Choosing Access Readers – What Features Should You Look For?
Choosing Access Readers – What should we look for in access control readers? There are so many options it seems price is the only variable.
A: What you’re looking for is long term reliability, read range, FIPS compliance, security of communications between reader and card and reader and controller, vandal resistance, self-generated EMI suppression, low current draw and weather resistance.
You should favour IP ratings with IP66 and IP67 best when fully exposed and IP55 able to handle open foyers under a roofline. Exposed access readers should be rated IK08 or IK10 against impact.
Also pay attention to replacement warranty, the use of potted electronics, and audible and visual indication of operation to make for easier use day and night. You should be purchasing a brand that has a history, a supply and support base, and a future.
Read range is something to think about, too. Most low-cost proximity cards need actual contact between card and reader, while better brands may support their claimed read range. The bigger the read range the easier a card can be to use, all other things being equal. With electronic security solutions, think TCO.
Readers that support a wide range of authentication technologies should be favoured. Depending on user requirements, 13.56Mhz access cards, smart cards, security keys, PINs, biometrics, one-time passwords (OTPs) and/or MFA mobile authentication apps. Using smart devices as credentials has the benefit of longer read ranges.
You can read more about access control authentication options here or find more SEN news here.
“Choosing Access Readers – What Features Should You Look For?”
