The Advantages of Going Wireless

Benefits:

Installs quickly and reduces wiring costs (RF Wireless, no more wiring at the door).

No coordination hassle or need for multiple trades (Integrates all hardware elements into one easy-to-install package).

Compatible with ALL existing access control systems (Uses either Magnetic stripe (clock/data) or Wiegand (data1/data0) interfaces).

Seamless integration to existing installations (Available with existing card technologies: HID Proximity, HID iClass Proximity, Indala Proximity, or magnetic stripe)

Virtually impossible to be compromised (Uses Spread Spectrum with encoded transmissions)

Reduces installation time (Simpler integrated Request-to-Exit and Door Position Switch configuration)

Long range with ultra-reliable communications (900 MHz Spread Spectrum RF technology)

Easy to upgrade to latest software (Flash memory)

Wyreless System Design Considerations

To design a successful wireless access system, follow three simple steps:

1) Determine product placement.
2) Select wireless products.
3) Conduct an RF coverage test.

Below, we approach steps 1 and 3, with the goal of allowing you to make wireless access products an integral part of your upcoming access control projects and to provide a greater value to your customers.

Determining Product Placement

Radio frequency transmissions from wireless systems don’t require line of site for effective communications with indoor applications. By operating at 900 MHz, signals are able to transmit through common building materials such as cinder block, plaster board, wood and concrete. This enables tremendous flexibility with product placement.

PIMs (Panel Interface Modules) are the bridge between wired systems and wireless locksets or access points. PIMs are available in two versions. One type supports one or two wireless access devices and provides connectivity between most access control panels or reader interface modules using standard Wiegand or mag stripe protocols. The other type supports up to 16 wireless access points and connects directly to select access control panels via an RS485 interface without reader interface modules.

Companies that have developed this interface and distribute PIM-485 modules include: Apollo, Diebold Card Systems, Geoffrey Systems, GE, Lenel, Maxcess, Pacom Systems, RS2, Software Data Systems, Software House and Galaxy Control Systems.

While PIMs can be placed up to 500 feet away from access control panels, PIMs are often co-located in the same equipment closet, simplifying the installation process.

For best performance, Wyreless recommends wireless access points are within 200 feet of their respective PIM, which is located on the same floor.

For retrofits, distances can be determined by counting ceiling or floor tiles, pacing it off, tape measures or measuring wheels. Planning systems for new construction can be accomplished with scaled grids.

Because Wyreless offers 15 channels and more than 65,000 unique addresses per channel, (that’s nearly a million combinations) there are virtually no system limitations.

Common barriers in a building can affect RF coverage. Elevator banks with metal-lined walls will likely reflect RF signals and cause an area of low signal strength.

Wyreless access control solutions are designed for outdoor applications as well. Indoor applications are rated at 200 feet, but outdoor applications can run up to 1,000 feet with their internal antenna. For longer spans, optional gain antennas may be used to bridge distances up to 4000 feet. Direct line of sight is required between PIMs and wireless access points outdoors. If there are obstructions blocking the line of sight, repeaters may be used to overcome the problem.

RF Coverage Testing