The Best Door Reader
Door readers are devices at the door that determine your permission to enter. The first electronic readers were developed in the 1960s. They had a keypad allowing users to enter their credentials. This PIN (Personal Identification Number) permits entry if you enter the correct number. Over the years, many types of door readers have been developed that are safer, simpler to install, and easier to use.
This article reviews some of the most popular door readers and provides each type’s advantages and disadvantages:
Door Reader Overview
Door access control readers are the primary component of a door access control system. They verify credentials to grant or deny entry. Various types of readers cater to different security needs and user preferences. They are broadly delineated into slave or non-intelligent, IP-reader-controller, and biometric readers.
Slave readers are connected to a controller. They detect the credential and transfer the ID to the controller, which decides whether the person can enter. The controller provides all the connections to the door hardware.
Intelligent IP reader-controllers include a built-in controllerthat connects to the Ethernet network. They provide all the connections to the door hardware and include the circuitry to decide the validity of the ID number provided as a credential.
Biometric Readers provide the most capability. They contain a special-purpose computer that can identify a person’s face, fingerprint, palm, or other biometric. They connect to the network and provide all the connections to the door hardware. The person’s biometric provides the ID key for each user. Many of these biometric readers can also use RFID cards, making them very flexible.
Here are more details about the different readers.
Slave Readers
Slave or non-intelligent readers require a controller that connects to the door hardware and compares the credential to the user database.
Proximity (RFID) Readers
There are two types of RFID readers. The 125 KHz Weigand code type was first developed, while the 13.56 MHz smart card reader is more secure.
125 KHz Proximity or Radio Frequency ID (RFID) readers are the most popular type of door reader. The credential card is swiped in a slot provided on the reader. It uses a frequency of 125 KHz between the reader and the credential. They are the least expensive type of door reader. Proximity RFID readers connect to an access controller such as the Hartmann controller, using the Wiegand or OSDP (Open Supervised Device Protocol) interface. You can select readers for indoor or outdoor applications. Some readers include keypads that can be used to enter a secondary code for multi-factor entry. The keypad can also be used instead of a credential, but it is not advised since it is not very secure.
Smart Card Readers were first developed in 1983 to facilitate payments using French payphones. This RFID reader uses a 13.56 MHz frequency to communicate between the smart-card credential and the reader. The card contains a microcomputer with embedded memory and uses a larger bit-code message. While the low-frequency cards use a 26-bit Wiegand format, the smart cards use a 128-bit code that dramatically increases the number of unique card IDs available and provides encryption.
Advantages: These readers utilize economic credentials like cards and key fobs. The Smart Card readers are the most secure. Some readers can handle both types of cards.
Considerations: Security can be compromised if credentials are given to another person, cloned, or lost.
IP-Reader Controllers
This IP Door Reader has a built-in microcomputer that provides the controller function. It connects to the Ethernet network and can get its power over the Network (PoE). The Isonas reader controller is one of the first models to use a combined reader and controller. The reader controller provides all the connections to control the door. The Access Control Management Software available with the Isonas door controllers is offered in a Cloud or on-site version.
Other intelligent reader controllers include biometric capabilities like face recognition and Palm recognition.
Advantages: This configuration simplifies installation because less wiring is required. It is an excellent choice when you would like to install one door at a time. The reader controller can read Weigand and Smart Card format credentials and a smartphone’s mobile credential.
Considerations: This is a simple system best used in small to medium-sized door control systems. It doesn’t include advanced features like elevator control and IP Camera System integration.
Biometric Readers with Embedded Controller
Operation: Authenticate users based on unique biological traits such as fingerprints, facial recognition, palm readers, or iris scans. These reader controllers attach directly to the network.
Advantages: They are highly secure, as biometric data is unique to each individual. Since they connect to the network, they are easy to install.
Considerations: The higher cost per reader is balanced against the improved level of security. The system requires registering each person’s biometrics, requiring more installation time. There has been some discussion about personal privacy when biometrics are used as a credential. For clarity, biometric door readers do not store a picture of your fingerprint or face.
Mobile Credential Readers
Operation: Now your smartphone is your access key. You don’t need to carry a card credential. Isonas and Hartmann include Apps that connect your smartphone to their readers using Bluetooth. This mobile credential is the latest way of controlling your door access.
Advantages: Smartphones are convenient for users and reduce the need for physical credentials. They are also considered more secure since the user is unlikely to give their phone to another person. Some intelligent mobile door readers include multiple entrance methods, including waving your hand over the door reader or just approaching the door.
Considerations: Dependent on users’ mobile devices and app compatibility.
Summary of Door Access Readers
Many door readers are available. When selecting a door access control reader, consider security requirements, user convenience, scalability, and budget factors. The RFID slave readers are the least expensive, the IP reader controllers are the easiest to install, and mobile door readers provide convenience. The biometric readers offer the highest level of security. A combination of reader types is often employed to balance security and usability effectively.
If you need help selecting the best door readers for your Access Control System, please call us at 914-944-3425, visit our website, or use our contact form.