What is Fob Access System
Keeping sites, people and operations secure is and always will be a top priority for all modern businesses. With more and more options for modern, sophisticated methods of security on offer, it is key to understand your technology of choice before you integrate it into your access system. One of the most simple yet effective methods on the market, key fobs are an excellent choice for any business looking to uplift the general standards of security in the workplace. In this simple guide, you’ll come to understand how access control works, the key elements, popular applications and some of the most significant benefits of key fob access systems.
What Is a Key Fob Access System?
Originating in the 1980s, key fobs have been a popular option for access control means ever since they were first created. Nowadays, key fobs are a highly efficient and secure choice for access control, using different technologies such as passive radio frequency (RFID), Bluetooth or Near Field Communication. These are becoming so popular that the traditional lock and key is actually beginning to be phased out of typical security systems – and keyless entry, tap or fob technology is encountered more and more in our day-to-day lives.
This movement away from classic lock and keys is a natural bi product of technological advancements – with key fobs offering more sophisticated security and better benefits for businesses and individuals alike. Whether making a quick purchase, catching public transport, opening a car or getting in your office building, you probably come into contact with this technology far more than you might think.
In short, key fob systems enable a small plastic key to communicate with a correlating receiver to unlock and give access to the building, area, service or object.
How Do Key Fobs Work?
The way in which key fobs operate is fairly straightforward – utilising short range communication between a key and a receiver to unlock areas, doors, vehicles and more.
Key fobs use RFID technology, which is a type of radio frequency. This system transfers data using electromagnetic fields and communicates this data to the reader from the fob via radio waves. Unlocking a door or opening an object using a key fob is as easy as holding a fob up in front of a reader – which will spark the electromagnetic field to life. The receiver will read the microchip embedded into the key fob and enable or deny access. You may also find custom access systems that limit the amount of people who can access different areas – or cap areas in a building for certain personnel.
The technology behind key fobs come in different frequencies:
Low-Frequency RFID: 125-134kHz, reads up to 10 cm in range, ideal for door access and compact working environments.
High-Frequency RFID: 13.56MHz, reads up to 1 m in range, ideal for larger environments with higher security standards.
Ultra-High-Frequency RFID: 860-960MHz, reads up to 12 m in range, ideal for vehicle access and car parks.
Your choice of frequency will vary depending on your needs, user convenience and environment. Shorter read ranges offer higher and tighter security standards however they require closer proximity, while longer rangers are great for ease of access but can be more vulnerable to interception.
Components of a Key Fob System
The key components of a fob system include:
- A tag, which contains an antenna and a microchip that carry a unique identifier
- A reader, which emits radio waves and receives signals from the tag
- The database, which stores information and permissions associated with each reader and tag
Benefits of Key Fob Access Control
- With unique access control, companies can limit who can access different areas in a company by only granting permissions to certain areas to specific people, teams or visitors for increased security standards.
- With no presence of codes or passwords, as well as barcodes or other information, there is very little chance that a key can be duplicated.
- You can also enhance your key fob system with time access settings, limiting permissions outside of business hours, over the weekends or at any other crucial points of operations.
- You can grant visitors temporary access to a range of areas, including clients or external stakeholders, for an efficient and impressive means of hosting key personnel.
If you would like to enjoy all the amazing benefits of key fob access systems – explore the curation of key fobs, accessories, readers and more with the leading providers of security solutions and products at Identity People. Our friendly team can provide you with custom advice to deliver the most beneficial solution for your unique business needs. Explore our range of key fobs online in Australia today.
