Kantech

Card Reader Technologies

Which reader technology? What is the best choice? How does it work? The most common technologies for card access control are now Magnetic Stripe and Proximity.

Magnetic Stripe

Wiegand

Still the most widely used technology worldwide for access control applications. Most people are familiar with the technology because of its wide spread use by bank and credit card operations. The data on the card usually resides on track 2 (sometimes referred to as ABA-2 or ISO-2). The typical magnetic stripe accommodates 3 tracks. In banking and security applications, the standard is track 2. The card must be swiped or inserted in the reader so that the read head can pick up the card’s encoded data. This contact operation does create wear on both the card and the read head. However, with new high density magnetic stripes, loss of data due to reasons other than physical damage is now uncommon.

Originally created to provide permanently encoded card when magnetic stripe cards were so sensitive to magnetic fields. The Wiegand effect card it composed of a stream of bits of “Wiegand effect” wire inside the card. As the card is swiped through an electromagnetic field inside the reader, the bits of wire create a data stream that will be used to identify the user. Wiegand was probably the most common technology in high security application before the advent of lower cost proximity technology. Still an average population of existing sites to service, but few new installations. The market for this technology has been squeezed, on one hand, by the increase of performance of lower cost magnetic stripe technology and, on the other hand, by major cost reductions of proximity technology.

This technology provides a medium level of security because it is possible, with the right equipment and proper knowledge, to duplicate cards. But, lower costs for both readers and cards makes it an attractive choice for many users. Recommended use: low to medium security level installations: applications with a great number of cards such as club member entrances and parking; applications with high turnover, card loss or expiration of memberships; applications where the users wishes to use existing magnetic cards (such as time and attendance cards) for access control. Kantech’s EntraPassTM Drive Builder features allow the creation of drivers to make the Polaris reader compatible with just about any magnetic stripe cards encoded on track 2. the cards are economical and have an average life of 18 - 30 months. The Polaris cards can typically be swiped 25,000 times before physical damage. The reader head does require some maintenance because of wear. The Polaris magnetic readers allow over 1 million swipes before maintenance is required. However, magnetic stripe is not the best choice for harsh environments.

Bar Code Bar code technology is very common in non-security applications but it seldom is the technology of choice for security and access control. The card is usually swiped so that the cell inside the reader can read the bar code through a lens. Visible bar code technology has obvious security drawbacks: duplication of cards with photocopier or even faxing cards, etc. Although it is possible to mask the bar code with a filter making it difficult to duplicate, most buyers prefer other, more secure technologies. The cards have an average life of 18 to 30 months. The readers require some cleaning of the lens on average of once a year or more if installed in dusty environments such as car parks.

Card Reader Technologies Proximity

Reader, Keypad or both on an access door? The selection of reader and keypad combination affects the level of security at an entry point.

Kantech

The fastest growing technology for card access control applications. The proximity technology reader constantly transmits a low level fixed RF signal that provides energy to the card. When the card is held at a certain distance from the reader. The RF signal is absorbed by a small coil inside the card and powers the card’s micro-chip which contains a unique identification code. Once powered, the card transmits the code to the reader. The whole process is completed in microseconds. The advantages of proximity over other technologies are numerous; no moving parts, no mechanical wear, no slots, no read heads to maintain. The reader can be concealed inside walls or special enclosures and, even when the reader is surface mounted, it has no openings to jam or tamper. The card is the most secure and practically impossible to duplicate. Cards can usually be read through a purse or wallet and through most other non-metallic materials. Card and card reader orientation is not critical and keys or coins held in contact with the card will not alter its code or prevent accurate readings. Also, since proximity cards are less prone to physical damage or loss, there are great savings in reduced card replacement costs. Reading ranges depend primarily on the reader. The larger the reading range, the larger the reader’s concealed antenna and hence, the size of the reader. A reader’s read range is always specified using standard costs. If the card’s coil is smaller, as in thin photo ID card, keyfob or keytag type cards, the read range will be reduced by up to 40%. There is a great variety of proximity readers designed for different environments including vandal-resistant mullion mount, smaller decor style and integrated keypad/reader units. As the costs for Proximity technology goes down, expect even more users to select Proximity for all around maintenance free endurance.

Reader-Keypad Combination Adding a keypad to a reader significantly increases the level of security. The user now requires a card plus a keypad PIN (Personal Identification Number). Optionally, this requirement can be scheduled for use only outside business hours rather than during high traffic hours.

ioProxTM Proximity Card Readers With 4 ioProxTM readers to choose from, you will find one that is the solution for your application! their attractive, compact and weatherised design makes them suitable for installation in various indoor and outdoor environments. The ioProxTM reader electronics are weather resistant, encapsulated in epoxy potting. All readers have an integrated piezo buzzer and bi-colour LED indicating system/reader status. Optional tamper switch and command button modules are available. ioProxTM cards are dual-encoded, which means that they contain both XSF and 26-bit Wiegand formats. The same cards can therefore be used with both series of ioProxTM readers.

Keypad Only Generally, a keypad only installation is considered less secure than a reader only installation. The reasoning is that users may illegitimately “Lend” their codes to another person but cannot prevent further use (in comparison to getting a card back) unless the code is changed. Also, a user’s code can sometimes easily be be visualised and duplicated without any special equipment.

Reader Only A reader only installation is the most common application but can be susceptible to illegal entry by a person that has found a card outside the protected site such as in the parking lot or in public transport. Usually the readers outside of the building are more exposed.

Tamper Switch A tamper switch module is easily integrated to the P225, P325 product range.

Biometrics Biometric technologies include fingerprint, hand geometry, voice recognition, retinal scan and any other method of identification based on unique personal characteristics. Biometric solutions consort of a reader that compares a user-selected template against the measured features of the actual person. Templates may be called up in a system manually by entering a PIN number or automatically by using bar code, magnet stripe, smart card or proximity identification technologies.

ioProxTM Proximity Readers ioProxTM Proximity Readers Features

Kantech

• XSF or Wiegand 26-bit format • Up to 300 m unshielded cable • Up to 73 cm read range (P600) • Quick Connect Terminal Block (P225 & P325 series) • Digital Signal Processing for enhanced security • Indoor / outdoor use • Integrated piezo & bi-colour LED • Integrated Tamper Switch on P600 (optional on other models)

Easy installation The use of snap-and-lock terminal blocks (P225 and P325 series) allows for easy wiring and saves you time and money. Wall-mounting is a snap, thanks to the removable cover. Voltage Requirements Depending on the model selected, power requirements range from 5 to 14 VDC (P225 and P325 series) or 12 to 28 VDC (P600), for compatibility with virtually any controller on the market. This allows a system to be upgraded simply by changing readers and cards, without rewiring. Integrated 12-Button Keypad Integrated keypad models are ADA-compliant and based on the 8-bit burst industry standard. Convenient features such as arming/disarming and alarm triggering are pre-programmed for use with the Kantech software.

Read Range Depending on the model selected and the environmental conditions, read range varies from 6.5 in. (P225 series) to 29 in. (P600). With its extended range, the P600 Long Range Reader is ideal for parking lots and access applications where special consideration is needed to facilitate access. Unshielded Cable The ioProxTM readers can be installed using unshielded cable to a distance of up to 1000 ft. (300 m) from the controller. Using this type of cable significantly reduces installation costs. XSF Security XSF (eXtended Secure Format) readers are compatible only with Kantech software, with access to over 4 billion unique codes. Kantech’s XSF cards provide increased security and absolute guarantee against card duplication.

Technical Specifications ioProxTM Reader P225 / P225KP Mullion

P325 / P325KP Single Gang

P600 Long Range

Typical read range

up to 16.5 cm

up to 20.5 cm

up to 73 cm

Input voltage

4.5 to 14VDC

4.5 to 14VDC

12 to 28VDC

Current DC maximum

45 mA

45 mA

1A

Dimensions (HWD) mm

114.3 x 44.5 x 21.3

115.6 x 71.1 x 21.3

285 x 285 x 31.5

Weight

90 g

150 g

1085 g

Colour

Black

Black

Black

Transmit frequency

125 kHz

125 kHz

125 kHz

LED indicator

Bicolor (Red, Green)

Bicolor (Red, Green)

Bicolor (Red,Green)

Piezo buzzer

Integrated

Integrated

Integrated

Operating temperature

-35°C to 65°C

-35o C to 65o C

-35o C to 65oC

Format

26-bit Wiegand or XSF

26-bit Wiegand or XSF

26-bit Wiegand

• Reader power 5VDC

450 ft. (137 m)

500 ft. (150 m)

—

• Reader power 12VDC

1000 ft. (300 m)

1000 ft. (300 m)

500 ft. (150 m)

• Reader power 28VDC

—

—

1000 ft. (300)

Maximum distance from controller:

Cable type: 3 twisted pairs, UNSHIELDED

#22 AWG Belden ref #8742

#22 AWG Belden ref #8742

Certification

FCC, CE & UL

FCC, CE & UL

See P600 manual FCC, CE & UL

Tamper switch

Optional P-TAMP

Optional P-TAMP

Integrated

High Endurance Braille Keypad

P225KP only

P325KP only

N/A

ioProxTM Proximity Readers Product Codes ioProxTM Reader MULLION XSF Format , Typical read range up to 16.5 cm, Dimensions: 114.3 x 44.5 x 21.3mm

P225W26

ioProxTM Reader MULLION Wiegand 26 Format , Typical read range up to 16.5 cm, Dimensions: 114.3 x 44.5 x 21.3mm

P225KPXSF

ioProxTM MULL Reader with Keypad , XSF Format, Typical read range up to 16.5 cm, Dimensions: 114.3 x 44.5 x 21.3mm

P225KPW26

ioProxTM MULL Reader with Keypad, Wiegand 26 Format, Typical read range up to 16.5 cm, Dimensions: 114.3 x 44.5 x 21.3mm

P325XSF

ioProxTM Reader XSF FORMA , Typical read range up to 20.5 cm, Dimensions 115.6 x 71.1 x 21.3mm

P325W26

ioProxTM Reader Wiegand 26 Format , Typical read range up to 20.5 cm, Dimensions 115.6 x 71.1 x 21.3mm

P325KPXSF

ioProxTM S/GANG Reader with Keypad, XSF Format, Typical read range up to 20.5 cm, Dimensions 115.6 x 71.1 x 21.3mm

P325KPW26

ioProxTM S/GANG Reader with Keypad, Wiegand 26 Format, Typical read range up to 20.5 cm, Dimensions 115.6 x 71.1 x 21.3mm

P600

P600 ioProxTM proximity long range reader, unshielded cable, Extended Secure Format and Weigand 26 bit selectable (Black). P600 Compatible proximity cards: P10SHL (Standard card), P20DYE (Dye-Sub card), P30DMG (Dye-Sub card with non encoded mag-stripe) and P40KEY(Keytag).

P-TAMP

Tamper switch for P225 P325 readers.

ES-KTP/103SN

Keypad for internal or external use. Provides 26 bit Wiegand output.

Kantech

P225XSF

ioProxTM Cards Features

Kantech

•Dual Encoded Cards - Kantech eXtended Secure Format (XSF) - 26-bit Wiegand format (W26) • Read range up to 73 cm (29in) using P600 Long Range reader • Long-life passive card for unlimited number of reads • 5 models to meet the requirements of any application

ioProxTM Proximity cards ensure increased security with dual XSF and W26 encoded formats, whilst providing customers with the flexibility to choose from multiple card designs.

What about Site Codes? Site codes or families were originally created to provide for the production of a larger number of “26 bits” cards by duplicating cards rather than increasing the available number of user codes. The cards were ordered for a specific site and the manufacturers, in the beginning, were keeping track of what had been shipped where. When a new site was installed, the site was provided with a site code that had never shipped to that immediate geographic area, thus, maintaining the level of security of the card. Also, the fact that all the cards on a specific site had the same site code, the control equipment did not have to store the site code in each of the user’s code, thus reducing memory requirements on the hardware. As the market for access control exploded, it became almost impossible to maintain such a strategy.

Although there are still some manufacturers working this way (the change represents considerable modifications to both hardware and software), the trend is to provide cards with a greater number of bits and making obsolete the notion of site codes. This new method also means faster delivery of cards, even for add-ons to existing sites, right out of the manufacturer’s or distributor’s regular stock. As long as the card number is unique, such as the serial number on currency bills, the security is maintained. Manufacturers should all be requested to provide a written statement certifying that their cards are unique and will never be duplicated.

ioProxTM Cards P10SHL

ioProxTM Standard Shell Card

ioProxTM Standard shell tag/card for use with ioPassTM and Kantech EntraPassTM, ioProxTM readers. Part No .....................................................P10SHL Typical read range P100XSF Mini .......................................up to 10cm (4”) P200XSF Mullion ..................................up to 12.5cm (5”) P300XSF Single Gang..........................up to 14 cm (5.5”) P400XSF Double Gang ........................up to 15 cm (6”) Dimensions (H x W x D) cm. ...................8.6 x 5.40 x 0.18 Dimensions (H x W x D)in .......................3.375 x 2.125 x 0.070 Card Construction ...................................P10SHL proximity cards are slot punched and are compatible with most adhesive photo pouches Operating temperatures ..........................-45°C to 70°C (-50°F to 160°F) Colour ......................................................White Weight ......................................................6.8g (0.24oz) Certifications ............................................UL, CE,FCC

P20DYE

ioProxTM Dye-Sub Card

ioProxTM Dye sublimination card (suitable for direct card printing) for use with with ioPassTM and Kantech EntraPassTM,ioProxTM readers.. The card is dual format - XSF & the industry standard 26 bit Wiegand. Part No .....................................................P20DYE Typical read range P100XSF Mini........................................up to 7.5cm (3”) P200XSF Mullion...................................up to 9cm (3.5”) P300XSF Single Gang ..........................up to 10 cm (4”) P400XSF Double Gang ........................up to 11.5 cm (4.5”) Dimensions (H x W x D) cm ....................8.6 x 5.4 x 0.079 Dimensions (H x W x D)in........................3.375 x 2.125 x 0.031 Card Construction....................................P2DYE Cards are thin, flexible polyvinyl chloride laminates Operating temperatures...........................-45°C to 70°C (-50°F to 160°F) Colour.......................................................Glossy white on both sides Weight ......................................................6.8g (0.24oz) Certifications.............................................UL, CE,FCC

ioProxTM Cards P30DMG ioProxTM Dye-Sub Card (with unencoded mag stripe)

P50TAG

ioProxTM Keytag

ioProxTM proximity keytag for use with ioPassTM Kantech EntraPassTM ioProxTM readers. The keytag is dual format - XSF & the industry standard 26 bit Wiegand. Part No......................................................P40KEY Typical read range P100XSF Mini........................................up to 3.8cm (1.5”) P200XSF Mullion...................................up to 3.8cm (1.5”) P300XSF Single Gang...........................up to 4.0 cm (1.6”) P400XSF Double Gang.........................up to 4.5 cm (1.8”) Dimensions (H x W x D) cm.....................5.0 x 2.0 x 0.5cm Dimensions (H x W x D)in........................1.96 x 0.79 x 0.19 Keytag Construction.................................P40Key package is strong and resistant to cracking and breaking Operating temperatures............................-45°C to 70°C (-50°F to 160°F) Colour........................................................Black Weight.......................................................5g (0.18oz) Certifications.............................................UL, CE,FCC

Adhere the tag to any non metallic devices to provide access control capability to users. Ideal to upgrade from Wiegand, magnetic stripe or ferrite technologies Part No.....................................................P50TAG Typical read range P100XSF/W26 .....................................up to 4.58 cm P200XSF/W26 .....................................up to 4.59 cm P300XSF/W26 .....................................up to 5 cm P400XSF/W26 .....................................up to 5.78 cm P555KPXSF/W26 ................................up to 5 cm P600 ....................................................up to 27 cm Tag dimensions cm ................................2.5 cm diameter Tag construction .....................................PVC, back with self adhesive Colour .....................................................White Operating temperature ...........................-45C to 70C Weight ....................................................1 g Certifications............................................UL, CE,FCC

Security: The readers recognise over 4 billion unique codes. Using Kantech’s XSF cards (eXtended Secure Format) provides increased security and absolute guarantee against card duplication.

Kantech

P40KEY

ioProxTM Dye sublimination card (suitable for direct card printing) for use with with ioPassTM and Kantech EntraPassTM ioProxTM readers.. The card is dual format - XSF & the industry standard 26 bit Wiegand. Part No .....................................................P30DMG Typical read range P100XSF Mini........................................up to 7.5cm (3”) P200XSF Mullion...................................up to 9cm (3.5”) P300XSF Single Gang ..........................up to 10 cm (4”) P400XSF Double Gang ........................up to 11.5 cm (4.5”) Dimensions (H x W x D) cm ....................8.6 x 5.4 x 0.079 Dimensions (H x W x D)in........................3.375 x 2.125 x 0.031 Magnetic stripe..........................................Unencoded Card Construction....................................P2DYE Cards are thin, flexible polyvinyl chloride laminates Operating temperatures...........................-45°C to 70°C (-50°F to 160°F) Colour.......................................................Glossy white on both sides Weight ......................................................6.8g (0.24oz) Certifications.............................................UL, CE,FCC

Bioscrypt Biometric Reader

Features • • • • •

Wide Range of Solutions Stand alone or networkable Biometric only or with card technology Biometric can be standard or smartcard Duress Figure Option

Bioscrypt’s V-Flex, V-Prox and V-Pass fingerprint readers provide unrivaled facility security and positive identity verification without compromising user convenience. Ideal for retrofits, the V-Flex adds a biometric layer of security to an existing external Wiegand reader or keypad. The V-Prox offers a dual-factor solution that combines a self-contained fingerprint module and an HID proximity reader in one modern package. The V-Pass is an easy one-touch fingerprint identification reader for up to 200 users.

Technical Information V-Pass FX

V-Prox

Algorithm type

Identification (1:N)

Verification (1:1)

Verification(1:1)

Enrollment time

< 3 seconds

< 3 seconds

< 3 seconds

Identification/Verification time

< 2 seconds

< 1 seconds