We have seen industries facing data violations, identity thefts, and people's intrusion that are getting worse day by day; these activities are a major threat to organisations. Today, manual security solutions are not well equipped to manage these threats. Many of the firms are utilising modern access control technologies to enhance their security posture. This includes turning to technologies like RFID, BLE, NFC, and IoT. QR Code access control is also very popular, where advanced encryption is used for scanning purposes. Advanced AIDC technologies like RFID and NFC are pretty secure and can be encrypted to respond to only authorized requests.
In this article, you will get to see a review of our top access control cards: UHF, MIFARE 1K/4K, NFC cards, and proximity cards that are acceptable to every industry.
Evolution of Access Control from Manual Methods
Old traditional methods of access control, i.e, mechanical keys, magnetic cards, and keypad locks, are available worldwide but in today’s world, these systems are a drawback for high security facilities, huge corporate campuses, and multi-storey buildings, as they fail to perform basic traceability, pose a risk of loss or duplicate potential, etc. Also, in high crowd areas, quick access becomes a hurdle due to the slow speed of things.
As an advancement over manual and traditional methods of access control, today, technologies like RFID, mobile credentials, and biometrics platforms power the security practices. With improved security, convenience, and control, the new, secure solutions enable organisations to detect who accessed the premises and when.
Top 4 Access Control Cards for Modern Security
From the days of lock and key, access control has advanced a lot. Smart access control systems use RFID-based smart cards, NFC ID Cards and tickets, MIFARE cards and passes, proximity access cards and ID cards, etc.
Let’s check out the key features of these advanced solutions and how they benefit users, ensuring seamless access control and security while keeping the data private.
1.UHF RFID Cards (Ultra High Frequency RFID)
Key Features of UHF RFID Cards:
|
Operating Frequency:
|
865 - 867 MHz
|
|
Communication Protocol:
|
ISO 18000-63 and EPC global Gen2v2
|
|
Read Range:
|
Up to 10m
|
|
Chip Type:
|
Alien Higgs 9, NXP Ucode8, NXP Ucode9
|
|
EPC Memory:
|
96 bits, 128Bits
|
Benefits of UHF RFID Cards:
a.Long Read Range: Being UHF, these cards offer long read range, up to 10m.
b. Quick Bulk Reading: RFID can read dozens or even hundreds of tags in the same time as it takes to scan a single barcode (which often requires line of sight). RFID performs bulk reading, instead of a one-at-a-time reading. This is particularly useful when one has to scan a barcode ticket at concerts and events like Coachella, Sunburn, etc.
c. Area of Use: UHF cards are best used in areas of events, ticketing, logistics, and warehouses, for asset management, supply chain management, and library& rental service management.
2. MIFARE 1K/4K Cards
Key Features of MIFARE Cards:
|
Operating Frequency:
|
13.56MHz
|
|
Communication Protocol:
|
ISO14443A
|
|
Unique ID:
|
32 bits
|
|
EEPROM Size:
|
1024 bytes & 4096 bytes
|
|
Write Cycle Endurance:
|
100,000 cycles
|
Benefits of MIFARE Cards:
a.Great storage: MIFARE 1K/4K cards are the smartest, renowned for being the most reliable, secure, and versatile. These cards by NXP have the data storage capacity of 1 to 4 kilobytes, especially designed to store vast amounts of information like identity credentials, access control information, and e-cash and e-wallets.
b. Range frequency: MIFARE cards can communicate wirelessly with compatible readers in a close range distance, say a few inches to a foot away.
c. Area of Use: MIFARE cards are best known for the use of identification and tracking, obviously for access control and security. They are used as room key cards, passes in hospitals, as well as tickets, bus passes, and contactless payments.
3. NFC Cards (Near Field Communication)
Key Features of NFC Cards:
|
Operating Frequency:
|
13.56 MHz
|
|
Chip Type:
|
NXP NTAG 215
|
|
Material:
|
PVC
|
|
Size:
|
54mm(L) x 86mm(W) X 1mm(T)
|
|
Surface Finish:
|
Glossy
|
Key Benefits of NFC Cards:
a.Smartphone compatible: The majority of contemporary smartphones can read and interact seamlessly with compatible RFID or NFC tags if the right apps are used. These NFC cards are easily accessible for small businesses. While iPhones 6 have NFC capabilities, Android devices usually come with built-in NFC.
b. Secure encryption and multi-function: RFID and NFC tags can be configured to store encrypted data, protecting sensitive information like payment details or employee data, protecting sensitive information like payment details or employee login credentials. Businesses can use these tags for any performance, including restricted access points.
c. Area of use: The NFC cards are used as business cards. They also perform well as smart tickets in transportation and events, and as smart key cards.
4. Proximity cards
Key Features of Proximity Cards:
|
Frequency
|
125 kHz (LF RFID)
|
|
read range
|
Up to 5-10cm
|
|
Data capacity
|
Limited
|
|
standards
|
No global standard
|
Key Benefits of Proximity Cards:
a. Affordable and widely used: EnCstore’s technologies are no longer thought of as an expensive option for large businesses; instead, it is affordable and manageable for small businesses and firms.
b. Good for basic access control: For startups and small businesses, proximity access control cards offer an affordable and effective security solution.
c. Area of use: Proximity cards are used in low-security areas such as gyms, small one-room offices, and schools.
To summarize, access control cards, whether based on UHF, MIFARE 1K/4K, NFC, or proximity technology, offer small businesses and large organisations more secure, efficient, and customer-convenient access when compared to traditional keys or magnetic stripes. Access control cards reduce unauthorised entry, simplify management, and allow flexible and scalable solutions for any number of industry needs.
At EnCstore.com, we offer all kinds of access control solutions, whether it is RFID wristbands or UHF RFID PVC Cards, NFC Cards, RFID ID Cards, MIFARE Cards, or proximity cards based on LF RFID. We offer all types of access control cards for events, hospitality, education, healthcare, and other businesses at cost-effective prices, delivering pan-India.
Frequently Asked Questions About Access Control Cards
Q1. Which access control card is best if I require high security?
MIFARE 4K cards are designed for secure environments that require larger memory capacities and encryption features. They are reliable in corporate, educational, and public transportation environments, where often, there are different levels of access and secure data storage are important.
Q2. Are RFID and NFC access control cards a good option for small businesses?
Yes, RFID and NFC access control cards scale well, and they come with simple, user-friendly design trends. They blend into existing systems effortlessly and are cost-effective. They are the preferred access solution for small startup businesses needing effective access management quickly.
Q3. What are the advantages of upgrading to an access control card from traditional keys?
Upgrading eliminates the risks associated with key duplication and key loss, provides real-time access management, allows access to be granted or revoked quickly, thus changes can easily be implemented, and having staff complete their daily work improves efficiency for the organisation.
Disclaimer: The information presented here is for general information purposes only and true to best of our understanding. Users are requested to use any information as per their own understanding and knowledge. Before using any of the information, please refer to our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.
