access control systems

Access control systems either permit or deny the use of a particular resource by a particular entity. Generally people use access control systems to restrict entrance to a property to a select few authorized people. Now only can the access control systems control where people go, but it can be set to determine specific times people are allowed to come and go as well. Most people use a traditional lock and key as their access control systems, but today's technology offers a lot more flexibility and power. Some of the drawbacks of normal lock and key sets are: You can't restrict when people can use their key. Once they have it, they have it. If a key is lost or stolen, the lock needs to be replaced and everyone needs to be issued new keys. Anyone can give their key to anyone else, limiting the security of the situation. There's no record of when and how often people use their keys. Someone can leave the door open after using their key, which removes all security. There are others, but those are the basics. Today's access control systems remove all those shortcomings. Now: You can restrict when people can enter. If you only want them to have access between 3PM and 5PM, that's easy to set. If the card is lost or stolen, the code can easily be disabled and reprogrammed without having to change hardware or provide everyone with new access devices. Some access controls cannot be transferred as they rely on retinal scans or fingerprints. Every time the access control systems are used, a log can be kept that shows everyone's access patterns. Access control systems can monitor the "open" status of the door and sound an alarm if not shut and re-locked after entry. So we know that access control systems of today are much better then yesterday's alternatives. But how does all this work? When a credential such as a key fob, security card, pin number, fingerprint or someone's eye is presented to a reader, the reader sends the person's information to a central processing point. You are not limited to just one of these mechanisms however as access control systems can utilize one or all of these methods in union to determine a person's credentials. That processor then determines if that person is who they says they are and if they have access to the specified area. If there are any red flags, access is denied. Otherwise, they can enter without any issues. Here are some popular technologies. Magnetic Stripe Technology - Magnetic stripe technology, usually called mag-stripe, is cheap compared to other card technologies and is very easy to program. Most of us use this technology every day when we use our credit cards. Smart Cards - There are two types of smart cards: contact and contactless. Both of these access control systems have an embedded computer. If you have a luxury car, your key may be a contactless smart card. Ever notice how your car knows your key is in the vehicle without you putting it in? It's smart card access control systems at work. On the flip side, a contact smart card has eight contacts that must physically touch the reader. PIN Numbers - Yet another access control systems technology most of use frequently use. A personal identification number (PIN) combined with mag-stripe technology is how we use our ATM cards. PIN numbers are usually between 4 and 8 digits long. Shorter numbers are too easy to guess and longer numbers are too hard to remember. The PIN number's advantage is that once memorized, this access control systems device can't be lost or forgotten. A PIN is less secure than a mag-stripe card which is why they are used in conjunction for ATM's. Computer security - This is there access control systems become more multi-layered. With computer security there are three steps. There's authentication, authorization and auditing. Additionally, computer security access control systems can use any of the above technologies and others not mentioned here with as encryption and biometric scans. We here at XJA Systems will help you find the best access control systems for your needs. Hopefully you can make your world, more secure. Access control systems - CCTV cameras - Home security systems - IP cameras - Sony IP cameras - Security DVR access control systems | Copyright © 2008. All rights reserved | Other Resources | Home Resources | Shopping Resources | Contact