Wireless access control: is it right for you?

Written by: Eric Fleming

There are many ways to secure a building. A security guard sitting behind a desk or standard metal keys are the old standbys, but both have serious drawbacks. Most business these days are choosing more technologically advanced methods, such as swipe cards, keypads, and biometric sensors.

One feature that has been slowly gaining acceptance since its introduction is wireless access control. Controlling a door or building wirelessly has certain advantages over other access control systems and, yes, some disadvantages. Read on to learn some of them, as well as how a wireless access control system works and who might need one.

How wireless access control systems work

In reality, a wireless control system works very much like any other door or building access system. Take a wireless swipe card reader, for instance. The person requesting access swipes his or her card into a wireless access control reader, which then transmits the data to the system controller. The controller, or control panel, verifies the data and transmits a signal back to the door position switch, which unlocks the door, thereby granting access. In a wired system, the same steps apply, the main difference being the wires. In a wireless system, there are no wires between the reader, controller, and door position switch. All the information is transmitted wirelessly, which not only saves you wiring expense and time but ensures, especially in the case of older historic buildings, that the building remains unblemished.

Advantages to a wireless access system

Aside from not having the added expense (both in time and money) of pulling wires for installation, wireless access control systems can help retrofit a building's security system. This is especially handy in a building that might make wiring installation a real challenge, such as a historic building that has thick marble walls or an aging building that was built with concrete. Additionally, wireless access systems are great for creating a connection between multiple remote buildings. For example, a company with a large campus and a guard house could greatly benefit from wireless access control systems.

Additionally, installing a wireless access control system is very time efficient. From beginning to end, a typical installation might take no more than 30 minutes, less if the door has been predrilled for the new lock and reader setup.

One area where you may run into problems with a wireless access control system, although this will depend on many factors, is if walls or interior structures cannot be breached by the wireless signal. Fortunately, it takes less than 30 seconds to test a structure, so you shouldn't ever find yourself caught by surprise.

Types of wireless access control systems

There are a few main types of wireless access control systems available. The traditional method simply hooks into your existing setup, which means, unfortunately, that there are still plenty of wires present. Although the signal may be sent wirelessly, the controller, locks and position switches all need to be powered, requiring a nearby source of power.

One method that may, in the future - especially if PoE (or Power over Ethernet) comes to fruition - become more and more popular is the integrated reader lock. An integrated reader lock takes the place of everything needed at the door, all in one compact piece of equipment. With an integrated reader lock, only one device has to be installed, which saves you installation time (30 minutes per door) as well as remaining simple to use.

With an integrated reader lock, there is no need to first install an electric strike, then wire multiple devices (such as the lock, reader, door position switch, power supply, control unit) at or near the door and finally wire those back to a main control panel. Because the integrated reader lock has those devices built in, installation is as simple as removing the old lock, drilling a few holes and installing the single integrated reader lock. It's done in about 30 minutes.

The integrated reader lock is fast and easy to install, will save you time and money and is perfect for older or hard-to-wire buildings. Some common uses include remote gates, where wiring and integration with the rest of your security could be problematic, and elevators.

At the moment, close to 80 percent of all access control systems are wired as opposed to wireless, but with the increased usage of broadband technology, and the expected drop in prices as well as an increase in features, wireless access control may be the wave of the future, and it might just be right for you.

Before you make a purchase, though, there's something to keep in mind: be cautious and do your research. Don't just buy the first off-the-shelf solution you find – take time to make a good buying decision. Ask for free price quotes from multiple vendors, and above all, make sure your wireless system works with your existing wired security system, or if buying a total solution, that it truly suits your needs.