Most modern access control systems use proximity (also know as RFID ) cards or key fobs as the ‘credentials’ that enable users to gain access into restricted areas. They store details of the holder’s identity in a similar way to modern ‘chip and PIN’ bank cards. The difference is that proximity readers can read the information using radio frequency communication, making actual contact with the card unnecessary.
By simply holding the card or fob close to the reader, the holder’s details can be read and checked quickly so that a decision whether or not to grant access can be made in an instance.
The main advantages of proximity cards over magnetic stripe cards and barcodes are:
- Offer higher level of security, as they can’t be easily copied
- Not prone to wear as they don’t require contact with the reader
- Readers are robust and maintenance free
The technology used in proximity cards and readers can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, and there are many standard and proprietary systems on the market. It is important to be aware of this when choosing a system. Fortunately, Nortech’s reader family can support most reader technologies on the market.
You may also have come across the term ‘Contactless Smart Card’. This technology is similar to standard proximity cards, but smart cards generally offer increased security through data encryption and more advanced methods of authentication. They are also designed for read/write functionality for applications such as travel passes, electronic wallets, medical records, etc. All smart cards have a read-only part of the memory that contains a unique factory-set identity number. This number can be used for access control purposes.
Nortech’s reader family support the use of most contactless smart card systems for use in access control.