Using Proximity Cards For Access Control

Proximity cards are used extensively by companies that want to control the physical areas that their employees are able to access. A proximity card is issued to each employee and proximity card readers are installed in appropriate physical locations. Each employee must then pass their proximity card near the proximity reader to gain access to the physical area.

The proximity card reader receives the information stored on the card, which is then transmitted to the computer network. It is the computer system that will determine if a person will be given access to the restricted area, or whether access will be denied, depending on earlier configurations. Proximity cards are a form of smart cards that controls access.

These smart cards offer both physical access control, and logical access control. Proximity cards are used a great deal in business, because they allow the employer to provide access to not just physical areas, but also computer networks, and other resources of the company. Areas of a computer network can be made accessible or blocked depending on an employee’s clearance. They can also be used for simpler tasks such as web authorization, encryption of email, and digital signatures, to name just a few.

Restricted areas might be off limits to the majority of employees, which can easily be implemented with proximity cards; while at the same time providing access to those that should have access. It could also be exactly the opposite.

Proximity readers are relatively simple to install, and they come with a very easy to use access control system. It is encoded in a way that it easily reads and responds to electronic signals that are sent by the card and received by the reader. Proximity cards don’t need to come directly in contact with the reader. You can be as far as an inch away from the reader and it will still be able to read it. That’s why they are used so often in parking garages. That said, there are a handful of readers that require the proximity card to come in contact with the reader’s magnetic face.

Distance proximity technology provides a great deal of convenience, especially in door technology. These systems allow you to be even further away than one inch. It’s like walking through an unlocked door, yet it’s exactly the opposite – as secure as Fort Knox. A credit size card can be kept in an employee’ brief case, wallet, purse, or even a pocket and when the employee walks past the door it automatically unlocks.

Proximity cards are very versatile, yet another reason why they have been such a big hit in businesses. You can install them almost anywhere. You can install them on doors to various buildings or areas of a building, computers, washrooms, lunch rooms, and the list goes on. There really are few situations where a proximity system can’t be used. The card readers read and respond to encoded electronic signals from the proximity (access) cards. And they will respond only to cards that are authorized.

Power outages don’t generally pose a problem for the proximity readers, because they either have a battery back up system or sometimes they use rechargeable batteries. So you never have to worry that your system becomes vulnerable if the power goes out.

There are several different proximity card systems. In fact, you can even use your Bluetooth cell phone as a proximity card for laptops that are Linux based. Of course that’s not how most business will use it, but it’s just another example of the versatility of these systems.

The FBI, NASA, federal governments, municipalities, universities, schools, daycares, hospitals, and malls – these are all places where you’ll find proximity systems, and that’s just the beginning.

HID ISO Prox II cards are a popular choice in proximity cards. They feature 125 kHz technology, ISO standards, gloss finish, and there are more than 137 billion possible codes. Programmable photo ID relies on the use of a smart card.

Security proximity technology can be matched to the needs of your company, no matter what the size of your business. This technology can be installed at a price that’s affordable, and exactly as you need it. When business is concerned about the bottom line, as well as the security of their business, proximity card systems makes very good sense.

Reference Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Using-Proximity-Cards-For-Access-Control/413876