communication Channels:
- 2 × micro SIM slots
- 2G / 3G / LTE mobile data connection
- No Ethernet port
- No WiFi connection
Power Options:
- 12 V internal battery connection
- 6–12 V DC external power source connection
- Can operate from internal battery, external power or both
- When both power sources are connected, the hub prioritises external power and switches to the internal battery if external power is lost
Technical Specifications of Ajax Hubs
| Technical Specifications | Hub (4G) | Hub 2 (4G) | Hub 2 Plus | Hub BP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connected Devices | 100 | 100 | 200 | 100 |
| Users | 50 | 50 | 200 | 50 |
| Rooms / Areas | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Groups / Partitions | 9 | 9 | 25 | 9 |
| ReX Range Extenders | 1 × ReX 1 only | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Scenarios | 5 | 32 | 64 | 32 |
| MotionCam Support | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Video Surveillance | 10 × third-party IP cameras / DVRs / NVRs | Up to 25 × third-party IP cameras / DVRs / NVRs | Up to 100 × third-party IP cameras / DVRs / NVRs |
Up to 10 standalone third-party IP cameras Up to 224 cameras via Ajax NVR |
| Communication Channels |
1 × Ethernet port 1 × 4G/LTE SIM slot |
1 × Ethernet port 2 × 2G/3G/LTE SIM slots |
1 × Ethernet port 2 × 2G/3G/LTE SIM slots Wi-Fi |
2 × micro SIM slots 2G / 3G / LTE No Ethernet / Wi-Fi |
| Battery Backup / Power | Up to 15 hours | Up to 16 hours | Up to 15 hours |
Battery-powered hub Runtime depends on selected battery |
| Size | 163 × 163 × 36 mm | 163 × 163 × 36 mm | 163 × 163 × 36 mm | 196 × 238 × 100 mm |
| Weight | 350 g | 362 g | 351 g | 1,010 g |
| Ajax Warranty | 24 months Batteries not included | 24 months Batteries not included | 24 months Batteries not included | 24 months Batteries not included |
| Complete Set | Hub (4G) Jeweller, SmartBracket, power and Ethernet cable, installation kit, quick start guide | Hub 2 (4G) Jeweller, SmartBracket, power and Ethernet cable, installation kit, quick start guide | Hub 2 Plus Jeweller, SmartBracket, power and Ethernet cable, installation kit, quick start guide | Hub BP Jeweller, casing, installation kit, quick start guide |