Remote-controlled gates encompass two different fundamental features. One is a property owner’s own personal access in/out of a location, and the second is visitor management. Old-fashioned clicker style remotes are still often utilized for both a property owner’s and a visitor’s entry. This requires the clicker is near enough to the property access point’s entry hardware to communicate with it. What has greatly changed, however, is the advent of gates and doors remote-controlled by app-based applications. These new tools grant anyone entry into a property from wherever the app is located, anywhere in the world. So, proximity no longer is a requirement with the latest remote-controlled gate systems.
Let’s review a little bit of the history of remote-controlled gates.
People that utilize drive-up gates for security–that do not have a remote to operate them–don’t love getting out of their vehicles to do so. Manually opening and closing gates takes a number of seconds on both sides. This is unpleasant if the weather is extra hot, chilly cold or pouring down rain.
The convenience factor is one reason why the first remote-controlled gates were invented decades ago. Many gates were controlled by small handheld remotes, fobs or clickers utilizing RFID or Bluetooth technology. These devices were simply pressed when in close proximity to the gate to open or close them. These types of gates are great if the remote holder is nearby to open or close the gate for themselves. Unfortunately those technologies cannot open or close gates from great distances. For example, if a user with an RFID or Bluetooth technology-based remote-controlled gate was 2 blocks away, their remote does not open the gate for a visitor that just arrived. Most consumers agree that such remotes are great for property owner access. However, they are less convenient for managing visitor entry because of the need for close proximity.
Remote-controlled gates with hardwired internet or cellular connections.
Newer gates use hardwired internet connections or cellular networks. This technology provides a way to communicate to smart phones and web-based portals instead of just to fobs and clickers. Users of these remote-controlled gates open or close such gates from wherever they are via an app or portal. The only requirement is that their smart phone is connected to a cellular network or that they have internet access. This greatly expanded the convenience factor for such gate users. They now check the status of their gate, and open or close it for a visitor—from wherever they are. These newer technologies expand gate management tremendously. What previously only occured at the gate itself is now controlled and managed from anywhere.
Some gate manufacturers that utilize hardwired internet or cellular for their systems also log detailed records of all activity at such gates. This means visibility of utilized codes for access, pictures of entrants and exiters, and time and date stamps for all access attempts. This functionality makes these gates more secure and convenient than ever.
Conclusion
When in the market for a remote controlled gate, consider what functionality is important to you. If simply granting access for yourself when you come and go is all you need, then an RFID or Bluetooth remote controlled gate system is sufficient. If you prefer the ultra-convenience of managing your gate from wherever you are, and appreciating the peace of mind that comes from detailed logs of who comes and goes and when, then a hard-wired internet or cellular based remote-controlled gate system is a better choice.
Live video, supports
Does not support external cameras
