TECH TIPS Single Platform Physical and Logical Access Control O


rganizations can create more useful, unified identity solutions by moving physical and logical access onto a


single platform. These solutions cut costs, improve security and open many significant new market opportunities for dealers, in- stallers and integrators.


Access control convergence enhances se- curity by enabling a single smart card to support multiple authentication methods. For instance, physical access credentials can be re-used for logical access, including strong desktop authentication. Conversely, logical access credentials can help drive more robust identity authentication at the door. Additionally, converged access solu- tions help organizations enforce consistent policies, and they foster the use of consoli- dated audit logs throughout the enterprise. Many large organizations won’t author- ize new access control expenditures unless


they can build on the existing physical ac- cess control infrastructure and applications. Still others, including many small- to medium-sized companies, can’t even afford strong logical access unless it is easy to add to their physical access systems and creden- tials. In these and many other cases, the advent of converged physical and access control gives dealers, integrators and in- stallers opportunities to deliver value to a new set of customers.


Convergence has been simplified with the trend to multi-technology readers that are designed to combine many different proximity and contactless smart card and reader technologies into a single, compre- hensive platform. These unified platforms support applications ranging from physical building access to time and attendance, vending, transit fare payment and secure print management.


Fire Alarm Maintenance


with a few proactive fire alarm maintenance services to help their systems perform better and possibly avoid a few costly false alarms. These services are great sales tools to help establish potential clients as well. First, who has time to clean? Offer detec- tor cleaning services and when onsite, evaluate your client’s detection devices. De- tectors with a large amount of dust and dirt built-up in their sensing chambers are one of the primary causes of most false alarms. If re- ally dirty, most fire alarm systems should already have sent a maintenance alert to the company or person monitoring the system. If not functioning properly or a system’s detec- tors are utilizing antiquated technology, now


W


ith a new year almost upon us, now is the perfect time to ap- proach your current accounts


is the time to suggest a detection upgrade. Most of today’s addressable detectors offer much more reliable drift-compensation than those detectors sold just five years ago. Going a step further, new multi-criteria de- tectors use four elements — photo, carbon monoxide, thermal and infrared — to sense smoke and fire and unequivocally verify a true emergency. Multi-criteria detectors can also be programmed for sensitivity (e.g., no more false alarms caused by burnt popcorn or burning incense). While these detectors are more expensive, they do cut back on false alarms, which can be costly in those provinces where heavy fines are issued. Per Underwriters Laboratories of Canada and its current Standard for Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems, CAN/ULC- S536, detection devices must be tested


Understanding Wireless E


thernet based wireless systems can be an ideal solution for bridging or ex- tending the reach of a wired IP video network. The Institute of Electrical and Elec- tronics Engineers (IEEE) released the 802.11 wireless LAN standard in 1997. This stan- dard, which has been amended over time, outlines the frequencies and data rates used: • 802.11 operated in the 2.4 GHz ISM band at data rates of 1 and 2 Mbps;


• 802.11b/g operate in the 2.4GHz ISM band at data rates of 11 and 54 Mbps, respectively;


• 802.11a operates in the 5 GHz UNII band at data rates up to 54 Mbps; and


• 802.11n operates in the 2.4 GHz and/or 5.8 GHz bands at data rates up to 300Mbps.


It is important to remember that data rates indicate the maximum possible trans- mission speed before any outside factors are calculated. For wireless transmission, these factors include interference from other wire- less products, distance and physical obstructions. Throughput is the true amount of data transmitted and is generally expected to be about half of the specified data rate.


30 SECURITY PRODUCTS CANADA| Winter 2011


Finally, wireless networks are inherently more vulnerable than hard-wired networks. A secure hard-wired network only permits access to those physically connected (direct connec- tion or VPN), but a wireless network is not. Although there are security and encryption protocols for wireless security, keep in mind that it is a broadcast network and far more open to an attack.


Jeffrey A. Stout is network solutions manager for Tri-Ed/Northern Video Distribution (www.tri-ed.com).


annually “to confirm that it is within its rated operating range.” Another area often over looked are the system’s batteries. These also need to be checked to ensure they are able to operate the system when needed and meet the requirements of the occupancy. Although a basic service offered by many installers, regular fire alarm detector testing and system maintenance can many times open the door to system upgrades or expan- sions or possibly a new account altogether.


Howard Diamond is a 20-year veteran of the fire alarm industry and national sales manager for Fire-Lite Alarms (www.firelite.com), a manufacturer of commer- cial fire alarm systems.


Remember, convergence isn’t restricted to traditional cards and readers. Integrated solutions can now move onto mobile de- vices, including NFC-enabled phones that use next-generation platforms. The trend to converged physical and logical access control solutions, on both traditional and mobile NFC-based plat- forms is driving attractive new opportunities for integrators, dealers and installers. These converged solutions sup- port a broader range of customers who increasingly are demanding multiple appli- cations and technologies in a single, more cost-effective and secure integrated access control solution.


Dave Adams is the senior product marketing manager for HID Global (www.hidglobal.com).


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