New from Tyco Security Products is the two-reader IP Access Control Module (IP-ACM) from Software House. As shown at IFSEC 2016, it’s described as an Ethernet edge device that extends the scalability and cost-effectiveness of a network-based access control system.
The IP-ACM is installed near the doors it controls, for reduced wiring and installation costs. The door module can use a site’s existing IT network to securely communicate via AES 256-bit encryption with an iSTAR Ultra General Controller Module (GCM), where the access control decisions are made using the local access database. The IP-ACM can support two individual doors or one door with in-and-out readers. It is described as scalable – in a pure IP deployment, up to 32 IP-ACMs can be networked to one GCM. The door modules can even be used in a hybrid solution, with traditional centrally wired doors for retrofits.
The IP-ACM offers a configurable offline mode to allow authorised card holders to gain access if network communications are lost. The unit can be set to allow either no access or admit the last 1000 previous known good cards or admit staff from a specific personnel group. Card transactions are retained and uploaded when the module comes back online. The product also features a network latency alarm, allowing operators to proactively manage network issues.
Raf Schrijvers, Product Marketing Manager EMEA, Tyco Security Products, says: “The industry’s focus has increasingly turned toward leveraging network infrastructure to be as economical, yet secure, as possible. Software House’s IP Access Control Modules, which reduce wiring and installation costs, provide an easy and cost-effective way to add new doors and extend an access control system in the future.
IP-ACMs can operate on the same network as the iSTAR Ultra GCM or, for additional security, as part of a dedicated sub-network using the GCM’s second GigE network port. Power for the module is also flexible, as it supports a local 12V or 24V DC power source, or operation using a Power over Ethernet (PoE) or even PoE Plus network connection for further installation savings.
The product is available as a standalone board or in a metal or office-ready ABS plastic housing, for traditional ceiling or more visible secure-side mounting. The module also duplex RS-485 communications on board for working with future technology, and supports OSDP v2 for secure encrypted reader-controller communication. Visit www.swhouse.com.
