Security Industry Card Formats

Glossary of Terms

• Wiegand - Pronounced "wee gand" is one of the oldest and yet least understood format in widespread use throughout the world. There are actually 3 possible definitions depending on the context in which the word appears. It is a badge technology, a protocol definition, and a card reader interface specification. The badge technology is very durable and requires the user to "swipe" a card through a reader slot. Just like a credit card. However, unlike a magstripe, there is no contact between the card and the read head. Allowing the technology to be used in harsh environments.
• MagStripe - Yes, the same technology used on the back of a credit card. When applied in access control solutions, it simply has a number encoded on one of the 3 tracks of the strip. Mostly used as disposable or temporary credentials in the hospitality market (the key card for your hotel room).
• Bar Code - Usually printed on the card face, can be "swiped" through a reader slot or presented to a 2-dimensional scanner (like the checkout lane at the grocery store).
• Proximity - A passive RF-ID technology that requires the user to present a badge, tag, or key fob within a few inches of a reader. The tag absorbs some RF energy from the reader and transmits a number to the reader.
• Biometric - Using the human body itself as the "number" to be looked up in the database. The oldest type of biometric is a keypad (PIN entry). More recent devices use hand geometry, fingerprints, facial features, voice recognition, and retina scans. Ultimately, a number is generated and the access control device grants or denies access based on a table lookup.
• RF-ID - Similar to proximity, this technology usually involves powered tags or longer distance card reads. Toll Tag readers on some freeways are an example.
• SmartCard - Contact (must touch the reader) and contact-less (RF-ID, proximity) varieties exists. The card itself contains much more than just a number. It can store a lot of information and in many cases carry the grant/deny logic. It reverses the application by "knowing" which doors and what times it is allowed access. The event history can also be storeed on the card itself. it still requires a controller to activate the door or gate.