How Do Proximity Card Readers Work?
How Do Proximity Card Readers Work? Modern access control systems must include proximity card readers because they provide a simple and safe method of controlling access to restricted locations. Office buildings, government buildings, hotels, hospitals, and apartment complexes all make extensive use of them. However, how do these gadgets operate? We shall examine the components, working principles, and applications of the technology underlying proximity card readers in this post.
What is a proximity card?
Contactless cards, known as proximity cards, may read information without having to be placed inside a device. A gadget can read a proximity card even when it is in a wallet or handbag. Inside these cards is a copper antenna coil that stores data that has been encoded. These cards that open doors without contact may have caught your eye, and you may be curious about how they operate. These kinds of cards are referred to as proximity cards, or prox. cards. These cards, which are made of 30 mil PVC, can be used to access information without being touched or placed inside a machine. Usually, these cards have metal antenna coils that enable information storage. Because touch is not necessary, you can carry these cards in your wallet or purse and they will still function the same way.
Types of proximity card readers
However, depending on their connection and power source, these smart card readers perform differently. You might also see “prox readers” and “prox cards” when evaluating proximity access control options, but the technology is the same.
Two main categories of proximity cards exist:
Passive Proximity Cards: These cards lack an internal power supply. Instead, they use the electromagnetic field produced by the card reader to transmit data and power the inside chip.
Active Proximity Cards: These cards can send signals farther than passive cards because they have a battery. Both parking lots and toll collection systems frequently use them.
The four varieties of proximity reader access control systems are listed below.
Wired proximity readers: The most commonly used proximity reader in business establishments is this one. Because they employ a protocol called Wiegand to communicate, wired proximity readers can be used with nearly any access control system and typically support some combination of RFID, Bluetooth, or NFC formats. However, considering that the Wiegand protocol has been in use since 1974 and has numerous exploitable flaws, this compatibility feature may also pose a physical security concern.
However, there are ways to guard against attacks, even though a wired proximity card reader that uses this protocol can be vulnerable to hacking. Purchasing a proximity card reader system that employs cutting-edge end-to-end encryption and extra tamper prevention is one approach to doing this.
Wireless proximity readers: Wireless proximity readers, as the name suggests, run on batteries, so complex wiring is not necessary. Since putting readers in each door would be expensive, this kind of reader is frequently employed in apartment buildings and hotel security systems. To communicate with the central control panel, they usually connect to a wireless repeater. Although they make installation easier, they must be regularly inspected to make sure the door badge readers still have enough battery to work properly.
Standalone proximity readers: There is no control panel connection with this kind of decentralized proximity reader system. Compared to the other reader kinds, they have less capability and no data connection as a result. Therefore, they are frequently placed in a one-off installation scenario and cannot be remotely controlled or programmed.
With standalone proximity readers, you have to program a PIN number for each individual for each reader you own rather than having a central system that manages the reader. To test and activate a card, you must manually configure each reader. This kind of proximity card reader is suitable for small establishments with few points of entry.
IP-connected proximity readers: These types of card readers are the most sophisticated when compared to the other proximity readers. They are readily incorporated into your IT systems and connect by Ethernet or PoE, giving you a versatile and automated security system. Because they aren’t attached to an access controller directly, they are also more secure. This implies that nefarious people attempting to enter your facility cannot intercept the line.
To guarantee the security of your building, IP-connected access readers must adhere to stringent cybersecurity requirements and feature high-level encryption. Your entire facility may be at risk if your IP badge reader system is compromised.
How do proximity card readers work?
Proximity card readers typically use low-frequency, short-range radio frequency identification (RFID). They can therefore be applied in practically any situation or place. This technology, as we mentioned in the beginning, is utilized in our contactless payment systems, which usually employ Near-Field Communication (NFC) or RFID. Whatever technology the proximity cards employ, they all depend on data being transmitted to a reader when they are near one another. Access control, payment, identification, and many other uses are all possible with this short-range technology.
Does a power outage affect proximity readers?
People frequently inquire as to whether proximity readers continue to function in the event of a power outage.
Although it is true that electricity is required to power the locks on access control systems, what impact would a power outage have on your doors? Fail-safe and fail-secure are the two main varieties of electric locks that are utilized in the industry. Let’s quickly examine these two and their differences.
Fail-Safe Locks
These doors will function as long as they are powered; therefore, they will unlock when a card is used to unlock them or the power is shut off.
This provides a safe and secure way out in an emergency, but if your electricity is intentionally disconnected, it could be a problem and a point of vulnerability.
This rarely occurs outside of movies, as most power outages are caused by outside events like fires, blackouts, or environmental changes.
Fail-Secure Locks
Fail-Secure systems are the antithesis of Fail-Safe systems in that they are locked until they are powered on, at which point they unlock.
As the name implies, these electric locks are safe even if there is no power. Therefore, these doors will not open in the absence of electricity.
These doors are usually utilized for safe rooms rather than entrances or routes out of an area because of the obvious problem that they cannot be unlocked in an emergency.
How Do Proximity Card Readers Work?
Top Access Control Trends in 2025
The field of access control is always changing to accommodate new developments in technology as well as the various demands of organizations and enterprises. A number of significant trends that offer more intelligent and effective approaches to security management are defining the access control sector in 2025. We examine eight developments in access control below that will revolutionize the way we think about and carry out secure access controls.
Integration of Systems
There is a growing belief that the idea of an independent access control system is out of date. These days, companies tend to use integrated access control systems that facilitate smooth system-to-system communication. Combining technology such as building management systems, intrusion alarms, and security camera systems can result in a complete access control solution. Through the usage of these linked resources, data security and user experience are improved, and information easily shareable across platforms.
Multi-Factor Authentication
In the field of access control, multi-factor authentication is quickly replacing single-method authentication. To provide a more secure experience, these cutting-edge access control systems integrate two or more verification techniques, such as password and smartphone verification. By adding layers to access control, multi-factor authentication makes it more difficult for unauthorized users to enter.
Control of Mobile Access
Smartphones are becoming a crucial component of access control. Companies are switching to mobile-based access control solutions, which provide more convenient and secure alternatives to conventional keycards and fobs. Users’ need for greater convenience and the sophisticated security features that mobile technology may offer are driving this trend.
Video Access Control
A complete security system can be achieved by integrating access control systems with real-time video cameras. By providing more thorough monitoring of who is entering a building and what they do while they are there, the combination of video and access control data improves security.
Biometric Access Control
Businesses dedicated to high levels of security are increasingly choosing biometric access control as it becomes more dependable and reasonably priced. These days, technologies like palm readers, facial recognition, and fingerprint scans are widely used and provide users with a safe and effective means of entering restricted areas.
Touchless Access Control
Concerns about global health have led to a sharp increase in demand for touchless access control technology. By eliminating the need for users to touch shared surfaces, solutions like facial recognition and wave-to-open reader technologies provide a hygienic method of granting access. A common feature of the access control tools that security firms provide is these touchless devices.
Access-Controlled Multifamily Communities
With a significant push toward fully integrated access control systems for multifamily communities, the reach of access control technology is growing to encompass entire buildings and facilities. Multifamily complexes with a range of requirements, including access to shared spaces like a pool, gym, laundry room, bike storage, dog wash station, and other common facilities in addition to the tenant unit, will find this extensive access control solution especially helpful.
Conclusion
Modern security systems depend mainly on proximity card readers because they offer effective and convenient access control. Through the use of RFID and NFC technology, they provide a safe and contactless method of controlling access to different facilities. These systems are constantly evolving due to improvements in biometric integration and encryption, which guarantee improved security and usefulness for both individuals and enterprises. As access control technology advances, organizations and businesses need to keep ahead of the curve by putting the newest security measures in place to safeguard critical locations and data. Access control will continue to be shaped by proximity card readers and other developments in an increasingly linked and digital environment.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How does a proximity card work?
The antenna coil receives data from the chip, including its ID number, and sends it back to the reader unit via radio frequency signals. After verifying that the ID number on the card is correct, the reader performs the action that has been preprogrammed for that ID number.
2. What is the difference between a proximity reader and a card reader?
Proximity Reader vs. Smart Card Reader Although proximity readers and smart card readers both provide improved security options, they function differently. Users can obtain access by being close without making physical contact thanks to proximity readers. They connect with the card using radio frequency (RF).
3. What are 3 types of proximity devices?
Proximity Reader vs. Smart Card Reader Although proximity readers and smart card readers both provide improved security options, they function differently. Users can obtain access by being close without making physical contact thanks to proximity readers. They connect with the card using radio frequency (RF).
4. What is the difference between RFID and proximity cards?
Frequencies of operation The frequency at which RFID and proximity cards function is another distinction between them. A prox card will normally function at a frequency of 13.56 MHz or higher. On the other hand, there are numerous other applications for RFID cards because they can be low, high, or ultra-high frequency. o.
What is the working principle of a proximity sensor?
A proximity sensor is a device that can identify nearby things without having to come into contact with them. Either an electromagnetic field or an electromagnetic radiation beam can be used for this, where the existence of an object in the surrounding environment causes the field or return signal to change.