The Controller or Access Control Panel is an essential part of the Door Access Control System. The controller is an electronic or computer device that manages one or more door readers.
There are Four Types of Door Controllers:
Select: Pro Controller | Pro-Bio Controller | Enterprise Controller | Reader-Controller
The Pro-Controller is network-attached simple, lower-cost device that includes built-in software. It’s best used in small access control systems.
Pro Bio Controller is used in larger access control systems and supports RFID-proximity and Biometric readers.
The Enterprise controller is best used in larger systems (but is cost-effective in smaller systems as well). It is recommended for applications that require elevator control and integration with IP camera systems. It is an incremental system that supports many types of door readers, including those that use mobile credentials.
The Reader-Controller combines the reader and the controller into one door device. It’s one of the easiest systems to install. This type of reader-controller is best for small to medium size Access Control Systems.
What the Controller Does
The purpose of the Access Controller is to receive the person’s ID number from the door reader, match the credential to the list of approved users, and then open the electric lock. Access control management software is required to manage all the users, determine who can enter, what door they can use, and when they can enter. To learn more about Controllers, please read our article Access Controller Comparison.
Pro-Controller
Professional door access controller. The kit includes the Pro-control module, power supply, and metal box. It also provides the vandal-resistant security required for outdoor readers. There is a single door, two-door, and the four-door model. The controller box provides power to the readers and the electric lock. A power adapter is included in the kit.
TVIP-TIRSoft Access Control Management software is required to support these controllers.
Models available:
- TVIP-ProControl-100Kit: Single-door controller
- TVIP-ProControl-200Kit: Two-door controller
- TVIP-ProControl-400Kit: Four-door controller
IPPOEkit: Optional PoE splitter kit is available.
Features of IP Controller:
- Network-attached controller device
- Multiple controllers are supported by the access control management software
- Up to 8,000 doors are supported by these Pro controllers.
- Multiple verification modes include credential and/or pin code
- Includes a power supply. There is also an optional Power over Ethernet (PoE) splitter
- Stores up to 30,000 credentials
- Easy management and operation using a Windows computer running TVIP-TIRsoft software.
Pro Bio Hub-Controller
Network-Attached Controller
The Pro-Bio Hub-Controller connects to the network and can be powered over Ethernet (PoE). It is available with built-in access control management software.
The controller supports up to 80 RFID readers.
The controller is available with preloaded access management software. The software includes User Enrollment & Management, Door Control & Monitoring, individual grouping, and easy setup.
Features of Access Hub Controller
- Built-in Web Application: provides advanced access control management
- Interface: User-programmable auxiliary relays can be used to control lights, alarms, annunciators, intrusion detection panels, additional locking devices, or any other external electrical device that a switch can control.
- Capacity: 1 Primary panel can support up to 20 Secondary panels. A maximum of 84 doors can be supported when using all 21 panels. Each Pro-Bio Series panel can store up to 5,000 users (fingerprint templates or RFID cards) & 10,000 transactions plus unlimited archive downloads.
- Power: Pro-Bio Series uses a 12V DC 3A power supply and supports Power over Ethernet (PoE).
- Choice of readers: The access controller box supports Wiegand or OSDP readers and fingerprint reader.
- Communications: Uses wired or wireless networks
- Mobile App: The panel supports a smartphone app that can remotely lock or unlock the doors.
Enterprise Access Controller
A Modular Approach to Access Control System
The controller is located at each door and connects to the network. It makes it very easy to add just one door and then incrementally add other doors as required. The controllers are powered using PoE, making them very easy to install and expand. Each controller supports a single reader or back-to-back readers. Also available as a two-door system. The diagram below shows an example of the door devices attached to the door access controller.
These controllers are supported by Door Access Control Management software.
Features of the Enterprise Access Controller
- The controller attaches to the network and is Powered over Ethernet (PoE).
- Multiple controllers are supported by the access control management software
- Integration with IP Camera Systems
- Elevator controls are supported by the access control management software
- Easy connections to all the devices required to provide complete door access control.
- Built-in relays control the lock and provide the capability to support two readers.
- Wide selection of door readers are available. You can select, RFID proximity readers which include 125 kHz versions, HID compatible readers, Smart Card readers, biometric readers, and Bluetooth connected Smartphone credentials.
- Learn more…
Reader-Controller
Isonas Reader with a Built-in Controller
The Isonas reader-controllers is an innovative solution that combines the reader and the controller. It makes it very easy to install. It is supported by cloud-based management software and supports proximity readers and simple smartphone credentials.
Pros:
- This is the easiest system to install
- Supports simple mobile credentials from your smartphone
- Uses PoE
Cons:
- It doesn’t support biometric readers
- Requires a separate internal box for outdoor applications that require added security
- It doesn’t support elevators and camera integration
- It requires cloud-based management software license.
What is the Best Door Controller?
New door access controllers are more sophisticated and are modular controllers that can be located near the doors they control. They attach to the network and include general-purpose computers that add much more functionality to the access system. Some of these controllers are powered using PoE. They support one, two, or four-door readers, and several controllers can be distributed around the organization, making installation easier.
The article Access Controller Comparison compares the different types of access controllers or control panels.
If you need help selecting the right Door Controller, please contact us at 800-431-1658 in the USA, or at 914-944-3425 everywhere else, or use our contact form.