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Access Control
Access Control
When people talk about multi-functional ID cards, one of the main applications you often hear about is access control. Advancements in ID card technology have enabled card-based access control systems to become increasingly effective for a wide range of end users, securing office buildings, government facilities, and even college dormitories.
Access control systems allow for keyless entry to high-sensitive areas. No, that doesn't mean you can simply walk right in; it means a special ID card is required to gain entry. Access control cards work in conjunction with card readers that are situated by entrances to buildings and high-security areas within a facility. The card is swiped or waved in front of the reader, which processes and verifies the information on the card before allowing access. This process is more secure than keyed entry because if an access control card is ever lost, or makes its way into the wrong hands, it can simply be deactivated. It's also virtually impossible to duplicate the cards.
There are several types of card technologies utilized for access control. Magnetic stripe cards store encoded information on a magnetic stripe which the reader decodes when swiped. Higher levels of security are provided by proximity cards, and contactless smart cards using RFID technology. These convenient and sophisticated cards are able to securely store encrypted information, and must simply be waived or tapped in front of a reader. Another common practice, especially for large corporations, is to include an embedded smart chip in the ID card. Smart cards such as these can be used not only to control access to buildings, but also company computers and networks.
