ip door readers Archives

Mobile Credentials the New Key for Door Access Control

Posted on May 13, 2019April 12, 2020 by Bob Mesnik

Mobile phones are the new Credential

mobile credential door access illustration

Have we reached the tipping point? Will our smartphones become our new door key? It all depends on the number of smartphones in the population. One survey indicates that 81% of the US population owns a smartphone. As the percentage increases, there will be enough smartphones to enable the use of mobile keys. It is quite likely that this will happen in the near future.

If everyone in your organization, apartment complex or school has a smartphone, you have reached the tipping point. You can use your smartphone as a mobile credential to open your doors.

Many smartphones use biometrics to unlock the phone. This security feature can make them more secure than carrying a card credential. This article describes how mobile credentials work in access control systems.

How to Install IP Door Readers

Posted on September 17, 2018April 12, 2020 by Bob Mesnik

IP Door Access Control Systems are easy to install and provide excellent flexibility. There are RFID proximity IP readers and biometric door readers such as fingerprint or facial recognition readers, that connect to the network. In many cases, you can use PoE to power the reader and the electric lock.

An IP door access control reader is different from the older Wiegand door readers. Instead of connecting to a control panel, the door reader attaches to the network. All the intelligence is inside the reader. It maintains the rules and holds the database of users who can access the door.

This means that even if the network is down, the reader will still operate (if it has power). The door access software is used to manage and edit the information that’s stored in the readers. It only communicates with the readers when there is a change in the information.

This article takes the mystery out of network attached door access control systems and describes how to install them.

Comparison of Security Provided by Door Access Systems

Posted on September 12, 2017March 31, 2020 by Bob Mesnik

What Is the Most Secure Door Access Control System?

How secure are door access control systems? Pricing can range from less than $100 for a single door to over $1100 per door. What do you get for the money? In some cases, the security level provided can be crucial to your safety.

How can we stay ahead of miscreants that are dedicated to breaking through our security systems? This article summarizes the various levels of electronic security provided by different door control systems. Level 1 provides the least overall security while level 4 provides the highest level of protection. We compared the cost against the effectiveness of each type of system.

Access Control Software

Posted on March 22, 2017May 18, 2020 by Bob Mesnik

Cloud Versus On Site License for Access Control

Many software applications are offering cloud-based, subscription software rather than on-site (or on-premise) license software. For example, Microsoft 365 and Adobe provide cloud-based, subscription plans. Recently Door Access Control software has become available in the cloud.

What exactly does this mean and what is better for you? The article compares the two methods and provides pros and cons that can help you decide what is best.

What is the difference between cloud and on premise software? On site software is the classic model of providing a perpetual license that allows you to run the software on your own computer. Cloud software runs on a remote server and is provided under a monthly or yearly subscription plan. For example, there is on premises door access software called Pure Access Manager. The cloud application is called Pure Access Cloud.

IP Security Year in Review – 2016

Posted on December 15, 2016June 1, 2020 by Bob Mesnik

New Security Systems for 2016

By Bob Mesnik

2016 will probably be known as the year of the 4K IP cameras. A number of manufacturers introduced these very high-resolution cameras.

Besides the increased camera resolution, new compression schemes were introduced that reduced bandwidth and storage requirements. The latest network-attached door readers are now controlled through the cloud.

The readers also include Bluetooth connections that allow your smartphone to be used as the credential. Video management software was integrated with other devices like door access control and digital cash registers, increasing total security. Here’s a review of the technology introduced in 2016.

How to Install an IP Door Access Control System

Posted on November 18, 2015March 23, 2020 by Bob Mesnik

IP Door Access Control Systems are easy to install and provide excellent flexibility, yet many people who are used to the older type systems have concerns about using them. This article tries to take the mystery out of network attached door access control systems, and describes how very easy they are to install and use.

You will find that all the signals that were on multiple wires, are now encoded on the single Ethernet network cable. They are just as secure as the older technology. Here’s how they work and how to install them.