What is a Door Access Control System?
An access control system allows authorized users to enter a building or areas inside a building by authenticating their access. Simply, an access control system is used to open a locked door using electrical/ electromagnetic locking systems via relays and automatically locking the door after the user has entered.
What Makes Up a Typical Door Access Control System
There are different types of readers that can be used on their own or in combination with each other with door access control systems. For example, you can install a smart swipe card or FOB reader, or even readers that scan biometric identification details (like fingerprints) or (Eye Recognition).
In smart cards, there are a set of unique codes for each employee that are embedded in the card. The access control reader checks the code read from the smart card, which is then verified from a centralized database located on your network. If there is a match it will activate a relay circuit which unlocks the door so that the person/employee can enter.
For more than one access point you will need additional controllers and control panels, as well as electrified locks. Some doors may also need additional hardware to make the door access ready. You should check with your local AHJ inspector before installing any door access system, as local codes vary from County to County and State to State.
Why IP For Access Control Systems Are Better Than Traditional Systems
IP-based door access systems provide better security and ease of management at a much lower cost than earlier technologies.
Traditional door access control systems use a number of protocols to communicate with each other, such as the Wiegand, RS-232, and RS-485. But with IP-based Access Control Systems, all the communications from the Access Control Server to the Access Control Reader-Controller happen over the Internet Protocol (IP). So, instead of multiple cables, only a Category 5e or Category 6 cable (as used in your LAN), goes to each door. We recommend installing a Category 6 cable as it has better electricals for handling power. IP Systems readers and controllers use different protocols and cables to communicate with the relays, automatic IP door locks, and so on.
With an IP-based system, Readers, Controllers & Control Panels are mostly integrated into a single box. For small installations of one or two doors, an IP Reader can be installed as a stand-alone device, as they can come with embedded software to manage and store a person’s credentials.
Some Advantages of IP-based Access Control Systems
Power over Ethernet (POE): Since IP-based Access Control Readers support Power over Ethernet Technology, an additional power cable does not need to be run to every door because data and power travel over Category 5e or Category 6 twisted pair cable. The reader controller can be installed near the door which means you install less cable. Alternatively, an IP door access product leader Isonas, the reader is the controller. This allows for only a Cat cable to be pulled to each door then wiring from the reader to the lock.
Failover / Redundancy: An IP system can be configured for redundancy on the IP Network. If a cable link is cut, the data can be routed through an alternate path. Also, IP-based access control readers can store user credentials and information which allows them to operate temporarily if access to the Server is lost.
IP Remote Management: You can make changes to your IP-based Door Access System with a normal web-browser from anywhere over the Internet.
Open Standards: Most manufacturers of IP-based solutions are designing these products to work with open standard platform. Which means you are NOT tied down to only one vendor or only their products. An example is the reader itself. You may find a reader you feel is more suitable for your situation sold by another manufacturer which you can use in your IP-based door access system. Do your research on the other vendor products before you buy and make sure it can co-exist in the same access control network you have or are looking to purchase.
Scalable: You can install one IP reader today, and expand to hundreds tomorrow, and at multiple sites across the entire world while having the ability to manage the entire system from your computer.
Notifications: IP-based access control systems can automatically notify you in several ways, such as an email notification. They can tell you if a reader is down or if a door is left open. They can also generate automatic alarms that you choose from within the software.
Integration with other Systems: Another big advantage of IP-based Access Control system is their ability to integrate with other products such as Time and Attendance and Video Surveillance Systems. Another innovator in the IP door access and IP video surveillance space, Axis IP door access integrates flawlessly with their IP video products and also other VMS solutions.
Tracking and Logging: All the activities of every user can be tracked and recorded in case an incident should happen to occur
Anti-Passback: With IP door access control systems, anti-passback rules can be applied so that an employee cannot pass on his smart card to someone outside without first exiting the door.
Corporate Directories: It is possible to integrate IP access control systems with corporate directories like Active Directory or LDAP, so that the user details held in those directories can be used to automate card holder profiles, also known as credentials
The Times Have Changed – Welcome To The Next Evolution in Access Control
Most manufacturers of security products are now migrating to IP-based platforms. It is the future. Everything from Building Automation, LED lighting, Video Surveillance and Door Access Systems are all offering IP-based solutions for companies just like yours.