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Personnel
Access Controls |
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Card Access Control System
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The
most prevalent system configuration is the "Distributive Network."
In a distributive network, the card reader (read head) is connected
to a control panel which makes all of the decisions concerning a
card read. Each control panel supports one or more read heads. The
first control panel is connected to each successive control panel
and eventually to a personal computer. Each control panel has relays
to actuate the door locking devices and monitor the door contact
switches. In the event of a loss of communications or the failure
of the central computer, the control panel continues to make all
of the necessary decision.
The personal computer is used to program the control panels and
to store the transaction stream of the activities occuring at each
door. The software program provides a database for each cardholder
with information such as name, department, and social security number.
The transaction stream (history file) can be sorted and searched
according to several criteria such as cardholder number, door number,
name of cardholder, and time and date.
Telephone modems and internet connections can be used to control
panels located off-site.
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Control
Panel
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A
fully intelligent microprocessor with its own clock/calendar. All
decisions concerning a card read are made at this panel. Each control
panel supports one or more readers, has an 8,000 card capacity, output
relays to actuate the door locking hardware, monitoring inputs for
door open/closed, and request - to-exit from a secured area.
The control panel can be programmed to automatically unlock doors
for specific periods of time on specific days and has a holiday schedule.
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Cards
can be programmed to be valid only during certain time periods and
can be invalidated at any time. Programming of the control panel is
done from the personal computer and has a transaction stream which
is sent from the control panel to the central computer to be stored
in a history file.
The door strike outputs energize or de-energize the electric door
strikes or locking devices.
Card read technologies include: proximity, magnetic stripe, wiegand,
and bar code. Photo ID badges are also available. Digital keypads
may also be used.
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Proximity
Readers
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The proximity read head is an electronic device continuously transmitting
a low powered R/F Signal which is reflected back to the read head
by a tuned circuit in the proximity card. Each card is tuned to
create a unique ID number. The card is "Presented" within
several inches of the read head. Proximity reader/keypad combination
units can be used when a PIN number is required after presenting
a card.
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Personal
Computer & Software
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The
software is loaded into a standard IBM compatible personal computer
and provides a database of information about each cardholder and the
tables which define the schedules of automatic door opening times,
the holidays, and the definition of the monitoring input points and
output relays. A history file of all activities is generated and can
be later searched and printed. After changes are made to the software
program the information in the control panel(s) is updated.
The software has different passwords for different levels of authority;
therefore a security officer could acknowledge alarm conditions, but
might not have the authority to enter or delete cardholder information. |
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