Device networking: On the job

Jun 1, 2002 12:00 PM, By DAVID WOLFF

Unlocking a secure door can be as easy as a swipe of a card, and accessing data from a network can be as simple as a few keystrokes on a PC. However, the challenge is combining the simplicity and ease-of-use of today's access control systems with the efficiency and flexibility of open networks. It's a concept known as device networking.

According to research and publishing group Key Note, the market for access control systems is well over $200 million annually — and is projected to grow at an average annual rate of more than 10 percent in the next few years. Most of these systems are used at non-residential locations such as schools, universities, hospitals, leisure facilities, offices, banks, industrial premises and government establishments.

Systems can range from proximity-based devices, such as a badge, card or tag reader, to biometric systems like automated fingerprint identification systems or eye scanners that can recognize an identity based on unique biological characteristics. They include audio and video entry systems as well as advanced software for network administration and management. The technologies may be used independently or as part of a system.

Turning to device networking

Access control system providers, product developers and end-users are looking for ways to monitor and manage systems more efficiently and cost-effectively. In many cases, device networking provides an ideal solution. Device networking is achieved using a device server, which network-enables nearly all equipment to allow remote management and real-time information access.

Operators and administrators are demanding more intelligence and function from their existing access control and security systems. End-users want the ability to network-enable their systems so they can operate one or more sites remotely. They want instant access to configure control panels or to diagnose problems. They want a system that requires minimal maintenance, is easily configurable, and is rugged and reliable. They want one that works with legacy equipment and networks based on open standards. Above all, they want systems that save them time and money.

Unlocking a solution for Lenel Systems

A good example of how security access and control providers are taking advantage of device networking is Lenel Systems Intl. Inc., Rochester, N.Y. The company's flagship product, OnGuard, is an enterprise software solution that offers end-users an all-encompassing security environment that integrates and manages access control, ID management, alarm monitoring, physical asset management, digital video, and visitor management functions. To empower OnGuard to offer businesses an integrated access control solution, Lenel faced some unique challenges:

• to enable system administrators to use Ethernet in their installations, building on existing infrastructure;

• to incorporate a versatile device networking solution to allow system users to incorporate multiple access control sites into existing networks; and

• to find a cost-effective solution that requires minimal maintenance and is easily configurable.

Using device servers, Lenel enables users to remotely manage multiple sites without the need for expensive equipment at individual office locations, thus reducing the total cost of ownership. Additionally, users can monitor personnel activity at remote facilities and have site access activity information fed back into a central database.

Network-enabling biometric solutions for Bioscrypt

At Bioscrypt Inc., Toronto, device networking solutions are being used to network-enable its fingerprint scanning technology used in conjunction with access control systems. Bioscrypt's products can recognize the identity, or verify the claimed identity, of a person using automated fingerprint readers. Bioscrypt's products are very successful, and a growing number of their customers are demanding the ability to:

• connect fingerprint readers to existing Ethernet networks, thus eliminating the need to install dedicated cabling; and

• work with dedicated RS-232 and RS-485 serial ports.

Using device servers, Bioscrypt offers Ethernet connectivity for its line of fingerprint scanners, thus enabling end-users to remotely monitor and manage multiple fingerprint reader devices in multiple locations. This solution also reduces installation costs, maintenance and technical support.

Secure access control for SCANA

Ultimately, access control systems are designed to meet the needs of end-users — many of whom are demanding the system connectivity that device networking provides. SCANA Corp., Columbia, S.C., an $8 billion energy-based holding company, for example, has subsidiaries in regulated electric and natural gas utility operations, telecommunications, and other non-regulated energy-related businesses. It serves nearly 540,000 electronic customers in South Carolina. Through its corporate security division, SCANA monitors and controls hundreds of access control devices at several regional offices and power plants. Because of recent expansion, the company wanted to:

• find a cost-effective device networking solution that would allow them to remotely manage the increasing number of access control panels, cardholders and contractors without having to provide multiple access cards to each individual;

• incorporate a versatile solution that required little maintenance, is easily configurable, and can operate reliably in harsh environments; and

• overcome the risk of electrical surges — caused by lightning or other factors — that could interrupt or damage the network.

By incorporating device networking solutions, SCANA now operates a more efficient access control system. Access cardholders can travel throughout the organization's facilities with a single card. SCANA is now also able to configure and manage the network connectivity through a telnet login or via the company's internal Web server. This solution enables the company to run fiber optic cabling that inherently prevents electrical surges from feeding back into the network and damaging sensitive equipment.

For the record

About the author

David Wolff is executive vice president and general manager of the Systems Management Division of Lantronix.

About the company

Visit infoLink at www.securitysolutions.com for more information on companies featured in this article, or circle the card number.
Bioscrypt — 38
Lantronix — 39
Lenel — 40

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© 2012 Penton Media Inc.

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