Radio Frequency Identification technology has a lot of applications in a variety of industries all around the world. From warehouse management, and tracking equipment in hospitals to operating toll booths. Nowadays if you travel interstate, you may notice that tool booths operate on their own using Fast Tag. This is possible due to RFID technology, and it’s an example of an RFID Gate Access Control System.
Today, we will discuss how an organization can use this system & its benefits.
What is RFID Technology?
It is a method of communication of data between two devices that are not connected by a wire. An RFID system uses radio waves of different frequencies to transmit data between a tag and a reader. An RFID tag contains a chip inside it that can be programmed with data using an RFID reader. This allows the system to identify different tags and communicate different information.
Due to this ability of RFID, you can use it in a variety of applications like asset tracking, billing, inventory management, security, etc. Today we will discuss how this technology can be used for gate access systems.
How to Use RFID in a Gate Access Control System?
Security & logging in the movement has always been an essential part of organizations. These systems allow the owner to keep a record of the movement of employees in and out of the premises. They also prevent unauthorized personnel from granting access to your facility. These systems can also be used outside of a company. For example, they can be used for parking establishments, public transport, toll booths, etc.
To set up an RFID Gate Access Control system, you’ll need an RFID reader, an RFID Tag, some type of locking/entry restriction mechanism, and a system. In the case of systems where you are providing a service, you can use a programmable RFID tag, like those used in Metro or Toll Booths. Whenever the RFID tag enters the interrogation field of the reader, it transmits the data (balance, timestamp) back to the reader. The reader then logs the information into the system & also reprograms the tag to show the updated amount. Then the system sends the signal to the gate/barrier to unlock/lift it.
On the other hand, in the case of an organization, you can just use an integrated RFID reader connected to a system with access to the employee database & the employee management system. Then, instead of tags, you can give your employees individual RFID security cards that are programmed with their information. Anytime an employee must enter or exit the premises, they must use the card and the system will update the database with when the employee has come in or left the premises.
Applications & Benefits of Implementing an RFID Gate Access Control System
Contrary to popular belief, RFID technology is being used widely in everyday life. And that applies to Gate Access Control Systems too. There are numerous applications for RFID Gate Access Control Systems. For example, right now these systems are being used for Public Transport (Metro Card, Subway Pass), Corporate Offices, ATMs & Banks, Parking Lots, Toll Booths, Residential Communities, etc.
The use of RFID has become so popular, because of their reliability and cost saving. Yes, in the short term, RFID is more expensive than conventional security or logging systems, due to their implementation costs. However, in the long run, they become very economically viable as they operate cost-free and save you the cost of hiring someone to control the door access.
In addition to cost, these systems are also very effective. Unless a person has the RFID tag registered with the system, they will not be able to access the gate. Also, the system logs the time and identity of every RFID tag that tries to access the system, providing you with transparency and security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is an RFID gate access control system?
Ans. Unlike the name suggests, it is merely a security system that controls who gets access to a gate/premises. These system work by identifying authorized personnel by using RFID technology.
Q2. What are the three types of RFID?
Ans. There are three classes in which you can divide RFID technology, based on the frequency they operate. All these ranges have different pros & cons. These classifications are – Low Frequency (LF), High Frequency (HF), and Ultra-High Frequency (UHF). For example, UHF systems have the highest data transfer speed, therefore, they are capable of reading more than 1000 tags in a second. However, they are very sensitive to metal surfaces & liquids. On the other hand, LF & HF have slower speeds and smaller ranges than UHF systems, but they can operate on metal surfaces without facing detuning.
Q3. What are the components of RFID access control system?
Ans. There are five components of an RFID Access Control System, namely – the RFID Reader Chip, Antenna, RFID Tag, Database System/Software & Gate.
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