Proximity reader: what it is, advantages and how to select the best fit for you

Proximity readers have become one of the key trends in different models of access control systems.

Learn about the advantages they provide with an eye to security and ease of use and what models are currently on the market.

Índice

01. What is a proximity reader?

02. Why it is important to have a proximity reader: benefits

03. Types of proximity readers

04. NÜO PLANET proximity readers: select the one that is most suitable

What is a proximity reader?

A proximity reader is a system that recognizes credentials that operates by approaching it. 

In other words, to make a proximity reader work, users bring their credential close to it (for example, a card or mobile device). From there, the reader transmits the signal to a receiver, which then authorizes (or denies) access and activates the entrance, through a door, an elevator, a barrier for vehicle access a turnstile control system

Why it is important to have a proximity reader: benefits 

• The most advanced options for proximity card and cell phone readers are extremely secure. It is extremely important here to know that there are different proximity card technologies that involve very different degrees of security. 

• Easy for users, as the proximity system operates very quickly and requires zero effort by users. It can also be useful regarding accessibility, making it easier for users to enter who have difficulties with movement..

• Proximity cards can be combined with other systems such as fingerprint biometrics to provide even greater access security.
  
  
  

   

  

Types of proximity readers

Card reader 

This system can recognize proximity cards as a valid credential. Thus, the cards transmit identification data without coming into direct contact with the reader, using a radio-frequency system. 

Meriting mention here is the  RFID system which stands for radio frequency identification. Incorporated into a proximity reader, it can make requests or ask questions by radio frequency to the card chip, which then emits a response. This ensures highly-secure identification almost instantaneously.
 

In this regard, not all cards are equally secure, and some of them have become obsolete due to having high vulnerability levels. We recommend using the MIFARE PLUS® contactless smart cards, with utmost security standards.

In this area, the use of long-range UHF cards also merit mention, as we will explain in this article. 

Cell phone reader

This type of proximity reader works by using a mobile device that has been configured to present the user’s identification details.

In this case,  NFC technology and Bluetooth® communication are employed as follows: the high-security mobile credential (like the NÜO CARD) is encoded with complex AES encryption for communication, generated by the access control readers themselves. This produces encrypted data transmission between both devices (the reader and the cell phone) that is, therefore, secure.

The significant advantages of cell phone access control include ease of use of devices that all users have today, preventing the need to replace cards, among other inconveniences. Its high security guarantees are also considerable.

NÜO Planet proximity readers:

Select the most suitable one for your company

Other multi-technology readers

Multi-technology readers facilitate a flexible user experience with top security, due to accepting the use of 3 types of credentials with the installation of a single reader: high-security cards, mobile devices and biometric access.

Included in this category are readers like the  NÜO Awa (especially versatile and durable, highly used in  industrial settings, particularly as a reader for the food, and health-care industries) and the NÜO Lu W, which can be employed to manage accesses to different spaces, such as turnstiles, elevators, offices, warehouses, etc., providing great flexibility to companies.

Would you like to learn more about the most secure and efficient proximity reader options and how to install the best fit for your company for an access control system? At NÜO Planet we can help you.

Download our eBook about trends in access control systems to obtain more inspiration or get in touch with our team to obtain personalized tips and advice based on your specific needs.