Magnetic Swipe Card Based Access Control

Magnetic Cards

Magnetic card technology works by the encoding data onto a magnetic strip on the back of the card. This data is then read as the strip passes over the reading head of a card reader. If the data is valid for that door then access is granted.

This is the same technology employed on standard credit cards, although the addition of "chip and PIN" has made these cards more secure.

Magnetic cards offer a cost effective access control solution, however, card data can be easily copied and systems can be compromised.

Magnetic cards can also be printed onto, adding photo ID or a company logo to the cards.

Stand Alone Readers

Using a stand alone reader is the most cost effective method of magswipe access control.

The reader is generally supplied in a kit form. The kit contains the reader, an electric lock, power supply and a number of magnetic cards (10, 25, 50 & 100).

These kits are easy to use, easy to program and simple to install and would be utilised on main entrances into buildings or internal doors.

A consideration is that these kits offer limited security as all of the control electronics are built into the reader. This means that vandalizing the reader would result in the loss of all data and the electric lock would be compromised. However, if vandalism is not an issue then these kits are a perfect access control solution.

Readers With Secure Control Units

Where vandalism is an issue and the need for more features over a stand alone system are requirements then considering a reader with a separate control unit is a wise choice.

A consideration of using a magnetic reader in this way is that when a reader is located externally, the swipe area can be attacked and easily blocked up. The reader head can also get dirty and this can affect the reading of the cards. For this application Lock-tec recommend a proximity system.

These readers are installed and all electronics are cabled back to the control unit which is usually located inside the building in a secure location.

In this way, all decisions are made by the control unit and vandalism of the reader will not compromise the security of the door. All programming is stored within the control unit and when a replacement reader is installed the system immediately reverts to its previous operation.

These systems allow up to 10000 users as standard and the control unit offers the facility to add a second reader to control in/out access at the door.