There are a plethora of wireless access control solutions available today to make gates and doors more secure. Many also simultaneously eliminate the hassle of providing keys. They range from keypad systems, proximity-based systems, card or fob reader systems and biometric scanners. How do you determine the best wireless access control solution for your property? It depends on two things. The first is the installation location itself, and second is what features and functionality are most important to you.
How important is it for you to know who entered in a gate or a door each time it was accessed?
Many businesses want the simplicity of keyless entry for gates or doors. But depending on the access control system chosen, some systems will grant entry to almost anyone. This happens when the same digital code is shared or a fob is used with the same access credential “key” for all personnel. While this is very convenient, there are down sides to this solution. There is no record of exactly who used that code or the time/date of access because everyone is utilizing the same credential information. These types of systems are often called “standalone” systems. This is because none of the wiring for such entry points is connected to a centralized system. These systems also are programmed manually at the individual gate or door. This makes them less than ideal if you have a property with a large number of gates or doors that require programming.
The more advanced wireless control systems available create unique codes or fob credentials for every user. These advanced systems also include features like limiting the hours of access and specific areas of a building/property. These systems are connected by either Wi-Fi, hardwired ethernet or cellular networks to a centralized cloud-based portal that gathers the access attempt information in real time. Recording the date and time a unique code or individual fob is used means available system logs now clearly inform you of who entered and when. Thus when choosing a wireless access control solution, first decide how important centralized control and detailed log information is to you.
If you desire detailed access information, what type of advanced wireless access control solution is appropriate? A Wi-Fi based solution or a cellular one?
WiFi-Based Solution
Wi-Fi-based wireless access control solutions are ideal for small properties. This is because the entire property stays within the reach of the Wi-Fi system. Thus you would rarely install one in a large building or a sprawling campus. The gates/doors of Wi-Fi-based wireless access control systems also require batteries to operate. Thus keep in mind that batteries require period replacement. Because Wi-Fi goes down at random times or has bandwidth-related issues, it is important to have a backup plan. This means having IT support via phone, espeicially for commercial applications. At the very least have a backup access method to a gate or door if the wireless access control system fails. Most Wi-Fi-based systems have web-based portals for administration, but most do not also have smart phone apps. This is an important consideration when deciding if smart phone app access to control the system remotely is important to you.
Cellular Solution
Cellular-based access control systems are ideal for all property types, including large and remote properties. A primary reason is because not only are they wireless, they are also more reliable than a Wi-Fi-based system. Depending on the cellular-based wireless access control solution purchased, features like live streaming video, integrated external cameras and photos of entrants are available. Cellular access control systems also have detailed logging of access attempts.
Because it runs on cellular, it is important to test that the cellular signal is adequate at the proposed location. This must be done before a system is installed. Cellular wireless access control systems typically utilize DC 12v batteries. Thus they are not replaced as often as those in a Wi-Fi-based system. Due to running on a cellular network, however, there are ongoing monthly utilization charges. The pricing of them varies based on the features utilized with the system. Finally, many cellular wireless access control systems have smart phone apps, or web-based portals for administration. However, not all of them have both options for system management. So consider the best options for management based on your specific needs.
If you are looking for a wireless access control system, make sure you have a good understanding of these considerations:
- Current property size and likelihood of property size/access points expanding
- Amount of detail desired regarding entrance/exit activities (dates/times, codes or cards used, photos, etc.)
- Ease of providing IT support in a timely manner
- Battery life
- Ongoing cost considerations
- System management preferences—manual gate/door programming, web-based portal, or smart phone app (or a combination of these)