Contractors and their customers­­ are looking at the specification possibilities for long-range transmission-reading technologies as a standalone solution or piggybacked on proximity (hands-free) and smart card access control.


Now, there is increased demand for a third contactless technology to add to installers’ proximity and smart card offerings: long-range reading. For the last two decades, the primary contactless technology in access control has been the proximity card, which uses 125-kilohertz (kHz) technology. In the last decade, proximity cards have been augmented by the smart card, which operates at 13.56 megahertz (MHz). Recently interest has been piqued in read-range technologies, which operate at 433 MHz for gated communities, parking structures, multifamily residential, commercial and other markets.


According to Scott Lindley, president of Farpointe Data, a DORMA Group Co., Sunnyvale, Calif., changes in standardization is making long-range reading transmission technology more popular for local and enterprise installations around the world.


“One of the big changes is in global standards; 433 MHz is a standard harmonized around the world, so receivers can be used globally,” he said. “You can install the technology anywhere with no sight license required.”


The 433 MHz receivers support either two- or four-button transmitters to open two to four different doors from ranges up to 200 feet. Each button outputs transmitter data over separate Wiegand outputs, yet the receiver is installed just like a proximity reader for easy integration with proximity or contactless smart-card access- control systems.


Convenient, safe and secure


Transmitters are convenient for the user because they integrate both long-range identification and proximity or contactless smart-card technologies. In addition, the 433 MHz solution may be more secure than active cards and readers. While cards could activate more than one device or door at a time, the transmitter holder specifically selects the mechanism to be immediately triggered. Active cards commonly send out a consistent ring of communication, always searching for a reader. The 433 MHz solution sends its directed signal straight to the receiver, and the signal is only “alive” while the user presses the button.


In addition, the system takes advantage of a secure digital antiplayback routine, based on a custom rolling code variant of the tiny encryption algorithm (TEA). The antiplayback feature virtually eliminates the risk of code sniffing and unauthorized duplication. Every time a button is pressed, the encrypted rolling code changes, preventing transmission of a sniffed code.


In an application such as office building entry, button 1 could be used to let visitors in the front door. Button 2 would let certain visitors in the door off the lobby into the main part of the facility. Button 3 could be used as a panic, duress or alarm button for any incident seen by the receptionist. Button 4 could be used to turn the alarm on or off.


Another application—a long-range wireless transmitter—is used to gain entrance to the main gate of the Kolea at Waikoloa Beach Resort in Hawaii. Some of the residents of the gated community use proximity cards with keypad readers to enter from the street and the beach. Those arriving at the main entrance in a car use the transmitter, which the receivers pick up at the gate.


Contractors who are familiar with access control or those with low-voltage security divisions will find that the product installs like a traditional proximity reader and gives them a recurring revenue component with the sale and maintenance of transmitters.


“There’s no software involved, and it wires like a standard reader, mounting directly to a gang box,” Lindley said. “Indoors, there’s no weatherproofing required. Outdoors, the contractor will wire a standard outdoor connection.”


There are many applications for the technology, including gate applications, garage access, airport perimeters, handicapped or disabled access, marinas, or in a business to unlock a remote access door for deliveries, for example.


Adrian Gonzalez, western regional sales manager for Keri Systems Inc., San Jose, Calif., said the ability for the technology to provide keyless entry in the way of long-range reading along with proximity or smart card access control allows convenience to users who only need one control to access the entrance on the premises, a clubhouse, a secondary residence or a personal garage, for example.


“Users carry one transmitter instead of three,” Gonzalez said. “The devices can also support more than one card access platform, which is convenient to the installing contractor, because it uses standard 26-bit Wiegand protocol output. The credential can take many forms depending on the user—a single transmitter or a transmitter combined with a card reader.”


Long-range reading technology remains viable and reliable.


“This is a market that isn’t going anywhere,” Gonzalez said. “It has a high degree of usability across the marketplace, but performance is a primary; it has to work, and it does.”