Most of us today use some type of access card or key fob systems for everyday access through a door in the workplace. Union Alarm understands key fobs and card access systems better than most. In fact, we specialize in;
- The supply of key fobs, key cards and HID proximity cards for use in Calgary buildings.
- Various formats of credentials including 26-bit cards, 36-bit fobs and high encryption formats.
- Keeping stock of most brands of electronic key cards & proximity key fobs for immediate use!
Similarly, our current inventory includes cards and fobs from ICT, Kantech ioProx, Keyscan, HID Prox Cards, and Bluetooth® mobile credentials. Today’s mobile credentials allow employees to use their smartphones to access secure doors and elevators throughout your facilities.
This provides convenience and enhanced security throughout your facility. In saying that, our job is to make the choices easy for you to understand, and supply you with the right formats to operate within your system. For a quote on the supply of cards or fobs for your company, contact us today.
History of Key Cards.
Interesting Facts
The history of key cards, fobs and credentials!
Historically, manufacturers developed a magnetic stripe card for use in card-based access control systems. These access cards required a swipe action through a magnetic card reader to gain access to a door.
This technology had a number of disadvantages, including an inconvenience factor, a high wear rate, and very low security. It was these disadvantages that led to the development of new contactless proximity technology, allowing cards to be read without physically contacting the reader.
What happens when you swipe a card or fob at the reader?
What happens in that split second while you swipe your credentials at the reader? First, proximity readers work by constantly emitting a short-range RF field. When a proximity card comes within range of this field, an integrated chip within the access card is powered up.
The chip then transmits a bit code back to the reader. Finally, upon the card or key fob being read as valid, the system sends power to energize an electrified lock. This allows the door to open and the system then tracks the electronic details with a timestamp in the audit trail.
Today’s card formats, they are more secure than ever!
In recent years, card technologies and formats have evolved. For example, access cards used to rely on simple 26-bit structures where cards were easily duplicated. With today’s encrypted cards and RFID technologies, the days of open architecture are all but gone.
We now have secure formats using encrypted signatures that cannot be duplicated. Cards and key fobs now use a host of technologies including Mifare contactless smartcards and Bluetooth® mobile credentials.
HID Proximity Card Technology
Proximity Cards & Credentials
The ProxCard II proximity access control card is the industry choice for a cost-effective solution to proximity access control. In fact, it has universal compatibility with all HID proximity card readers. Furthermore, the ProxCard II access control card provides durable packaging and consistent read range.
Meanwhile, the ProxKey III is a proximity card keyfob for access control offering HID proximity technology in a pocket-sized device. The proximity card keyfob easily attaches to a key ring, badge clip or lanyard. Built to withstand harsh operating environments, the ProxKey III withstands more use than most proximity cards.
Proximity Cards and Key Tags from ICT:
ICT manufactures a range of cards and tags for the 125kHz and MIFARE/DESFire range of products. This includes multiple technology cards (with low and high-frequency technology in one card). When it comes to the end-user, there is little visible difference between a 125kHz card and a 13.56MHz card.
In fact, there is very little difference when presenting a card at the reader. Consequently, it will either open the door or deny entry. What happens behind the scenes is quite different, however. Apart from the frequency used to transmit the data, there are numerous differences in card structure, security and the cards read range.
To learn more about ICT credentials, contact Union Alarm in Calgary.
