Product guide

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Glossary
Password - An alphanumeric code which, if recognised by the access control software, allows access to the access control
database and other software functions
PC - A computer
PIN (Personal Identification Number) - A confidential 4-digit code assigned to a cardholder which is entered at a PINpad
PINpad - A keypad at which a cardholder enters his or her PIN
Port - A connection that provides a means of communication between devices
Proximity - Security industry term to describe Readers which read cards or tags without physical contact, but involving the act of
presenting the card or tag to the Reader
PSTN - Public Switched Telephone Network. Used for standard telephone lines
PSU - Power Supply Unit
Rain Hood - A cover that protects Readers or Door Entry Phones from rain in exposed locations
Reader - The device that reads data from a card or tag and communicates the information to the controller for validation
Reading Head - A proprietary antenna which is used to interrogate cards or tags. Must be used with an interface to connect to the
Access Control system
Reconfigure - Send the access control database to the controllers
Record - A unit of data stored on the computer which specifies the configuration of a particular part of the system, for example,
a cardholder, an access point, a time schedule
Re-index - Tidy and condense the access database, removing deleted records and updating index files
Relay - Device which can switch high voltages and/or currents using a low power logic signal
Remote Site - A site which has controllers which are not connected directly to the host computer. The controllers communicate with
the host computer at pre-configured times via a modem and a normal dial-up telephone line or via a LAN or WAN
Report - Either, a message indicating system abnormality, but which is not an alarm message. Or, a compilation of data from
the log file or the access control database which can be displayed on the screen or sent to a printer
Reset - The condition of a device in its clear or inactive or normal state. Also, to switch a device to its inactive state.
Also, the clearing of all or part of a system, returning the parameters to their default values
RFID - Radio Frequency Identifcation. The system by which data is transferred from cards and tags to Readers
Roll Call - A report which lists cardholders who are currently within a zone. (Also see IN reader, OUT reader and anti-passback)
RS232 - A standard way of transmitting and receiving data down a cable. Usually used by the computer for distances up to 25
metres
RS485 - A standard way of transmitting and receiving data down a cable over much greater distances than RS232.
Used by the access control system
Rx - Shorthand for anything to do with the receiving side of an RF (radio frequency) system or data communications
Segment Controller - A controller that contains data for the Access Control system and validates or not card transactions. There
are 5 variants capable of connection to up 2, 4, 8, 16 or 32 Readers
Shadow Card Pack - A set of cards used to programme and delete cards into a standalone Magnetic Stripe Card-only Reader
Smart Card - A multi-application card often used for Cashless Vending. Access Control Readers can utilise the unique chip serial
number found in every card, thus saving the need for a user to hold more than one card
State/Status - The current setting or condition of an access control parameter or variable
Swipe Card - Card which, to be read, must be passed through, or pushed into, a slot in the Cardreader
Switch Plate - A Proximity Reader that is designed to fit most single gang back-boxes
Tag - See card
Tamper - Unauthorised physical interference with the system, usually by opening enclosures or cutting or short circuiting cables
Tamper Switch - A switch that activates an alarm when a tamper condition is detected
Telecode - A patented Door Entry Phone System that connects directly the public telephone network (see PSTN), removing the
need for hardwiring of handsets
Thermal Dye-Sublimation - A process where Photo ID cards are created by a printer heating the dye from a ribbon and then
diffusing the colours into the plastic of an ISO Laminated Card (see ISO Laminated Card)
Time Schedule - A time slot linked with days of the week and holidays
Toggle - When a card or PIN is entered the first time, the door is opened and will remain unlocked until the card or PIN is entered a
second time
Token - See card
Transaction - Any activity occurring in the system
Transaction Log - File stored on the computer which contains all the transaction messages received by the computer.
Used as a source of data for reports
Tx - Shorthand for anything to do with the transmitting side of an RF (radio frequency) system or data communications
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) - A backup system that continues to supply pseudo-mains power for a short time in the event of
a mains power failure
User - A cardholder. (As distinct from an operator)
Valid Card - A card which is allowed access
Validation Date and Time - The date and time when a system will validate or invalidate a card
Visitor Card - A card assigned for temporary use
WAN - Wide Area Network. Used in PC networks and can be utilised for Access Control communications (see Network)
Zone - An area within a site or facility, bounded by walls and by access points, used with anti-passback and roll call
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