Access control system is to manage the important access to the intelligent residence. Door control system can control the access of people, but also can control the behavior of people in the building and sensitive areas. Control devices, such as card readers, fingerprint readers, and password keypads, are installed at building entrances and elevators. In order to enter, occupants must have a card or enter the correct password, or press a special finger to be allowed to pass. An access control system can effectively manage the opening and closing of doors, ensuring free access for authorized persons and restricting access for unauthorized persons.
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a technology that uses radio waves to read and capture data stored on tags, such as RFID cards or RFID key fobs, commonly used in access control systems to manage personnel entry and exit. RFID access control systems automatically identify individuals through electronic tags, integrating information technology, electronics, and mechanical locks to provide fast, efficient, and reliable security management.
RFID technology is highly flexible, easy to operate, and requires no manual intervention. It supports both read-only and read-write modes and does not require direct contact or precise alignment. It performs well in various environments, even under harsh conditions like oil or dust. Short-range RFID can replace barcode technology for tracking objects on production lines, while long-range RFID can identify targets from tens of meters away, making it widely used in traffic management, such as automatic toll collection and vehicle identification.
An RFID access control system typically consists of the following five components:
RFID Tags: RFID tags are the key carriers for storing user identity information, commonly available in the form of access cards, key fobs, or stickers. Each tag contains an embedded microchip and antenna for storing and transmitting data. Depending on the application, RFID tags can be classified into two types: active tags and passive tags.
RFID Readers: Installed near doors to control entry and exit, readers include antennas that receive data transmitted by RFID tags. For passive systems, readers may also emit electromagnetic fields to power the tags.
Access Control Panel: Processes data sent by the RFID reader, verifies identity, and sends door-opening commands.
Electronic Locking Devices: Control the opening and closing of doors, including electromagnetic locks, electric strike locks, and more.
Management Software: Used for configuring, managing, and monitoring the entire access control system, it provides user permission settings and data logging features.
RFID access control system working principle and composition
RFID access control system utilizes radio frequency identification technology to manage the entry and exit of personnel or vehicles in a non-contact manner. Its working principle is as follows:
1. Tag activation and information reading: when carrying RFID tags of personnel or vehicles into the access control area, the reader through the antenna transmit radio frequency signals. After receiving the RF signal, the passive tag inductively generates current and activates the chip, thus sending the stored identity information to the reader. For active tags, the signal transmission is driven by the tag's own power supply.
2. Data processing and verification: the reader receives and decodes the tag information and transmits it to the access control system. The system processes the information and verifies its legitimacy.
3. Permission judgment and access control: If the information verification passes, the access control system sends commands to the electric lock or gate, automatically unlocks the access control equipment and allows passage. If the information is invalid, the system will trigger an alarm mechanism to deny access and prompt abnormalities.
4. Automatic locking mechanism: At the end of the passage, magnetic locks and other electronic locks will be automatically reset to ensure that the access control system always maintains a safe state to prevent unauthorized access.
1. Keyless Entry: Provides a convenient keyless access experience. Users only need to bring the card close to the reader for verification, enhancing convenience, especially in high-traffic areas.
2. Contactless Identification (Meets Pandemic Requirements): No need to touch the device, reducing the risk of contact-based transmission, ideal for safety management during a pandemic.
3. Fast Identification and Access: RFID reading speed is extremely fast, typically within milliseconds, significantly reducing access time, suitable for businesses, campuses, and public facilities requiring efficient access management.
4. Adaptability to Extreme Environments: RFID devices can operate in extreme temperatures and weather conditions, making them suitable for outdoor environments with sun, rain, or snow.
5. High Security: Uses encryption algorithms to prevent data duplication, forgery, or interception, making it more secure than traditional keys, magnetic stripe cards, or passwords, effectively preventing theft and unauthorized access.
6. Long-Range Identification: Supports identification from a few centimeters to several meters, allowing authentication without close proximity to the device, enhancing flexibility.
7. Role-Based Access Control: Allows different access permissions based on user roles, ensuring the security of restricted areas and preventing unauthorized personnel entry.
8. Easy Management and Integration: Can be integrated with surveillance, attendance, and other systems to form a comprehensive security solution. Administrators can remotely update or disable lost cards, reducing security risks.
9. Durability and Low Maintenance: More durable than magnetic stripe or IC cards, resistant to wear and tear, with a longer lifespan and lower maintenance costs.
10. Multifunctionality: A single RFID card can be used for access control, attendance tracking, cafeteria payments, parking management, and more, supporting “one-card” solutions.
11. Log Recording and Data Analysis: Records all entry and exit information, facilitating tracking and data analysis, supporting security audits and operational optimization.
12. Compliance with Government Security Regulations: Meets stringent security protocol requirements, suitable for locations requiring high-security standards.
13. Updatable Card Data: RFID card data can be updated without issuing new cards, offering convenience and efficiency.
14. Bulk Reading Capability: Can read multiple IDs simultaneously, improving efficiency in high-traffic scenarios.
1. Electromagnetic Interference: RFID is prone to interference from other devices and metallic objects, which can weaken signals, reduce recognition distances, or cause failures.
2. Information Security Risks: RFID cards and systems can be cloned or tampered with, posing security threats, especially if systems are poorly managed or have vulnerabilities.
3. Higher Costs: RFID access control systems typically cost more due to the hardware and integration expenses.
4. Lack of Standardization: Multiple RFID standards and protocols can cause compatibility issues, making system integration challenging.
5. Power Supply Dependence: RFID systems rely on a stable power supply; outages can cause malfunctions.
RFID systems can be hacked due to signal interception, system flaws, or data manipulation. Common Hacking Methods:
1. Signal Interception: Hackers can capture radio signals to steal card IDs and create counterfeit cards.
2. Exploiting System Flaws: Weak encryption or poor key management can allow hackers to forge access or disrupt the system.
3. Data Manipulation: Hackers can tamper with system data or settings, causing failures, data leaks, or unauthorized access.
1. Encrypted Cards and Readers: Use RFID devices with strong encryption (e.g., AES) to protect transmitted data.
2. Dual-Factor Authentication: Combine RFID with biometrics or passwords for extra security.
3. Anti-Replay Mechanisms: Use dynamic authentication like one-time passwords (OTP) to prevent replay attacks.
4. Signal Shielding: Limit reading range and use blocking sleeves to prevent remote reading.
5. Real-Time Monitoring: Monitor logs regularly to detect unusual activity early.
6. System Updates: Keep software and firmware up to date to fix vulnerabilities.
The price of an RFID access control system is not fixed and is influenced by several factors, including the system type, required features, number of users, and the number of doors or entry points. Below is a detailed analysis of these factors:
1. System Type:
1.1 Active Systems: These systems use RFID tags powered by batteries, which actively transmit signals. As a result, they are more expensive and are suitable for applications that require long-range identification and tracking.
1.2 Semi-Passive Systems: In these systems, the tags only respond when they receive a signal from the reader, making them more affordable. They are suitable for medium to short-range applications.
1.3 Passive Systems: These systems rely entirely on the energy provided by the reader to power the tags, making them the most cost-effective. They are ideal for short-range applications.
2. Number of Doors or Entry Points: As the number of doors or entry points increases, more readers and related equipment are needed, which raises the overall cost of the system.
3. Number of Users: An increase in the number of users means more RFID tags or cards are required, which in turn increases the system's cost.
4. System Features: Different RFID access control systems may include various features, such as temporary credential generation, biometric verification, or audit tracking. These additional functions increase both the complexity and the cost of the system.
5. System Complexity: More complex systems may offer multiple access levels, remote monitoring, alarm functions, etc., all of which contribute to a higher cost.
RFID access control systems and other RFID security solutions are, in many ways, a versatile, reliable, and efficient way for residential and commercial property owners to address security concerns. However, to fully maximize the benefits of these devices, it's important to understand the different features of modern RFID readers.
Depending on your specific needs, you will need to choose the appropriate RFID reader, such as low-frequency (LF), high-frequency (HF), or ultra-high-frequency (UHF) devices, and decide whether additional features are needed, such as remote access control, time-based automation, or the use of alternative credentials (such as keypad codes).
By carefully selecting these options, RFID access control systems can seamlessly integrate with existing security measures, which is one of their main advantages. However, property owners should collaborate closely with IT and security teams to implement dedicated security protocols around the RFID access control system to ensure its reliability and efficiency. For more information on RFID access control solutions, feel free to contact us at CBT.
