Access Control is a security component that monitors electronically and controls traffic through doors (environment divisions), limiting persons access exclusively to pre defined areas. A functional access control delivers to the user more than security, records of who, when and where did the person had access, a key card control (creating and eliminating authorizations on line), door control and automation (closing time and duration programming), traffic monitoring, data base management, carnet/id implementation and linking with other alarm and CCTV systems.

Basic components of an access control are: Controllers, Host computer, ID’s and Locks. The controller is a panel (micro computer) specialized on device management and monitoring. It’s components are CPU, collector (BUS = cable), PROM (reading programming memory), RAM (memory), energy terminals and supply. Host computer is connected to all devices through cable or RF, managing all the data base and making the system work. identification is currently dominated by credentials, which also allow to have additional person’s information like a small disc unit. Finally, locks are the mechanism that controls doors opening and goes from magnetic locks through biometric readers.

Access controls as tightly linked to fire protection normative and it’s configuration must be aligned to current security normative, since life protection must be above any other interest in case of an emergency. There exist several formats of access: Doors with a single access reader, doors with two access readers and no pass back, doors with magnetic lock and exit device, doors with delayed opening, elevator controls, turnstiles, etc. Although it is critical to make a precise evaluation, taking into account nature and site usage, type and value of the assets to protect, typical traffic, interior and exterior vulnerability, as well as the relation that the system will have with the users, before taking a definitive decision in regards the system to be selected. In general, access control systems may be distributed (controllers with the capacity to work alone), not distributed (controllers dependent of a host computer) o independent (controller working stand alone “out of network”).
 
 
 
 

    
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