Access Control Systems
Access Control Systems can be divided into four distinct disciplines:
All these systems are available as individual 'stand-alone' systems or multiple door/multiple site networked systems.
Intercom
These systems can be audio or video. A system usually consists of a door station, one or more handsets, a door release mechanism and a power supply. There can be one or more door stations and these are located outside and adjacent to the entrance door/s. Handsets can be of the telephone type or the 'hands-free' type and are strategically positioned for ease of use. Also connected to the door station will be door release mechanisms which allow the door/s to be unlocked remotely from the handsets to allow visitors entry. These release mechanisms will be rated to suit the security level of the building. The power supply is connected into a local mains electrical supply and will provide power to the system.
Video Systems have a CCTV camera either built into, or associated with, the door stations to provide a colour or monochrome (black & white) image of the visitor. This aids identification of the visitor and provides for higher security.
http://www.urmetdomus.co.uk
http://www.videx-security.com/products/catagory/72/)
Proximity access control
These systems consist of proximity readers, door control units, door release mechanisms and a power supply. Proximity readers are fitted to one or both sides of a door to provide a secure means of access through the door. Access through the door is gained by presenting a valid fob or card to a reader. The fob/card is checked by the door control unit and if valid, the door release mechanism is operated. Door release mechanisms are rated to suit the security level of the door. The power supply is connected into a local mains electrical supply and will provide power to the system.
Reliability of tokens is excellent as they are usually 'passive', do not contain batteries and only energise when presented to a reader. 'Active' tokens are available to provide 'hands-free' operation (this can be of special significance to disable users).
Readers have a much higher resistance to vandalism than keypads as there are no moving parts. Readers are available that can be fitted so as to be inside or contained within the structure of the building.
Proximity access control offers a high level of security as each fob/card is unique and is allocated to one designated holder. Fobs/cards are extremely difficult to duplicate and have to be added to a system by an authorised person. Lost or unreturned fobs/cards are simply deleted from the system. Some systems can provide information and historical records on when fobs/cards have been used. This allows for the tracking of door operations/users, which is especially useful if there is a suspected security issue. This type of access control system can be seamlessly integrated into intercom systems, if required.
http://www.paxtonaccess.co.uk/products.asp?strStage=right_for_you
Keypad access control
These systems consist of digital keypads, door release mechanisms and power supply. Digital keypads are fitted to one or both sides of a door to provide a secure means of access through the door by means of a code. There can either be a common code issued to all users of the system or individual codes (PIN – Personnel Identification Number) issued to each user of the system. Also connected to the digital keypad will be a door release mechanism, which will be rated to suit the security of the door. The power supply is connected into a local mains electrical supply and will provide power to the system.
Common codes usually provide low levels of security for small numbers of users in a controlled environment. The problem with a common code is that the code can be passed on to or learnt by third parties, which compromises the security of the door.
PIN's offer higher security, as users are less likely to divulge their own individual number. Some systems can provide information and historical records on when PIN's have been used. This allows for the tracking of door operations/users, which is especially useful if there is a suspected security issue. For higher security or high numbers of individual users, 6 digit PIN's should be used in order to maintain the very low probability of guessing a PIN.
Keypads can be prone to vandalism when fitted in 'public access' areas. This type of Access Control Systems can be seamlessly integrated into Intercom Systems, if required.
http://www.urmetdomus.co.uk
http://www.videx-security.com/products/catagory/72/
http://www.paxtonaccess.co.uk/products.asp?strStage=right_for_you
Mag swipe access control
These systems usually consist of a magnetic swipe card reader, a door control unit, a door release mechanism and a power supply. Swipe card readers are fitted to one or both sides of a door to provide a secure means of access through the door. Access through the door is gained by passing a valid card through a reader. The card is checked by the door control unit and if valid, the door release mechanism is operated. Door release mechanisms are rated to suit the security level of the door. The power supply is connected into a local mains electrical supply and will provide power to the system.
Reliability of cards is good as they are 'passive', do not contain batteries and only energise when passed through a reader. With time/use wear can occur on both the card and the reader 'head'. This wear can lead to miss-operation and/or rejection of valid cards.
Readers can be prone to vandalism when fitted in 'public access' areas.
Mag swipe access control offers a high level of security as each card is unique and is allocated to one designated holder. Cards are extremely difficult to duplicate and have to be added to a system by an authorised person. Lost or unreturned cards are simply deleted from the system. Some systems can provide information and historical records on when cards have been used. This allows for the tracking of door operations/users, which is especially useful if there is a suspected security issue.
This type of access control system can be seamlessly integrated into intercom systems, if required.
http://www.paxtonaccess.co.uk/products.asp?strStage=right_for_you
Networked systems
Any of the equipment listed above can be integrated into a networked system. These systems allow for complete flexibility and easy management of a system that has one or more of the following:
- Multiple doors with individual access times
- Multiple users with individual access levels
- Control of doors on remote site
- Central control of the system
- ‘Real time’ reporting of door operations/user movements
- Historical records of door operations/user movements.
- Roll Call and Mustering facilities
http://www.paxtonaccess.co.uk/products.asp?strStage=pc_based