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Most network-capable standalone, battery operated electromechanical locks use an access point, a gateway. A gateway is a node (wireless router) that serves as an access point to another network. For these locks, a gateway wirelessly connects the lock to the personal computer. Depending upon the lock’s manufacturer, the gateway can be wireless or wired to the personal computer.

One important feature of the newer standalone and networked electromechanical locks is the increased memory. This enables the locks to have thousands of users, larger audit trail capabilities and more defined access control limitations. This memory capability also provides some lock manufacturers products to have lock programming, user-data and use information stored in the locks themselves to be able to have uninterrupted access control should there be a power out for the personal computer.

When a system has been installed, the computer through the gateway and the locks transmit and receive information including adding or removing user codes, time/date changes, determining battery condition, lockdown or passage mode, etc. Just about everything that can be accomplished at the lock itself.

For example, a new employee proximity identification card can be swiped at the computer and programmed into the system. The proximity card is handed to the employee who can gain access at each authorized door during the appropriate times. All of this can be done without having to go out to any of the locks.

Some electromechanical lock manufacturers offer upgrade paths for their products. Schlage AD Series Electromechanical Locks are designed to be upgraded. The credential reader and the communication module can be changed out.