Access Control

Access control is made up of two parts – hardware and software.

Hardware:
Consists of Panels, Readers, Locks, Switches and Push-buttons.

Software:
Consists of a database, a user interface, email and logic, or internal software functions.

Hardware

Panels:

At their core, Access Control systems operate the same way.

Reader port, inputs and outputs. We think DSX is the best option on the market.

Reader Port
A connection between the panel and the user. This is the human end of the system. Whether is through a proximity card reader, a long range reader, a mag stripe card reader or a keypad.

Proximity readers
Walk through the process: Induce a voltage that is picked up by the card when the card is presented to the reader. The card then sends its information to the reader, which buffers that information and then sends it to the access control panel. The panel then compares that data to its database and acts accordingly.

Long Range Proximity Readers:
By long range we mean 9-11 feet.

Used for vehicle gates. The “card” is mounted to the windshield or to the front of the vehicle. The process works the same way from there.

Magnetic Strip readers:
Same technology that’s on a credit card, which is dated. Not the best for access control. The cards, and the readers, tend to wear out because of the physical friction between the card and reader.

Keypads or PINpads
Usually laid out like a telephone keypad. Users can enter a 4 or 5 digit code that is transmitted to the panel. Process again is the same from there.

Have a higher failure rate than proximity readers if used exclusively.

We can combine these technologies to create high security areas or higher security after hours.

Prox/Keypad combo reader. We can set the system up to require only a card during business hours, and a card plus a PIN after hours.

A card plus PIN resolves the issue of stolen cards, as long as the card holder doesn’t write their PIN on their card.

Cards

We call them credentials.

  • Cards
  • Fobs
  • Asset Tags
  • Vehicle Tags
  • Wireless Transmitters

Biometrics

Add additional security however…

  • The technology has yet to be perfected.
  • Tries to get consistent information from humans (and humans aren’t consistent).
  • Just as secure with dual authentication (or card plus PIN)

Locks

Come in many styles and sizes.

  • Which lock to use depends on the application. Lots of different doors.
  • Most common are strikes and magnetic locks (mag locks)

Strikes

  • A door strike is typically a fail-secure device, although some a field selectable between fail-secure and fail-safe.
  • When power is applied, a solenoid moves a catch or pin out of the way, allowing the latch plate to swing freely, releasing the door.
  • Strikes set as fail secure typically do not require any egress connections because they leave the knob or lever set in place to operate normally.

Mag Locks

  • Always fail-safe. You must have power applied for the door to be locked.
  • Sizes range from 600 to 1,200 pounds depending on size. The bigger the lock, the bigger the holding force.
  • Exterior doors should use 1,200-pound locks; 600-pound locks are better suited for interior doors that have less chance of being forced open.
  • Usually the door will break before the lock is defeated; however 600-pound mag locks can be forced open.

Egress

With mag locks, you must have egress measures in place. If not, you will end up with a lot of slow-roasted employees.

Day-to-day egress

Exit motion
A motion detector is mounted above the door. When a person activates the detector, it tells the panel to release the door for its programmed unlock time, then relock. It provides a hands-free means to exit.

Exit Push-button
A clearly marked “push to exit” button that is connected to the panel to release the door the same way the motion does. It is also connected directly to the mag lock, physically breaking power to the lock in the event that the access control system fails.

Emergency Egress
Fire marshals do not accept motions and exit buttons as egress because they are not monitored by the fire alarm panel. A fire alarm relay must be installed so that it is the last device in line before the lock, so that upon a fire alarm, the relay will activate, breaking power to the mag lock. This is not optional.

Other hardware

Door status switches: Same used in burg systems, a magnetically controlled switch that closes when the door is closed. Come in many shapes and sizes.

Remote release buttons: A hardwired or wireless button that activates the request to exit on the panel to open a door for a customer vendor or anyone who does not carry a credential.

Door operators or handicap openers:

Most door operators can be triggered by access control, so that by reading a card, the door unlocks and automatically opens. This can be restricted per cardholder so it works for handicapped people, while for others the door just unlocks.

Gates

Motorized gates:

  • Access control can be used for gate access as well.
  • Readers can be used on a gate as well as its used on doors.
  • Gates can be automatically opened and closed several times in a day.
  • Readers can be placed on the outside and inside of the gate.
  • We can disable exit loops so people are forced to use there card to leave, so there is a record of who left and when.
  • Truck drivers can use a regular card or a wireless fob that transmits the same signal to the panel as a card, so they are accounted for with out leaving their cabs.
  • Existing gates can be retrofitted with supervised wireless transmitters that send card information wirelessly, keeping you from trenching through the parking lot.

Non-motorized gates:

  • Can be fitted with mag locks and readers to operate just like a door.

Elevators:

  • Can control the car call or individual floor buttons.
  • Can be installed inside the elevator car.
  • Can be transmitted wirelessly if the traveler cable does not have enough conductors.
  • The elevator company needs to be involved.

Software

Consists of three applications bundled into one software package.

Comm Server: The name we give the PC running the software, and the name of one of the three applications. The comm server application runs in the background and communicates between the database and the panels.

Comm Server Location: Can connect the PC to the panels across a network, the internet, or hardwired up to 4,000 feet away.