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In today’s world, security is more important than ever, and one of the most effective ways to control access to restricted areas is through the use of access control cards. These cards serve as a crucial element in modern security systems, providing a way to grant or deny access to physical spaces based on individual authorization. This guide will explore the different types of access control cards.
What are Access Control Cards?
Access control cards are used by authorized users to obtain access to secured locations. The user presents the access control card to a reader, which then verifies the card’s data. If the card is authorized, the reader grants access to the individual—usually by unlocking an electronic lock—allowing them to enter the restricted area. More broadly, the access control system itself can be integrated with other security measures like surveillance cameras, alarms, and automated lighting.
Types of Access Control Cards
Image 1: A Magnetic Strip Access Control Card
Magnetic strip access control cards have a magnetic stripe on the back that contains the cardholder's security information. When the magnetic strip access control card is swiped through a reader, the magnetic stripe is read, and the system checks whether or not the user has the necessary authorization to obtain access. As an added benefit, magnetic strip access control cards—like most other types of access control cards—are often designed with a printable surface, allowing administrators to print helpful information on the card (e.g., employee photos, job titles, company logos, etc.).
RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) access control cards (sometimes also referred to as proximity access control cards) are some of the most popular choices in modern security systems. RFID access control cards don’t need to be swiped or inserted into a reader; they only need to be held near the reader, which can detect the card via radio waves. This provides a quick and convenient access method for users.
RFID access control cards are available in many different formats, each one corresponding to a unique type of RFID technology:
A. 26-bit (H10301) RFID Access Control Cards
26-bit (H10301) is by far the most ubiquitous format of RFID technology; as such, 26-bit (H10301) RFID access control cards are compatible with most standard Wiegand card readers, including Proxpoint Plus, MiniProx, and Thinline II. Additionally, 26-bit (H10301) RFID access control cards come in a variety of styles including a standard credit card size (a.k.a. “CR80”) with a printable surface, a thicker, sturdier clamshell style, and an inkjet printable version which can be ran through a typical home printer.
Image 2: A CR80-Style RFID Access Control Card
Image 3: A Clamshell-Style RFID Access Control Card
Image 4: An Inkjet Printable-Style RFID Access Control Card
B. 26-bit EM RFID Access Control Cards
Image 5: A 26-Bit EM RFID Access Control Card
Another, less common RFID format is the 26-bit EM (ElectroMagnetic) format which operates in frequencies of 100 - 150Khz. 26-bit EM access control cards are only compatible with EM readers. Like other access control cards, most 26-bit EM access control cards are designed with a printable surface.
C. Mifare RFID Access Control Cards
Image 6: A Mifare RFID Access Control Card
Mifare is a third RFID format that operates at a frequency of 13.56Mhz and is compatible with ISO 14443-A Mifare NXP card readers. Mifare access control cards also often come with a printable surface.
D. Other Proprietary RFID Formats for Access Control Cards
There are countless other formats for RFID access control cards. Some of these proprietary formats include:
One of the primary benefits of RFID cards is their enhanced security features. They are harder to clone than magnetic stripe cards, and many systems incorporate encryption, making them a much more secure option for controlling access to sensitive areas.
Conclusion
Access control cards have become an indispensable tool in modern security systems. With a wide range of styles and formats, access control cards offer flexible, secure, and efficient solutions to meet the diverse needs of various industries. By choosing the right type of access control card for a specific environment, organizations can ensure their security measures are both effective and convenient.
