Access Control Systems

Introduction

Access Control Systems are designed to monitor and control people’s access throughout a building or restricted area.

An Access Control system involves the use of an access device which is swiped over a reader to gain access. The device can be in the form of an Access Card, Access Fob or Pin Code, but these are often accompanied by a second level of authentication by using Finger Print, Finger Vein or Retina Scanning.

Access Control Hardware

A basic Access Control system could comprise:

• Access Control Box
• Door Access Reader(s)
• Access Control Card/Fob(s)
• Maglock
• Door Sensor/Contact

Access Control Box

The Control Box is really the heart of the system.
By wiring the Door Access Readers, Door Maglocks and Door Sensors to the Control box it is then able to pass information collected from the readers to a PC, where software allows access rules to be set up and information collected.

For example, the AS200 is our Access Control Box. It can control access to between 2 and 4 doors. Multiple AS200 boxes can be linked together to support up to 1000 doors.

Software called AS Manager is then installed on a PC which allows the installer to set up the system by adding users, access cards and specifying exactly how the system may be implemented. Typical options might include; scheduling when certain doors can be accessed and specifying when an access card might expire.

Door Access Readers

These are put onto every door that needs to be controlled.
The Door Reader is typically connected to the Access Control Box via Wiegand (which is normally 7 or 8 wires), RS-485 (which is two wires) or via a standard CAT5 network cable.

Door Readers can come in different frequencies so it is important to make sure your Access Control Cards/Fobs work on the same frequency.
Common frequencies used are: 125Khz and 13.56Mhz

Access Control Card/Fob

The Access Control Card or Fob is used to gain admittance through the Door. These are often proximity cards that simply need to be swiped over or near the reader in order for them to be read and access provided.

Access Cards are also used for identification purposes as you are able to print details and even a photo on the card itself.
The Access Card needs to be the same frequency as the Door Reader.

Maglock

This is a magnetic locking device used to secure the door and prevent access until the appropriate access device has been used. When access is granted, the magnetic lock is disabled by the Access Control Box and the door is unlocked for a number of seconds to allow the user to pass through.

Door Sensor/Contact

A door sensor or door contact is often used to determine the status of a door. It can alert the access control system if a door is forced open. Alerts can then be sent via SMS or Email.

Types of Access

The type of door access method can vary depending on the environment.

Typical Access Types could be:

• One Way Traffic - Each door has a single card reader
• Two Way Traffic - Each door has dual card readers (for in/out)
• Mixed Mode

Access Control Integration

Access control systems are greatly enhanced once integrated with a CCTV Security System. As with the GeoVision AS200 which can integrate into the main surveillance system software, you are able to view all access logs together with the corresponding video events.

Access logs and events can be inspected via the Web, and Email and SMS notifications can be sent upon certain conditions e.g. Panic Code Entered, Door Forced Open etc.

Typical Example of Access Control

In the example:

A) The Security Department use the main AS Manager software to set up access, enroll cards and manage the entire system.

B) The Security Guard Office use the AS Remote software to monitor door access live/recorded and open doors if necessary.

C) The HR Department use the AS Web software via Internet Explorer to check employee.