Page 24 - Security Today, March/April 2023

plete solution for locations that are too difficult, remote, or costly to install wired systems. Using standard IEEE 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi connectivity and leveraging existing IT infrastructure, this option is budget-friendly, reduces implementation time, and eliminates the need for proprietary equipment.
As mentioned earlier, Wi-Fi access control solutions have be- come a popular choice for residence halls at many universities and colleges today. Lower cost and efficient installation make the technology especially practical for securing the doors of the hun- dreds of suites or rooms typically found in such campus build- ings. Multi-family housing, senior and assisted-living communi- ties have similar characteristics and door security needs where the rationale for Wi-Fi access control makes logical sense.
The schematic below illustrates how simple it is to implement IP-enabled Wi-Fi access control solutions by using existing wire- less access points:
The other option is real-time wireless, which uses local wire- less communication between the lock and a communications hub to connect to an EAC system. Available across a broad range of locking hardware, this wireless solution reduces the cost and in- convenience of traditional access control while supporting com- mand and control to the opening for remote unlock and lock- down commands. These devices can be added to classrooms, glass entries, storage/file cabinets, desk drawers, restricted access areas,
server cabinets, and telecom closets, as well as traditional doors.
TYPICAL REAL-TIME WIRELESS SIGNAL FLOW
Determining which wireless solution provides the best fit depend on the specific needs of the opening. For example, if a facility wants to be able to execute a lockdown to all the EAC doors in their building, real-time wireless would be the right choice. Doors that always remain locked when closed, like those in residence halls, Wi-Fi could be the logical way to go.
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
With the proven record of accomplishment of both intelligent Wi- Fi and real-time wireless access control, perhaps it is time to revisit these solutions if you have not incorporated them into your de- signs already. With 10s of thousands of wireless locks installed an- nually, and with some sites installing them by the thousands, plus the variety of form factors available for unique applications, you can provide additional value to your customers
by solving their ever-growing security and access control needs.
Lester LaPierre is the director of business development, Electronic Access Control, ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions Americas.
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MARCH/APRIL 2023 | SECURITY TODAY 2/24/23 2:28 PM
LOCKS AND HARDWARE