NFC-enabled solutions are quickly emerging as a universal standard in access control, due to its ability to operate on low frequency, proximity distances and provide selective access to the building.
To help you navigate the world of NFC access control solutions, we have created this quick guide on everything you need to know to choose the right solution for your needs.
In this Nortech guide, you'll learn:
Before we jump into all the different access control solutions, let’s take a look at what this technology is all about and how it works.
NFC or Near Field Communication is a wireless technology that enables short-range communication between compatible devices. NFC requires at a minimum one transmitting device and another to receive the signal. NFC devices operate on the frequency of 13.56 MHz, similar to some of the high-frequency RFID solutions.
NFC technology implements an alternating magnetic field, meaning that no power is emitted in the form of radio waves. This prevents any interference from occurring between similar devices or any radio communications operating at the same frequency.
The NFC-enabled solutions are usually comprised of an initiator (a reader) and a target (tag, card, sticker or a key fob). NFC tags contain data and tend to be read-only. These tags can securely hold personal data, with memory ranging between 96 and 8,192 bytes.
NFC solutions are usually categorised into active and passive categories.
When initiator and target are in an active mode, they can both send and receive data by using an alternate signal transmission. Both devices have a power supply, meaning that the initiator doesn't have to send power to the target for the latter to perform its' task.
All active NFC devices can work in one or more of the following operating modes:
With passive NFC, the initiator sends a radio frequency power to the target to power it up. After that, the target modulates this power and sends it back to the initiator. In comparison to an active mode, target in the passive mode restructures the amplitude of the original signal to send it back to the initiator.
NFC technology considerably simplifies access control and offers a flexible, cost-efficient solution. NFC technology in almost all applications always stays the same, allowing information to be transmitted safely and securely at a short distance.
In most applications, NFC technology implements one card or fob and one reader. The card/fob is programmed with the tag data, which carries the identifying information that will enable a linked access panel to authorise or deny access to the building. However, NFC technology has much more to offer, going beyond simple authentication.
NFC devices can also record the access information, exact access time, how long the access has been granted and many other security metrics and data. This information can then be utilised not only by security professionals but also by HR and managers looking to monitor their company's workflow and attendance.
Smartphones have become an inseparable part of our daily lives, and this trend is also reflected in access control. More and more access control solutions are integrating smartphones into their systems. This is especially popular with NFC-enabled solutions.
Some of the latest NFC access control systems can even be managed through the apps installed on smartphones, which can then be used as a tag for the NFC reader. So, when the smartphone is tapped over the NFC reader, it activates the communication channel, enabling the data transaction, authenticating the user and granting or denying access to the building.