Access
 
 
 
 Frequently Asked Questions
 and Glossary

To help our customers better understand some of the features of Access Control Systems, we have prepared a short list of Frequently Asked Questions.

If you would like more detailed information, please continue down the page to the Glossary.

Please click on each FAQ / Glossary title to view the answer.

If you are unable to find the information you need or have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions
Please click on a question to view the answer
  • WHAT IS ACCESS CONTROL?
    • Access control systems regulate entry into or within premises, through controlling doors, barriers, turnstiles or gates via use of a keypad, key-fob, token or a swipe-card.
 
  • WHERE CAN ACCESS CONTROL BE USED?
    • Access control systems can be used anywhere there is a need to regulate access into or around premises. Specific areas of premises can be controlled, limiting who can enter certain parts at given times. Access can be gained with the use of a keyfob, a swipe-card, or a PIN code, meaning that a large number of keys do not have to be carried.
 
  • WHAT TYPES OF ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS ARE THERE?
    • The systems we install and maintain can be linked to a PC using access control management software, or stand alone systems with a control unit that holds the information. With a stand alone system, a series of enrolment and shadow cards are used to regulate the distribution of keyfobs. PC based systems can control larger numbers of doors, barriers, turnstiles and gates with capacity for up to 10,000 users.
 
  • HOW ARE THE ENTRANCES CONTROLLED?
    • A proximity reader, swipe-card reader or keypad is connected to a door controller which, if a PC based system is in operation, is then connected via data cable to a PC. The door controller retains all the information of users allowed access via that particular entrance. The door controller also controls the operation of the entrance. If connected to a door it will release the trigger of an electric lock or magnetic lock when access is granted. if connected to a gate, barrier or turnstile the controller will give a signal which will open the entrance.
 
  • WHAT HAPPENS IF A TOKEN IS LOST?
    • If a token or keyfob is lost or stolen on a stand alone system, it can be deleted from the system with the use of the shadow card that is supplied with each fob meaning access can no longer be gained with that token. If a token is lost or stolen on a PC based system, the token can either be deleted on the software or marked as lost. If marked as stolen it will register on the software when somebody attempts to use it.
 
  • WHAT IS A BIOMETRIC READER?
    • A biometric reader uses an individual's physiological trait, in this instance their fingerprint, to allow them access in to and around premises. The supervisor of the access control management system will 'enrol' users by getting them to scan their fingerprint on a biometric reader and then only users who have been registered on the system can gain access. As a fingerprint is unique to an individual, this ensures that a biometric system is extremely secure.
 
  • WHAT IS A 'HANDS-FREE' SYSTEM?
    • A hands-free access control system is very similar to a standard access control system but each door controller will be connected to a hands free interface meaning that tokens registered on the system can be read from a greater distance. This means anyone entering premises with their keyfob can leave it in their pocket, bag, or even car, not having to physically present it to the reader in order to gain access.
 
 
Glossary
Please click on a term
to view the explanation
  • Access Control
    • A security device which is used to authenticate access to an area.
 
  • Anti-Passback
    • Also known as Anti-Tailgating. A feature that will not allow any card/fob to re-enter unless it has been used to exit. To be able to use this function readers are required for both entry and exit. It prevents someone from using a card to enter a secure area and then passing that card back to someone else to enter that same area.
 
  • Battery Backup
    • A secondary energy source used to power devices in the event the primary energy source fail which typically provides power for a short period of time. This allows for immediate action, system protection, and system shutdown before the battery reaches a drained state.
 
  • Biometric Access Control
    • A physical trait that is unique, such as a fingerprint, hand geometry, voice analysis or iris pattern is used to identify authorised users and to grant or deny access accordingly.
 
 
  • Cardlock Compact Reader
    • Paxton Access single door access control system with all the electronics within the housing of the reader.
 
 
  • Cardlock Reader
    • Paxton Access metal reader with a satin chrome finish for use with Switch2 and Net2 systems.
 
  • Compact
    • A Paxton Access control system which does not require a PC and is ideal for internal, low security doors.
 
  • Easy Egress
    • A means of exiting where the person wishing to leave simply turns a handle to exit.
 
  • Easyprox Compact
    • A Paxton Access product which provides an all in one battery powered lock and access control system.
 
  • Egress
    • Passage through an opening in the exit direction.
 
  • Electric Strike
    • An electric door lock that requires power to be applied to unlock a door.
 
  • Energy Saving Reader
    • Allows anything electrical such as, lighting or air conditioning to be switched on or off using an authorised proximity card.
 
  • Event
    • An occurrence at a controller (such as unlocking a door, requesting to exit, forcing a door open) that generates a message stored by the controller.
 
  • Exit Switch
    • A switch that is used to initiate a Request to Exit.
 
 
 
  • Long Range Reader
    • Read range of up to 5 metres so that barriers open automatically with a valid handsfree token.
  
  • Net2
    • A Paxton Access PC based networked access control system which offers centralised administration and control of sites. Can operate one to hundreds of doors with up to 10,000 users.
 
  • Proximity
    • A common access card technology which uses radio frequency to communicate between a card or fob and a reader without physical contact.
 
  • Proximity Architectural Reader
    • Paxton Access reader designed to fit discreetly and stylishly into environments where aesthetics are important for use with Net2 and Switch2.
 
  • Proximity KP Series Keypad
    • Paxton Access keypad and proximity reader all in one allowing card plus PIN access control within a single readers for use with either Switch2 or Net2.
 
  • Proximity Marine Reader
    • Paxton Access reader produced in marine grade stainless steel making it perfect for demanding environment for use with Switch2 and Net2.
 
  • Proximity Metal Reader
    • Paxton Access reader contained in a cast metal housing with a satin chrome finish for use with Net2 and Switch2.
 
  • Proximity P Series Readers
    • Paxton Access readers are available in 4 sizes for use with Switch2 or Net2. A token is read by holding it within close proximity of the reader.
 
 
 
 
  • Reader
    • A device which obtains data from a card or fob and send this data to a controller for an access decision.
 
  • Stand Alone System
    • Where the entire system is contained in the reader so the one device identifies the user and makes the access decision.
 
  • Switch2
    • A Paxton Access high security access system that does not require a PC and comprises of a separate control unit and reader.
 
  • Time and Attendance
    • A function of access control systems for recording worker arrival and departure times for the purpose of payroll or other management functions.
 
  • Time Zones
    • 'Schedules' that allow cards to function or not function depending on the time of day. This is used to limit access to the facility. The schedule may include not only time but which days of the week a card is valid. Also allows for holidays etc.
 
 
 
 
  • Universal Proximity Reader
    • Paxton Access reader which is suitable to use with Net2 and most access control systems that accept a clock and data input as well as PAC controllers that use a single signal wire. Reads multiple technologies, HItag2, EM4100 and PAC.
 
  • Vandal Resistant Metal Keypad
    • Paxton Access keypad made using a cast metal housing and is supplied with a choice of a metal mounting plate or a metal surface mounting box for use with Switch2 or Net2.
 
 
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