Lester
LaPierre, Marketing Manager for Schlage Wyreless Access Products,
IR Security Technologies
If you haven't considered wireless or RF on-line locking systems for your access control implementations, there's no time like the present to get receptive. You eliminate the cost of wiring and the components needed for wired systems and installation time is typically reduced by up to 90 percent.
Occasionally an installation
may call for a mix of locking solutions. There are now many locking systems
available to meet almost any application. These range from standalone programmable
electronic locks to computer-managed (CM) models, hard-wired locks and a new
entry, wireless locking systems.
At an installed cost starting around $655 US per door, programmable electronic
locks provide a solid choice for facilities with a limited number of users and
access points. A step above the traditional generations-old strictly mechanical
pushbutton lock, they are stand-alone, microprocessor-based, battery-powered
locks that provide increased customer value. Until it receives an authorized
code, the clutching lever simply gives way, discouraging vandals and others
from breaking it to gain entry. These locks can quickly be programmed with individual
user codes, right at the keypad. Administrators can easily add or delete users
in less than a ten second process.
Computer-managed (CM) locking systems are ideal in situations where older doors
or facilities need to be retrofitted with higher-security locks. CM locking
systems offer many of the same benefits as a networked, hardwired system, without
the higher cost and additional care associated with routing network cable when
retrofitting an existing facility with electronic access control. These standalone,
programmable, battery-powered locks are networked through software to provide
audit-trail capability and time-based scheduling for restricting access. Whatever
the credential used, a user-friendly software programs all, including the locks,
access trim, and offline hard-wired controllers, which manage strikes and magnets,
from a laptop or PDA.
Beyond CM locking systems are the hardwired locks, which let users use a CM-type
lock to monitor door openings with their own existing, third-party access control
panels and software. That means locksmiths don't have to go to the locks themselves
to program them, or download audit trail information. This open architecture
platform seamlessly connects the specially designed door lock to a panel interface
board (PIB) that connects to any present access control panel. There is no need
for separate components or multiple manufacturers' products. Users access these
locks with either magnetic stripe or HID proximity cards.
As a result, credential data and door status information required by the access
control panel, such as door position or request-to-exit status, are passed via
RS-485 communication from the lock to the panel via the PIB provided with the
locks. The access control panel maintains control of the lock status and status
indication on these open architecture locks as it does with present electric
strike or electromagnetic locking systems. All access events are centrally monitored
and captured by the host system.
The Benefits of Wired Systems-Without the Wire
Wireless or RF on-line locking systems are one of the fastest growing implementations
in access control. These solutions seamlessly integrate into the access control
panel, eliminating wire between the lock and the access control panel and providing
a complete solution at each opening.
Wireless locks are not just used for doors. There are wireless solutions for
elevators, exit devices, gates and electric strikes. Notably, wireless systems
easily integrate into any existing access control system, which means users
don't have to replace their existing keys or ID credentials. Such systems are
an attractive alternative to off-line, standalone locking systems, because they
offer a real-time solution that's compatible with all brands of access control
panels.
Wireless systems typically operate up to 200 feet between the door and the panel
interface module (PIM) for indoor applications. What's especially important
is you don't need line of sight. Signals are able to penetrate cinder block
walls, plasterboard walls, brick walls, and many other non-metallic materials
for simplified system designs and implementations.
For security integrators, wireless locking systems offer an opportunity to solve
problems that might once have been impossible or impractical.
Though wireless access systems can be used almost anywhere locks are installed,
there are certain applications that lend themselves perfectly to wireless solutions.
Wherever time or budgets are constricted, airports, healthcare institutions,
schools and universities, corporate facilities and other applications can all
benefit. Wireless locking systems are extremely flexible. They work on wood
and metal doors, both exterior and interior, as well as glass, monitored and
scheduled doors, gates, elevators and in portable solutions.
Wireless systems offer many practical advantages.
Real-time event and status transmissions. Wireless locking systems provide
the same online, real-time capabilities as wired systems. Access privileges
can be added or changed at the central control terminal, all from a common database,
which simplifies data entry and management. There is no need to tour the building
to reprogram locks or download transaction logs and audit trails. All events
are recorded in real time by the host access control system. In addition, all
wireless transmissions are encoded using 128-bit private keys for heightened
security versus traditional wired installations!
Architectural integrity. Whether it's installed in new modern buildings
or historical landmarks, wireless locking systems preserve the integrity of
the architectural design. Another plus-potential asbestos issues are avoided
entirely.
Go wireless for elevators too! While traveling cables are routinely included
at the time on installation, they are often ill equipped to reliably transport
credential data from the cab to the elevator controller. Elevator shafts are
harsh electrical environments and are often the source of data corrupting noise
that becomes induced onto the card reader data lines. This causes inconsistent
performance, which often gets worse over time as cable shielding decays due
to continual movement.
Conversely, wireless solutions eliminate the need for the data lines in elevators
up to 1000 feet. In fact, they thrive in this environment and provide consistent,
reliable data transport that doesn't wear out. With traveling cable installation
costs ranging from $2,600 to $13,000 or more per cab, wireless alternatives
can save thousands of dollars per elevator.
Eliminate trenching. For outdoor applications like vehicle and pedestrian
gate access, wireless links can bridge up to 1000 feet line of site eliminating
costly trenching. Wireless systems are ideal for garages, parking lots, airports,
utility companies and military bases. They are especially cost effective for
controlling gates around a facility. Even more impressive-optional directional
or gain antennae are available for still longer distances, such as the installation
at a Middle East oil field where gates are controlled about 4000 feet away.
Easy temporary access points. Wireless, portable readers provide a quick
and easy way to validate credentials for manned applications like checkpoint
access, construction zone access, bus loading, perimeter expansion, mustering,
and special event attendance. Simply take the wireless portable reader to the
temporary location, and have card holders present their credentials. Operation
is simple - a green light on the portable reader signifies a valid card; a red
indicates an invalid card. The best part is all transactions are online and
real-time from the same centralized database.
Wireless Systems: Robust and Reliable
With advanced transmitters and high sensitivity receivers providing optimal
coverage throughout an area, today's wireless access control is nothing short
of robust. Moreover, Spread Spectrum technology, which sends the same data over
many frequencies simultaneously, makes wireless redundant and thus extremely
reliable. Wireless solutions also have a built-in red alert. They're supervised
by a signal called a Heartbeat. If for some reason the Heartbeat signal is interrupted,
a warning signal is generated.
Radio frequency coverage testing is essential to a successful wireless installation,
however. Test kits are available that are purposely detuned to 50 percent power
and are recommended to validate system designs and to optimize placement of
panel interface modules. This ensures reliability prior to installation. In
this manner, any weak spots are detected and corrections can be made before
implementation, not after.
Even in installations with a lot of concrete and steel, such as at the University
of New Hampshire, there have not been any problems with the wireless access
control system receiving a signal. And by taking the wireless route for the
40 suites in the university's new Mills Hall dormitory, the University saved
$50,000.
In Summary
The business case for deploying the new wireless systems in a wide variety of
networked openings is compelling. Such installations demonstrate that a wireless
solution can have a substantially lower installed cost than its wired alternative.
Moreover, wireless systems use less hardware and install five to ten times faster.
Retrofitting electronic access control systems is now made easy and affordable
with wireless solutions, especially in situations where it might have once seemed
impossible.
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Photos Available - King Cobra & CM5600