Just as IP (Internet Protocol) revolutionized the deployment
and features of CCTV/video surveillance, IP is having an equally profound effect
on physical access control. With traditional analog physical control systems,
each device– door locks, card readers, door position switches, door handles,
etc. – must be hardwired individually to a central control unit for control
interface and power. Today, this is
gone resulting in upgraded IP technology.
Gone is the requirement to hardwire each device separately
to a central control unit thus saving labor and material costs for
installation. Each door controller is connected to the local Ethernet network,
which is common in most workplaces. In addition, by utilizing PoE (power over
Ethernet), the need for separate power cables to each device is eliminated. In
the event the main power to the building is lost, the physical access system
can still be operational through the PoE and an uninterruptable power supply
(UPS) providing emergency power for the data system and all devices connected
to it.
Gone is the requirement to utilize only hardware and
software from a single provider. IP systems are based on open standards, which
make devices and applications from different providers compatible. You have a
virtual “plug and play” system that allows easy changes, additions and
upgrades. It also gives endless possibilities to integrate the physical access
functions with others like intrusion detection, fire detection and others into
a comprehensive, user-friendly system.
Gone is the limitation of adding devices in specific
quantities. With IP, users can add to or modify their configurations as needed
thus saving the unneeded expansion costs that are inherent with analog systems.
Gone is the mandatory comprehensive training in one manufacturer’s system
and/or the requirement to utilize external specialized technicians. The
standardized interfaces of IP allow installation of a host of different devices
from many manufacturers without complicated integration and set up.