

Smart card door locks also generally have a smaller working radius than traditional RFID entry systems, maxing out at about 4 inches. As such, they are more secure and aren’t as easily copied as the older prox cards. They still use passive induction for power, but smart cards have more storage capacity than 125kHz cards, so they can encrypt their data in addition to storing it. NFC technologies, operating at 13.56 MHz, are commonly seen in contactless payment systems. In the context of credentials, the term “smart card” typically means High-Frequency RFID cards that use Near-Field Communication to transmit data. Since a smart card is only designed to communicate with a very specific reader, it does not allow for transferring legacy cards from older entry systems to new ones. Smart cards are much harder to “clone” or hack than prox cards. Smart cardĪ smart card is a proprietary format that is designed to have a higher level of security than traditional prox cards. Key CardĪ key card can come in multiple formats but the most common are smart cards or prox cards. Components of a key card access system Door card readerĪ door card reader will read the RFID badge or card and authenticate it just like a fob reader. If you’re worried about employees damaging their credentials, you might want to use heavy-duty cards or plastic cases to prevent them from bending. Most key cards are made of thin, flexible plastic with the chips and/or magnets embedded in them, making them somewhat fragile. Key cards are easily the most common credential because they’re cheap to manufacture, easy to secure, simple to program, and easy to manage. Cards can also be swiped or scanned where fobs are typically used as proximity readers only.

The keycard can be turned into an ID badge that can be used for visual identification as well as electronic authentication. Key Card Entry systemsĪ Key Card Entry System is very similar to a Key Fob Entry System with a few differences. The lock power supply receives commands from the control panel to send voltage to the electrified lock to unlock the door. The fob door lock is an electrified locking mechanism that is connected directly to the lock power supply. The Control panel is a device that is connected to the reader so it can authenticate the credential and make decisions on which doors the holder of that key fob is allowed to enter at which times. The key fob is a small keychain device that transmits an RFID signal to the reader.
Keycard bank code#
The fob reader is typically a wiegand reader that is programmed to read the wiegand code that is associated with the fob being presented to it. Components of an Access Control Key fob System Fob reader Here are the 4 types of card entry systems: Key fob door entry systemĪ key fob door entry system uses a small plastic rfid keychain that allows users to present the fob as a credential to a fob reader that is connected to a control panel that is programmed to authenticate the user of the system. Commercial buildings, apartment complexes, industrial facilities, and many other types of buildings use entry systems to control when visitors, employees, and residents can enter and exit.

It’s not just government facilities, hospitals, and technology labs that require electronic access control. Something to keep in mind is that while a key card system might not be as flashy or as cool as other credentials, they’re still the workhorse of commercial access control.Ĭard Entry Systems are an essential part of the security and access control of most commercial facilities. When deciding on your readers and credentials, you’ll have to consider everything from biometric fingerprint scanners to key fobs to smartphone apps. Surveillance cameras will only get you so far – at some point, you’ll need an access control system to lock and unlock your doors when your employees need to get in and out. Structured Cabling Installation: The Ultimate GuideĬontrolling access to your building is one of the most critical components to commercial security today.Alarm System Installation: The Ultimate Guide.Access Control Installation: The Ultimate Guide.Security Camera Installation: The Ultimate Guide.Cannabis Manufacturing Facility Security.
