Transmitters and receivers
These 433-MHz receivers support either two-button or four-button transmitters from ranges up to 60 m (200 ft). Each button outputs transmitter data, the user’s ID number, and other data over separate Wiegand outputs.
The receiver installs just like a standard proximity reader for easy integration with popular access control systems
(e.g. gates and vehicle barriers, moving aircraft in and out of secure hangars, arming and disarming alarm systems, as well as situations calling for emergency duress). Instead of using a card, which could activate more than one device or door at a time, the transmitter holder selects the mechanism to be triggered.
Contactless cards and fobs
Proximity manufacturers provide one of three types of cards: standard with light, image technology, and multi-tech. The standard light proximity card is a clamshell design, two connected sides sealed together to hold the electronics. An image technology card is a thicker card, appropriate for dye-sublimation printing. There are two main types of proximity smart cards: clamshell contactless and ISO contactless—both of which are compliant with ISO 14443, Identification cards−Contactless Integrated Circuit Cards: Proximity Cards. They have 1K-byte memory, but more memory can be added. Manufactured from glossy polyvinyl chloride (PVC), these cards are appropriate for dye-sublimation imaging.
Key fobs are available in both proximity and smart card technologies; they are used in place of cards and designed to be carried on a keyring. Most durable fobs include a brass-reinforcing eyelet.
Preventing hacking and duping of card systems
People have figured out how to capture and use card-based information to fool the system and let their ‘colleagues’ in, using skimming, eavesdropping, and relay attacks. Despite its prevails, Wiegand is no longer secure due to its original obscure and non-standard nature. Identification harvesting has become a lucrative hacking activity; a credential’s identifier is cloned, or captured, and retransmitted via a small electronic device.
Some card and card reader manufacturers offer security options, such as providing a higher-security interaction, or code, between the card or tag and reader to ensure readers will only accept information from specially coded credentials. The integrator will never provide another organization with the same code. No other organization will have an identical reader/card combination.
Tamper-resistance features are available to be used with contactless smart card readers, cards, and tags and can add an additional layer of authentication assurance to smart card platforms. This protection allows the reader to verify sensitive access control data programmed if the card or tag is not counterfeit. Manufacturers program readers, cards, and tags to detect fraudulent data. If tampering is detected, the reader reports it promptly to the access controller, identifying the credential in question.
Vandal-proofing card readers
Vandal-resistant and bullet-resistant contactless card readers are ideal for installations when more durability is required. They are becoming popular at K–12 schools, universities, correctional institutions, housing authorities, factories, and hospitals.
With both types of hazard-resistant readers, protection is greatly enhanced because electronics are sealed in weather-and tamper-resistant epoxy potting for both indoor and outdoor operations, providing an IP67 rating, which assures the electronics are protected from water, steam, detergents, dust, sand, tools, and other elements that could be used to impede data collection.
Vandal-resistant readers can be manufactured from thick polycarbonate material and feature tamperproof screws. A tamper-resistance mode is also available, providing supervision of both reader and cabling. Bullet-resistant proximity card readers can provide the highest level of vandal-resistance by featuring a virtually indestructible exterior. Readers are milled from a solid block of stainless steel and reinforced with a bullet-resistant insert compliant with UL 752, Standard for Bullet-Resisting Equipment, performance level standards of ballistic protection.
Lowering energy costs
Often, vendors provide devices with a technology that cuts energy costs and is an easy addition to any company’s green initiative. In emergency power situations, proximity readers using the low-energy option can reduce average current draw by as much as 50 per cent, providing significantly longer up-times with their backup batteries.
Scott Lindley is a 25-year veteran of the contactless card access control provider industry. Since 2003, he has been the president of Farpointe Data, a Dorma Group company, which works with Radio-frequency identification (RFID) systems, including proximity, smart and long-range solutions, for access control professionals around the world. He can be reached via e-mail at scottl@farpointedata.com.
