Exploring the Many Advantages of Wireless Access Control
Depending on the application, a wireless access control system can allow a customer to achieve wired solution functionality at a lower cost.
Potential advantages include shorter project timelines, more aesthetically pleasing installations and reaching locations otherwise impractical or impossible.
Wireless systems are proving to work with pretty much all of today’s access control systems, so it’s no surprise that they’re quickly becoming an attractive alternative to traditional hardwired solutions.
There are benefits for both integrators and end users alike. From the end user’s standpoint, wireless access control systems deliver the same benefits as wired ones without the cost of hardwired systems. And for integrators, that means much less time spent on installation.
There’s more good news — wireless readers are not limited to doors, as wireless solutions exist for exit devices, gates and elevators. Just ahead several access authorities better define the opportunities, applications and when to deploy and when not to deploy wireless solutions.
How Wireless Works
Simply stated, “A wireless system is a platform which allows system data to transmit back to the main panel over wireless signals instead of transmitting over hardwiring,” says Brach Bengtzen, marketing manager for ProdataKey.
A wireless solution can be broken into three sections, notes Jack Lewis, technical services manager for Camden Door Controls. The first is between separate controllers. The second is from the controller to the door access location and the third, from the reader at the door to the credential device the user is carrying.
“A wireless solution between access control panels must be bidirectional with much more stringent requirements for throughput, latency, plus encryption,” says Lewis. “A wireless solution for peripheral devices that includes a request-to-exit device, door position switch and card reader wired to an access control panel is usually unidirectional, sending a short momentary signal. And a wireless solution between the reader at a door to the user’s credential must be encrypted and secure.”
There are several different technologies used in wireless access control deployments, and of course not all of them are equal. So says Lisa Corte, director of product management, Access and Egress Hardware Group, ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions Americas.
“Wireless electronic access control technologies are often categorized by their frequency band. Today, access control systems predominantly reside on either 2.4GHz or 900MHz bands,” she says. “Many manufacturers offer their own variations within these broad RF categories, making for a highly diverse selection of individual technologies. For example, some offer alternative versions of open-architecture, secure WiFi-based wireless electronic access control in the 2.4GHz range, using either open or proprietary standards. Others offer open or proprietary ZigBee or ZigBee-based technologies in the 2.4GHz band. There are also proprietary 900MHz solutions that have been on the market for more than a decade.”
She adds that WiFi access solutions can generally be installed and deployed in much less time than traditional wired openings. “WiFi locks are offline most of the time, ‘coming to life’ briefly when a credential is presented, to announce user-specified alarm conditions, and at regular intervals to update access rights and transmit audit trails. With intelligent WiFi locks, access rights are stored in the lock itself, protecting it from a network or power failure and eliminating the need for access control panels.”
From the end user’s stand-point, wireless access control systems deliver the same benefits as wired ones without the cost of hardwired systems. And for integrators, that means much less time spent on installation.
Corte recommends such locksets for openings that have relatively stable access rights — residence halls, classrooms or office applications, for example.
Wireless Vs. Cloud & Mobile
Wireless is very different from Cloud and mobile, Bengtzen emphasizes. Wireless is simply a form of communication from one device to another, he says, while Cloud is referring to the ability to manage, configure and update systems remotely from any device.
Mobile, he adds, is all about managing, configuring and using the system from a smartphone or similar mobile device. “Mobile apps for access control systems may communicate over WiFi, but this type is not what we’re talking about when we refer to a system as ‘wireless.’”
While wireless, Cloud and mobile all offer many of the same benefits, they are used in very different ways, Corte echoes. Wireless typically refers to the way access control devices connect to the host system.
Cloud-based services, she notes, allow you to store data on servers owned and maintained by a third party, rather than having to assume responsibility for the cost and maintenance of onsite support, such as anti-virus software, patches, updates, backup, and HVAC cooling. Cloud services can be very beneficial to both integrators and end users, Corte contends.
“Mobile can include the use of a smartphone as a credential or the use of a phone to commission access control locks in the field. More commonly, it is referring to the use of mobile credentials. All three technologies make access control easier, more affordable and more scalable, though they are used in different aspects of a deployment.”
All or Nothing?
David Price, vice president corporate communications & business development for Camden Door Controls, explains that wireless access control should allow for hybrid systems to offload some of the more costly wireless devices when they are not required.
“If all the access controllers are in close proximity, it would be preferred to hardwire-network the devices, as a hardwired connection for transfer of large digital files across a network would ensure timely, reliable data transfer.”
Price adds that peripheral devices that require their signals to reach a control panel can benefit from wireless since controlled doorways tend to change over the life of a building.
There absolutely are scenarios where hybrid systems are a better solution, Bengtzen concurs. Some forms of construction prevent strong wireless communication signals, and are perfect examples where using a combination of wireless and Ethernet-connected devices can build the strongest system possible.
Conversely, he notes, there are scenarios where a customer might prefer to install a hardwired system, but there are a few locations on the property where running cabling would be either extremely expensive or even impossible. For those spots, wireless can often be used.
Less Wire = Less Cost▶ “Most people see savings on installation tasks such as the time seeking permission and the labor to drill into walls or install conduit. It can be a time-consuming approval process involving many stake-holders that could interrupt pulling cable. On the other hand, new trending wireless solutions are leveraging the power of the mobile devices. Traditionally, a security access controller requires a PC to configure and manage adding or deleting card credentials. Controllers can now be config-ured using Bluetooth on a mo-bile device over 50 feet away, giving property managers mo-bility and installers savings by not having to purchase a PC and wire up a network cable to the controller.” — David Price, Camden Door Controls
▶ “Labor savings and cost of goods savings are obvious-ly the biggest cost-savers regarding wireless. However, easier configurations and programming also generate more labor savings.” — Brach Bengtzen, ProdataKey
▶ “Wireless access control systems reduce costs by pro-viding the ability to pay only for what is used. Controllers for wired solutions are often based on openings in specific multiples of two, eight, 16, 32 or even 64 doors. Wireless technology can allow users to better match specific capacity needs and avoid overspend-ing on hardware costs and ongoing software licensing fees. Wireless solutions can also help reduce power costs. In addition, there are lower storage and infrastructure costs associated with wireless systems. — Lisa Corte, ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions Americas
Wise to Be Wary?
Integrators should always be mindful of the construction of a building and the environment around the facility. Bengtzen cautions that many things can cause wireless signals to diminish in strength, including steel, vegetation, thick concrete, rebar and even water.
Manufacturers that offer wireless systems should provide installing dealers with guidance on the correct placement of nodes, and the distances they can support, so as to provide needed coverage.
The flexibility of self-healing wireless mesh networks, where signals are automatically routed in the most efficient manner, may provide the most reliable performance. Bengtzen cautions that many people remain wary of wireless, and some prefer not to install it at all.
“They believe that wireless is less reliable; that interference can cause communication errors and result in system failures. In most scenarios, these are not legitimate concerns,” he states.
There is still often great concern about the risk of transmitting data wirelessly. However, according to Corte, “There’s been a tremendous effort to protect against such dangers. Wireless electronic access control technology is highly secure, capable of using AES 128- or 256-bit encryption for protection of data based on user needs.”
There’s also been some concern over battery life, but today’s energy-efficient locksets are designed to last for years on standard sources such as inexpensive AA or camera-type batteries. Most are designed to start giving tiered warnings through the access control software and/or at the door in advance as batteries age and voltage drops.
“Also,” Corte adds, “in practice, most users maintain a program of preventative maintenance to replace batteries at regular intervals, optimizing reliability as well as cost savings.”
Price agrees that, if the wireless devices are battery-powered, building owners/ managers may be worried about product dependability or the need to change batteries. These are valid concerns, he feels, and the integrator will be able to get answers from the manufacturer on how their system works in their offline network condition.
“If the remote device is battery-less, such as is the case with Camden’s Kinetic wireless door control system, all their questions about ongoing battery maintenance and hazardous waste disposal do not apply,” he notes.
Lewis adds that wireless has limits regarding signal congestion and range, and adding physical barriers such as walls or floors can reduce range and signal strength. “In those instances when the shared airspace is known to have a high degree of RF noise or where power cannot be provided, wireless may not be the best solution.”
Making the Transition
Many integrators are considering making the move to wireless installations, if they haven’t already. So what specific skillsets are needed to install wireless? “It depends on what type of wireless technology is being used,” Price says. “With common signal wireless devices, no training is required. The integrator simply wires a receiver module in place of the peripheral device.”
However, he adds, most manufacturers’ solutions using Zigbee or WiFi require mandatory product training on antennas, addressing, configuration and testing gear to reduce technical support calls. Bengtzen strongly encourages integrators to educate themselves on how wireless works.
Camden’s Kinetic devices offer a “power-harvesting” wireless system with an ultra-compact receiver and field-selectable momentary, delayed or latching relay operation.
“Know where it can thrive and know where it has its limitations. After that, be sure to always conduct range tests prior to an installation. Range tests can tell you exactly where wireless signals are the strongest. That way you will be able to maximize the level of signal strength.”
Corte advises integrators look for openings that are good candidates for wireless and help clients understand how they could better secure their facility at a lower cost than they may be expecting.
She adds, “It’s also important to partner with trusted manufacturers to take advantage of the many training programs available, to be sure you are up to speed on the latest trends and technologies. With wireless access control locks becoming so feature rich, combined with the flexibility of the types of wireless systems available, this type of system can be a fit for nearly any application.”
Erin Harrington has 20+ years of editorial, marketing and PR experience within the security industry.
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