To protect your business from theft, intrusion, and violent crimes, it is essential to install a traditional or IP access control system. Access control works 24/7 to block access to intruders and ensure only authorized employees and visitors can access your site. With security technology becoming more advanced every day, IP (Internet Protocol) access control has become an increasingly popular option for businesses. But is IP door access control the best option for protecting your space?
Keep reading to find out how IP access control stacks up with more traditional access control systems, and to learn which one is right for you. And for more information about access control, check out our ultimate guide to access control installation here.
IP Door Access Control Systems: What Are They?
IP door access control differs from non-IP access control in a few ways:
- Unlike traditional systems, IP access control connects directly to your LAN or WAN, meaning it can accurately keep track of all input and output data and record everyone who enters and exits your business.
- An IP access controller can support multiple access cards and readers, which generally use Ethernet to transmit data about building entry. IP access control systems have an on-board network interface, whereas traditional access control systems usually need a terminal server to function.
- Traditional access control is generally not compatible with mobile security management, but with IP access control, it is possible to set up the system to view and manage all building entry events and permissions on a secure web browser.
Top IP access control brands for businesses include Brivo, HID, Kisi, Salto, and others.
IP Access Control Benefits
Is IP door access control the right choice for your commercial building? Here are a few reasons why an IP system might be for you:
Easy Installation
IP-based access controllers use your existing network infrastructure, eliminating the need to install new communication lines. IP systems modernize access control by using technology to create a self-sufficient and minimally invasive system, without time-consuming and expensive cabling. IP access control is compatible with a range of network equipment, including PoE, wireless, fiber cables, dual path, VPN, and more, giving you greater flexibility in how you install your system.
Support Multiple Controllers
IP access systems can support multiple controllers from one platform, meaning no business is too big to use IP access systems. Managing multiple controllers from one platform adds efficiency and helps you save time and money on system installation. The ability to add controllers also gives you more flexibility to grow your business, as more equipment can easily be added to any location when necessary.
Unify All Business Locations
IP door access control systems communicate using a simple internet connection, meaning any systems that are connected to a network will be visible to you from a web browser, mobile app, or program. This is good news for businesses with multiple locations, as operators can keep track of the security of every facility from one streamlined platform. This unifies your entire access control system, simplifying the process of securing facilities over long distances without needing to run cables from a central location.
Fast and Reliable
IP systems are generally more speedy and reliable than their traditional counterparts. IP systems are ideal for handling and transferring a lot of data at once, since IP controllers can send and receive information at the full speed of your network. If you need a business entry database with hundreds or thousands of users, an IP system is right for you.
More Personalization
IP door access systems can be combined with access control management software to give you more flexibility, convenience, and control over your system. With access control software, business operators and security staff can view access logs, manage permissions, and access a range of other features using a smartphone or computer. IP systems come with many options for personalizing your commercial security. For example, the software can compile a complete database of authorized and flagged visitors. Then the system can instantly “decide” whether to let in an individual trying to gain access, based on your preferences in the database.
IP Access Control Drawbacks
IP access control has a range of benefits, but it can also have drawbacks for certain applications:
Requires a Network
If your area does not have an internet network, it will be difficult or impossible to install an IP system there. Furthermore, the reliability of your IP system depends on your network: If the network experiences heavy traffic or equipment failures, it could affect the functioning your access control system.
Past Systems Have Been Hacked
Some people express concerns about hackers gaining access to their IP security systems. Though this has been a problem with older IP systems, most modern IP access control is equipped with operating systems or platforms such as Linux, which secure them against hackers. Data encryption also protects IP systems.
Types Of IP Access Control
A few types of modern IP access control systems include:
Biometric IP Access Control
Biometric access control readers include fingerprint scanners (the most common type), eye scanners, facial recognition readers, and hand readers. Biometric access control is useful in a wide range of commercial applications, from office buildings to maximum-security and government facilities. Biometric readers provide a non-invasive, quick, and foolproof way to identify everyone that enters and exits your business. As well as eliminating crimes such as identity theft, biometric access control gets rid of the inconvenience of lost and stolen keycards.
Proximity and Smart Card IP Access Control
Proximity or “prox” card systems include access credentials that are sensed by the card reader whenever they come near, without the visitor needing to take out the card and hold it up to the scanner. This provides quick and efficient entry, which is ideal for businesses with high traffic flow, or applications where employees need to gain quick entry to areas. Prox cards offer high convenience and compatibility with IP access controllers. Smart cards are similar to prox cards, with a range of added features for visitor identification and data storage.
Mobile IP Access Control
Some cutting-edge IP door access control systems offer mobile access, meaning employees and visitors can simply hold their mobile phone up to the reader, with their credentials open in an app, to unlock the door. Mobile access control is a modern and feature-rich way to provide quick access to your building, while minimizing the risk of people losing and forgetting their keys. Many systems let you conveniently distribute temporary mobile passes to specific visitors, granting them access to your business for a certain period of time.
Want to learn more about whether an IP door access control system is right for you? Give Safe and Sound Security a call — we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to protect your business.
