Securing the Glass Entrance
Wireless reader plays significant role in company security
- By Wendy Bowman
- Jun 01, 2015
A dramatic entryway makes a brand’s first impression and sets the
tone for visiting customers and staff.
As a high-tech IT company that offers intelligent network security
solutions, Axis Communications desired a crisp, clean feeling,
achieved by installing a 30 foot glass entryway at their new Axis
Experience Center (AEC) in Chicago. This dramatic exterior front entrance also
required an equally impressive access control solution.
Adding access control to any glass door can be a challenge, especially when trying
to maintain an uncluttered appearance. Conventional technology requires running
wires through the building perimeter wall, trenching and burying wire, and
then running it into a pedestal. However, strict Chicago building codes require that
cable must be contained in conduit, which adds ex.pense and results in a messy and
chaotic look, especially in the case of a glass entrance. A custom pedestal drilled
into the exterior marble floor for a mounted card reader would have ruined the
clean look and added an astronomical cost which the building management company
wouldn’t approve. A more innovative solution was required.
Going Wireless
In addition to the aesthetic and cost challenges, Axis required a scalable system
that would ensure data security and could enroll its 1,600 global employees using
their existing HID iClass credentials. Working together on a solution, HID recommended
the Securitron R100, a small surface mounted wireless reader powered
by Aperio technology. The R100 supports HID credentials and can communicate
with an existing access control system through the Aperio wireless hub, allowing
a seamless integration.
The Aperio hub features an open architecture with simple Wiegand connection
that in this case allowed it to directly interface with the AXIS A1001 Network
Door Controller by Axis Communications without any modifications; and with
fully encrypted AES128 wireless communication between the R100 and Aperio
hub, Axis could be certain that its data was protected.
Installation was quick and easy. In less than a minute, the R100 was mounted
on the glass wall, ready to connect. The Aperio hub was wired into the access control
system and installed out of sight in the drop ceiling. By deploying PoE, AXIS
A1001, Axis reduced the need, and cost, for separate power and proprietary data
cables. In 30 minutes, the reader was up and running without a hitch.
Saving Time and Money
By eliminating the need for drilling through the perimeter wall, custom pedestals
and running wires to the door, Axis not only saved time and
money by choosing the Securitron R100, but also completed a
stunning entrance renovation and implemented a reliable access
control security solution.
This article originally appeared in the June 2015 issue of Security Today.
About the Author
Wendy Bowman is the director of marketing communications at Securitron/ASSA ABLOY.