For most organisations, safety and security feature very high up the list of priorities. Today, there are a wide range of technologies available for securing access to buildings and areas. This blog post explores one of the lesser-known technologies: long-range access control. We’ll explore how long-range technology works, as well as its key benefits and diverse applications in various industries.
How does long-range access control work?
Long-range access control utilises radio frequency technology to extend the reach and sensitivity of traditional access control systems.
How standard RFID access control works
In standard RFID systems, the reader sends out electro-magnetic waves into the surrounding area. If a compatible credential such as a person’s swipe card is within range of the reader, the tiny transponder inside it sends digital information back to the reader. The access control system then determines whether the credential is valid, and grants or denies access accordingly. This type of chip inside the credential is called a passive tag, as it is powered by radio waves emitted by the reader.
Generally, the range of a traditional access control system is very small. Often, the credential must be presented within a few centimetres of the reader in order to be scanned and identified.
How long-range access control works
In a long-range system, it is the credential that puts out radio frequency signals that are picked up the reader. This is the opposite to a traditional RFID system. The chips inside long-range credentials are called active tags. The active tag emits radio waves periodically into the surrounding area. If a compatible reader is in range, the signal emitted by the active tag is picked up by the reader and the access control system determines whether to grant or deny access.
Because credentials containing active tags are generally battery-powered, they can operate over a far greater range than traditional RFID systems. This range varies from product to product, but could extend from a few metres up to hundreds of metres.
Benefits of long-range access control
Greater convenience for users
For users, the day-to-day is significantly easier with long-range technology. All they need to do is walk or drive within range of the reader, and the active tag does the rest! It’s common for users to wear a card on a lanyard around their neck, or have it stuck inside their car windshield. When they’re entering a restricted premises, they don’t need to find a reader or fish around in their handbag for a card. Just approaching is enough. It couldn’t be easier!
Cost savings and environmental benefits
Credentials with active tags are usually powered by on-board batteries. This helps to increase their operational range. You should always look out for long-range card credentials with rechargeable batteries. That way, you no longer have to pay for constant replacements. There are environmental benefits as well – most card credentials are made of some form of plastic. If they can be recharged and reused for as long as possible, they’re much more eco-friendly.
Better efficiency at entry points
Entry points with an access control system in place are often very common places for bottlenecks. As people move freely, they are usually forced to stop at the access point and present a credential of some kind. Whether it’s an RFID card, a fingerprint reader, or a facial recognition camera, there is always a small delay while the user engages with the system. Long-range access control improves efficiency at these points, as users don’t need to stop.
Use cases for long-range access control
Manufacturing and Warehousing
For pedestrian workers in factories and warehouses, long-range systems improve efficiency and make life easier. When workers are carrying boxes, driving forklifts, or pushing trolleys, they don’t need to worry about access control. There’s no need for them to physically present a card, tag, fingerprint or keypad code to a specific point on the wall. They just approach the access point, and once they’re within range, the active tag does the work.
Health and Care Facilities
In hospitals, care homes, and other healthcare environments, long-range access control improves hygiene and enhances safety for patients. Staff who are pushing wheelchairs or beds to transport patients can activate automatic doors easily. All they need is a valid credential on a lanyard or in their pocket. Once they are through the access point, the door can be automatically locked behind them – ensuring only authorised individuals can access restricted areas.
Transport and Logistics
For vehicle access control systems at logistics centres, bus stations, and car parks, long-range makes life significantly easier. Gone is the inconvenience of driving up to a small post, stopping, and sticking your arm out of the window in the rain to scan a card or input a PIN code. With long-range solutions, drivers just drive up to a gate or barrier. Once they are within range of the reader, the gate or barrier automatically triggers to open. It’s simple and convenient.
CDVI solutions for long-range access control
CDVI offers a long-range access control solution for pedestrians. It’s simple, robust, and perfect for warehouses, hospitals, schools, factories, and more.
DTRR1434 long-range reader
The DTRR1434 reader is a long-range reader for pedestrian access control. The reader picks up active tag signals up to 15 metres away. Users don’t need to present their card precisely to the reader – they just need to be nearby for the active tag to transmit its signal to the reader. Up to 20 cards can be read simultaneously and the read range is customisable, depending on the requirements at each access point.
To find out more about long-range access control, contact us today!
