Learn Access Control Industry Terms

1. Cellular Access Control System

   
   

   This refers to a type of access control system that allows you to screen visitors from wherever you are located, as long as you have a cell signal from a phone or tablet.






2. SecuraKey

   
   

   A company that specializes in manufacturing multi-door access control systems. We carry SecuraKey card access readers, cards, key tags, and more.






3. HID

   
   

   HID refers to a type of access control card manufactured by HID Global. These access control cards utilize RFID technology.






4. RFID

   
   

   This stands for Radio Frequency Identification. It is a technology that uses radio waves to identify and track objects. RFID tags contain an integrated circuit and an antenna that can be attached to an object.






5. Frequency

   
   

   Frequency in the context of access control systems, refers to radio frequency. Radio frequency refers to electromagnetic radio waves in the range of 3 kHz to 300 GHz. It is mainly used for communications transmission.






6. Keypad

   
   

   A keypad is a pad of buttons usually arranged of digits or alphabetical letters that allow user input to a gate or door circuit board.






7. Card Reader

   
   

   This refers to a device that reads magnetic strip cards or smart cards that utilize RFID or NFC.






8. Surface Mount

   
   

   Surface mount refers to how an object like a card reader or keypad is mounted. It is attached to a flat surface above ground and usually at torso level.






9. Pedestal

   
   

   A pedestal is the support or base in which to attach access control devices to. Pedestals can be mounted in the ground with cement or bolted to a pre-installed slab of concrete.






10. Transceiver

    
    

    A transceiver is a device that can both transmit and receive signals. It is used to communicate using radio signals.






11. Receiver

    
    

    A receiver is a device that can only receive signals. Unlike a transceiver that can send and receive signals.






12. Transmitter

    
    

    A transmitter is a device that can only send signals. This is the opposite of a receiver.






13. Battery Backup

    
    

    This refers to a backup power system that utilizes a battery. If the power goes out, the access control system can still be used for a short while.






14. Fire Access Box

    
    

    A fire access control box is a device that is used to control access to a building in the event of a fire. These are located near the entrance and will allow emergency responders access to the building during an emergency.






15. Control Board

    
    

    A control board refers to a circuit board that is used to control an access control system.






16. SIM Card

    
    

    A SIM card is a small card used to identify an electronic device within a cellular network. These are commonly used in cell phones but can also be used in home cellular access control systems.






17. Access Control

    
    

    This is a broad term used to describe a security technique that is a way to control who has access to a facility, such as a home or business.






18. Solar Panel

    
    

    This is a device that is used to convert sunlight into electricity. It can be used to provide power to access control devices.






19. Proximity Cards

    
    

    A proximity card is a type of smart card that contains an antenna that allows it to communicate with access control devices.






20. Bluetooth

    
    

    Bluetooth is a wireless technology that is used to connect devices over short distances.






21. 4G LTE

    
    

    4G LTE is a wireless communication standard that is used to provide high-speed data services to mobile devices. 4G refers to the fourth generation of this advancing wireless technology.