Securing the Glass Entrance - Wireless reader plays significant role in company security

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.

Featured

  • Evolving Cybersecurity Strategies: Uniting Human Risk Management and Security Awareness Training

    Organizations are increasingly turning their attention to human-focused security approaches, as two out of three (68%) cybersecurity incidents involve people. Threat actors are shifting from targeting networks and systems to hacking humans via social engineering methods, living off human errors as their most prevalent attack vector. Whether manipulated or not, human cyber behavior is leveraged to gain backdoor access into systems. This mainly results from a lack of employee training and awareness about evolving attack techniques employed by malign actors. Read Now

  • Report: 1 in 3 Easily Exploitable Vulnerabilities Found on Cloud Assets

    CyCognito recently released new research highlighting critical security vulnerabilities across cloud-hosted assets, revealing that one in three easily exploitable vulnerabilities or misconfigurations are found on cloud assets. As organizations increasingly shift to multi-cloud strategies, the findings underscore significant security gaps that could provide attackers with potential footholds into networks. Read Now

  • Built for Today, Ready for Tomorrow

    Selecting the right VMS is critical for any organization that depends on video surveillance to ensure safety, security and operational efficiency. While many organizations focus on immediate needs such as budget and deployment size, let us review some of the long-term considerations that can significantly impact a VMS's utility and flexibility. Read Now

  • Paving the Way to Smart Buildings

    In today's rapidly evolving security landscape, the convergence of on-prem, edge and cloud technologies are critical. The physical security landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the rapid digitalization of buildings and the evolving needs of modern organizations. As the buildings sector pivots towards smart, AI and data-driven operations, the integration of both edge and cloud technology has become crucial. Read Now

  • The Cybersecurity Time Bomb

    If you work in physical security, you have probably seen it: a camera, access control system, or intrusion detection device installed years ago, humming along without a single update. It is a common scenario that security professionals have come to accept as "normal." But here is the reality: this mindset is actively putting organizations at risk. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.