RFID Access Cards are a common feature of access control systems that offer quick entry to buildings, offices, parking bays, and other sensitive areas.
Unlike conventional keys and magnetic stripe cards, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology achieves barrier-free (contactless) entry which minimizes cases of cart degradation and improves security at the same time.
This guide covers everything about RFID access cards, and their handling such as working mechanisms, advantages, security issues, types, use cases, strategies of implementation, and future trends.
What is an RFID Access Card?
An RFID Access Card is a type of plastic card that contains a chip and antenna embedded into it which communicates with an RFID reader through the radio wave spectrum. These types of cards contain a unique identification number which is stored in the card, and when brought within range it registers to the reader.
RFID access cards are mostly used in offices, hotels, residential buildings, or even industrial facilities for access control and security enhancement.
Pros:
- Contactless Entry: Entry can be made without touching a surface, therefore reducing wear and tear on equipment.
- Enhanced security: Unusual data protected using encryption, coupled with the strategies adopted to create unique identifiers.
- Durability: Compared to magnetic stripe cards, RFID cards are noticeably more durable.
- Quick and Efficient Access: Useful in busy areas due to reduced congestion.
- Integration with Security Systems: Shares the same buz features with biometric authentication.
Cons:
- Security Risks: If the RFID cards are not encrypted effectively, they can be cloned.
- Interference Issues: There can be performance distortions caused by electronic devices and metal surfaces.
- Higher Costs: It may be costly to install RFID access control systems.
- Limited Compatibility: Old readers may not support newer RFID cards which makes some newer readers useless.
Key Differences Between RFID Access Cards and Traditional Cards
| Feature | RFID Access Card | Magnetic Stripe Card | Barcode Card |
| Technology | Uses radio waves to communicate with a reader | Requires physical contact with a card reader | Uses printed barcodes for scanning |
| Security Level | High (can be encrypted) | Low (easily duplicated) | Low (barcodes can be copied) |
| Durability | Long-lasting, less prone to damage | Wears out over time due to swiping | Can get scratched and unreadable |
| Convenience | Contactless, quick entry | Needs swiping, slower | Requires precise alignment for scanning |
How Do RFID Access Cards Work?
The main work of an RFID access card is radio frequency communication between the card and the reader. This process involves three main parts: a tag (card), a reader, and an access control unit.
- RFID Tag (Card): An identifier is transmitted by the chip-equipped antenna.
- RFID Reader: Collects data from the card by sending radio waves that will activate it.
- Access Control System: Decides if to permit or inhibit entry based on the available data that had been previously processed.
Steps in RFID Access Control
- The user places the RFID card in proximity to the reader.
- The reader in RFID transmits a signal to make the chip in the card have activity.
- The chip will send the card’s unique ID to the reader.
- The access control system checks the individual’s identification against its data.
- Dorr access is then either locked or permitted based on the result.
RFID Access Cards Types
To meet specific security requirements, RFID access cards are made with various proprietary technologies as well as different frequency ranges.
1. Low Frequency (LF) -RFID tags 125 KHz
- For basic access control of a building and animal tracking.
- Very short reading distance of a few centimeters.
- Low-security level, but commonly used in older systems.
- Example: Scaling Cards or Proximity Cards.
2. High Frequency (HF) -RFID 13.56 MHz
- Used in public transport and payment systems, as well as in employee ID cards.
- Reading range medium, approximately one meter.
- Encryption and authentication are supported.
- Examples: MIFARE, DESFire, iCLASS.
3. Ultra High Frequency (UHF) RFID from 300 MHz to 3 GHz.
- Using vehicle control access and inventory control.
- Long reading distance (up to 15 meters).
- Greater reading distance is more prone to disturbance.
- Example: EPC Gen2 cards.
Security Measures for RFID Access Cards
Most modern RFID access cards have painstaking steps taken to reduce information security risks including advanced encryption techniques.
- Encryption & Secure Authentication: MIFARE DESFire & iCLASS Cards offer AES-128 encryption to enhance security protocols. Relations with unintentional access are breached with the use of secure protocols.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA): Blocking unauthorized access operating using an RFID access card when combined with several PINs, passwords, or even biometric authentication is a great security measure.
- Anti-Cloning Technologies: Dynamic encryption keys are utilized in some modern cards which modify every time the card is utilized which ensures authenticity through digital signature verification.
- RFID Blocking Technology: Unauthorized RFID scans can be blocked using special wallets or sleeves.
Common Uses of RFID Access Cards
- Office Buildings: Control of certain areas is restricted to employees only.
- Hotels: Smart locks enable room access by guests through RFID.
- Residential Complexes: Entry to residents of apartments is secured.
- Hospitals: Medical facilities access is restricted to specific persons.
- College Campuses: Students can access libraries and dormitories with their ID cards.
- Parking Lots: Cars can be accessed contactlessly by UHF RFID tags.
Steps to Create an RFID Access Control System
- Step 1: Analyze Security Demand: Select access control premises and user expectations.
- Step 2: Select an Appropriate RFID Card: Check security measures for LF, HF, or UHF.
- Step 3: Set Up RFID Readers: Mount readers at entrances, doors, or confined spaces.
- Step 4: Create Access Control Database: Capture users’ details and their access rights.
- Step 5: Educate Users and Staff: Teach them the proper way to use the RFID cards.
- Step 6: Revise and Supervise Security Protocols: Consistently refresh software and credential cards.
Innovations in RFID Access Control For The Future
- RFID Systems With Mobile Application: Incorporation of smartphones with NFC, collocating with RFID signals.
- Access Control Via The Internet: Supervising access grants remotely from any location.
- Security Systems That Use AI: Fraud alerting for access to RFID filing cabinets.
- Systems That Integrate Biometric Technology And RFID: Adding facial identification scanners or fingerprint readers to RFID systems.
Final Thoughts
The use of RFID Access Cards has provided modern organizations with a completely new and effective approach to managing entry and exit, albeit within restricted organizational premises.
Their integration with biometrics and encryption makes them ideal for security-sensitive environments.
Nonetheless, to achieve the highest level of security organizations still need to use encrypted RFID cards, implement two-step authentication, and regularly maintain systems for access control.
Proper use of RFID technology by enterprises and educational institutions can strengthen security management, improve business efficiency, and avert obsolescence for many years to come.
