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Basic Components of a General Access Control System
 
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The definition of access control is a way of limiting access to a system or to physical or virtual resources. There are four main elements that make up an access control system, which are credentials, readers, locking devices and controllers/panels.
Credentials
Credentials are defined as a physical or tangible object, a piece of knowledge or a facet of a person’s physical being, that enables an individual access into a physical facility or a PC-based information system.
Some examples of credentials include card, token, PIN code, fingerprint, face and more.
Credentials must be presented by the user before they can be granted access to a secured area.
 
Comparison of Verification Credentials (Physical objects and Biometrics)
Readers
A reader is an electronic component of a physical access control system.
The device is used to “read” the access credentials in order to verify a user’s access to a secured area.
There are two types of readers for access control systems:
 
Biometrics = E.g. using your fingerprint or your face to verify your access.
Card = E.g. waving an RFID card to a reader without having to touch the reader.
Locking Devices
There are several types of locking devices used in a card-based access control system:
 
Electromagnetic (EM) Lock
Uses the magnetic force generated from the electromagnet to secure the doors.
Has a built-in safety feature, which will disable the lock during emergencies.
Electric Drop-bolt System
Consists of a locking system which can be installed either on the floor or on the top of the door frame.
Designed to retract during a power failure or when the emergency break-glass switch is activated.
 
Electric Door Strike System
Replaces the locking plate on the existing door locking system.
Functions as an ordinary door locking plate to secure the door lock when electricity is applied to the door strike system.
Disengages itself to enable the door to be pushed open when there is a power failure or when the emergency break-glass switch is activated.
 
Rim Lock
A locking device that attaches to the surface of a door.
Easy to install and provides both primary and backup security on any door without much restrictions.
Can match any door design as it can be installed in any desired height and location.
Controllers/Panels
Controllers and panels are used to process access control activities for all doors connected to it.
They are normally installed near each door where access control is to be provided.
It is there where all connection to the door devices terminates.
Some of these panels are integrated with readers.