Proximity Access Control - Lock-Tec 01606 331444

Proximity Card Access Control

Using a proximity card for access control is a very secure and convenient way of gaining entry or exit from a site.

The cards are available is many forms based on the convenience required and the card technology can be secure and encrypted to ensure that cards cannot be copied and duplicated.

Proximity in recent years has been seen as the common technology used for access control applications. It has overtaken the previous favorite, magnetic card, is it is a more secure and durable technology.

As the name suggests, proximity works by holding the card within the "proximity" of a reader which is emitting a signal. The reader then reads the information programmed onto the card and the access control system decides whether access is valid into or out of that area.

The various technologies of proximity access control are listed below -

Proximity Cards & Tokens

One of the most convenient features of a proximity based card is the various formats that card can be supplied as.

Standard card - the card is similar in shape to a credit card and slightly thicker. This is the standard card used.

Keyfob - a very small keyfob that can be attached to a set of keys or a lanyard for ease of carrying.

ISO Card - a credit card sized token that is also very thin. These cards are commonly used where card printing is required for photo ID.

Watchprox - imagine this card as a token that can be strapped to any device, i.e. a watch. This is a tiny proximity token that is discreet and convenient.

Stand Alone Readers

Using a stand alone reader is the most cost effective method of proximity 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 cards/tokens.

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.

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.

Reader Variations

Several different types of readers can be installed to allow different levels of access control and visual security.

The standard readers are available in 3 different sizes so that the readers can be installed more discreetly.

A range of readers are available to fit onto single gang back boxes which enable reader locations to be easily installed into on site without the need for the product during the first fix stage.

The reader range also includes combined keypad and proximity in one unit to allow card & PIN access to heighten security,

A Panel Mount Reader can be installed into an audio entry panel to give audio access to visitors but proximity access to tenants or employees.

A range of vandal resistant readers are offered to give a robust metal option and a concealed option that can be installed into a cavity so that no reader is on show.

Network/PC Based Proximity Access Control

On large sites with many doors it makes sense to have all readers working together in a network for centralised control and administration of the access control system.

It also makes sense to link any number of readers into a network if you just need to keep an eye on events and have an audit trail of movements on site.

A networked or PC based access control system allows you to achieve this. The subject deserves its own page and so its worth clicking the link below or the image to the left to access our dedicated page on PC based access control.

Click here to go to the PC based access control page.