Building Access Control - with RFID

Access card building security has been around since the early 1960’s, and the use of RFID instead of magstripes was introduced in the 1980’s with basic read-only Low Frequency (LF) RFID. Since then, RFID-enabled access cards, also called ‘smart cards’ and RFID keyfobs are the preferred way for most buildings like apartment complexes, single office buildings, multi-office buildings, hospitals, retirement communities, country clubs, and clubhouses to control the access to those areas. In addition to RFID access control in buildings becoming widespread, the singular use of LF RFID has expanded to High Frequency (HF) use as well.

Why is Access Control in Buildings Different Than Access Control with Vehicles?

Building access control requires much less read range than access control for parking lots, neighborhoods, parking decks, or any other secured vehicle entry point. Because of this, access control that involves vehicles can use UHF RFID in addition to HF and LF RFID. If UHF RFID is also considered for secured vehicle areas, additional tag form factors are available in the form of windshield and rearview mirror hang tags.

Can an Access Control System Provide More Than Overall Building Access Control?

Some companies not only need overall building access control, but also need certain areas, zones, or rooms secured as well. Typically, one RFID access control system can be used to create these different levels of security, depending on the software. RFID readers/antennas can be placed outside of each building entrance point, as well as the entrances to secure rooms. Within the software, each RFID hardware point can be uniquely set with access permissions that correspond with a specific individual’s RFID fobs or cards.

What is the Difference in LF & HF Tags for Building Access Control?

LF and HF RFID tags or keyfobs are both used frequently for building access control, but these two frequencies have a few small differences, listed below.

Learn More About RFID Access Control for Buildings with These Articles

• 4 Companies that Adopted RFID Access Control
• Access Control: Letting the Right People In & Keeping the Wrong People Out
• Why Access Control on a Jobsite is More Important Than You Think