What are The Types of Access Control Readers

There are many aspects to consider before installing an access control reader for your company. You must balance the necessity for perfect security with the day-to-day reality of providing quick access to your facilities to those who need it. The same access control reader that guards less often accessible regions of your facility will not safeguard high-traffic areas as effectively.

The following are the most prevalent kinds of access control readers:

• Key Access Card Readers
• KeyPads Readers
• Two-factor authentication readers
• Biometric fingerprint readers

Key Access Card Readers
Magnetic strip key card readers and proximity card readers are the two kinds of key card readers.

Magnetic strip key cards work similarly to credit cards in that they are swiped in a physical reader.

Proximity cards connect with proximity card readers by sending an RFID signal from a distance.
They all perform the same fundamental job, however: they read the card and provide access according on the established criteria. They also record a history of which cards were used when, which may be retrieved by a companion system, which is also used to update the device’s programming.

If you opt to employ key card readers for access control, you must determine whether to use wireless key card readers (which are normally battery powered and not networked) or wired key card readers (which link to a central hub).

Wireless Key Access Card Readers

The standalone wireless key card readers are ideal for small-scale deployment. They are often battery operated and are best used in instances when connecting your key card readers would be too expensive, such as conserving old structures. However, if you wish to upgrade the software or access rules, you must do it manually.

Wired Key Access Card Readers

Aside from the apparent benefit of a steady power source, wired key card readers are immediately linked to a central control panel or door controller. This enables you to update your security patterns, modify the permitted whitelist, or shut down the site in real time.

Keypad Access Readers

You’re undoubtedly already aware with the fundamentals of a keypad reader. To open a door, you input a personal code into a keypad. The same fundamental distinctions exist between wired and isolated systems for keypad readers and key card readers, but there is one additional factor to consider: which is more secure?

The quick answer is neither – the benefits and drawbacks mean they barely break even. PINs and key cards for access control are only as secure as the individuals who use them. With the correct hardware, a key card can be picked up or cloned, and you may be witnessed inputting a PIN or persuaded into giving it up – and either can simply be handed out by the person holding it. Both are only helpful if you remember them; forget your card or your PIN, and you’re locked out.

Two-Factory Authentication

A two-factor authentication system, which combines two access control mechanisms, is much more secure than each choice alone. While you could potentially connect two separate readers to each access point, many access control readers allow card-and-code combinations, thus doubling the security protections without double the labor.

But, since cards can be stolen and PINs can be learnt, is there an authenticator with non-spoofed access credentials?

Fingerprint Readers

Biometrics – literally, the measurement of the living – are far more difficult to deceive. Fingerprints are very unique, and fingerprint scanners are a tried-and-true biometric access control method. They are somewhat more costly than key card and keypad readers, but if security is your top priority and your company requires the best, biometric fingerprint readers are the ideal alternative. It is much safer to pair them with key card or keypad readers for two- or three-factor authentication.

Let Us Help You Choose an Access Control Reader

First Solution Group is Singapore’s access control reader expert. We’re the best around when it comes to planning and installing access control systems, and we fully guarantee all our work for ongoing maintenance and upkeep. Give us a call today for a site audit and free quotation.