Proximity Cards

By Anna Lisa Maharaj October 24th 2011 at 12:40PM

A Proximity card is a generic name for contactless integrated circuit devices used for security access or payment systems. They are one of the more popular ways to lock buildings from undesired guests while avoiding dealing with physical keys. Just stuff the card in your wallet and swipe it against a proximity card reader pad, which beeps cheerfully, flashes a green light and the door opens. Or it politely rejects you by beeping and flashing a stern red light. Or if you are like a few of my friends it blinks a light, and beeps in a cheerful manner and either lets you in or it doesn't. Securing buildings isn't the only thing that proximity technology is used for. Proximity technology is used in: pay cards, transit cards, key cards, and more.

A Proximity Card is a small credit card sized passive electronic device which is typically used for physical access control. Simple cards return a code when activated; more complex cards are basically a wireless smart card which issues an encrypted challenge response along with stored personal information.

Proximity cards are the entry method of choice, it allows keys to be given out in mass, combined with a computerized building entry system keys can be activated or de-activated with a minimum amount of physical effort. They cards themselves are convenient to the user because they can walk up to a door and either hold the card within 3 inches of the pad and the door will open as opposed to fishing through a large key chain.

Because the old style proximity card systems rely on a static analog signal for identification, the basic installations have a serious flaw which makes the system as effective as an old style physical lock. The new standards including cryptographic handshaking are much more effective for security. They are available at www.idsetcetera.com also visit our Facebook page at Ids Etcetera for any additional information or concerns you may have.