How A Biometric Access Control System Works

Access control is the practice of using electronic devices in order to secure the property. These devices receive input and then utilize their database to determine if the person has access or not. Whether you want to secure one door or every door on your property, access control can be scaled to meet your needs. Many different types of access control exist, today we are going to talk about biometric access control.

While biometrics can be combined with other access control methods, many people turn to biometrics because they can be harder to fake and near impossible to lose. At its simplest, biometrics is using measurements of the body in order to identify a person. Science has found that some parts of the body that can be easily measured are unique, such as your iris, fingerprint, or face.

Fingerprint Biometric Access Control

Fingerprint science has been around for a while. Every person has unique fingerprints, not even twins have the same fingerprints. Although their fingerprints may be very similar. A fingerprint starts with the basic shape and then goes down to small details.

When it comes to biometric access control, fingerprint readers are one of the most common devices. They have become relatively inexpensive while they are popular. A fingerprint reader system doesn’t require any external devices such as access cards or fobs to work. Some systems have limits to how many fingerprints can be added, but even with limits, they can often store more fingerprints than you need.

These readers utilize a small scanner to scan the pattern on your finger and compare it to the database of users allowed to access the door. If you are not on the list or don’t have access, it won’t grant permission. To help prevent someone from using a fake fingerprint, devices have implemented a number of countermeasures, such as high fidelity scanners and thermal detection to look for a human finger.

To increase the accuracy of a fingerprint reader a full handprint can be used.

Facial Recognition and Iris Recognition Biometric Access Control

Everyone has a unique face with very few exceptions for twins. Even twins tend to develop unique identifiers such as scars. An access control system uses a computer to examine a face against a database of authorized users. The computer looks for size, unique points, and more to determine who you are.

A number of methods have been implemented to prevent inaccurate access approval. For example, these systems often require you to be facing the camera to get an accurate picture of your face. Hats will have to be removed.

One of the biggest things about facial recognition is that it is one of the few modes of access where you do not have to touch anything. All you have to do is look at the camera/scanner and it will work to identify you. No need to carry a device or have anything issued to those who have access.

Facial recognition can be scaled down to iris recognition where a camera looks at your eyeball to identify unique points in your eye. You will have to get closer to the device for it to read your iris. Depending on the system, you may also have to remove your glasses.

Biometric Access Control Systems Summary

One last type of biometric access control device exists, DNA access control. DNA access control is typically reserved for maximum security government facilities or similar locations. A lot of concern exists about the databasing of DNA and the potential for other issues.

There are a large variety of systems that allow you to integrate biometric access control systems. A biometric access control system can be utilized along with other devices such as keycards of fobs. With a quality access control system that utilized biometrics, you can create an extra secure property whether it is a home or business.

A biometric access control system is complex and needs professional installation. While it may take time to set up the system and enroll every person you want to have access, these systems have never been cheaper than they are today. More and more properties are turning to these for a higher security option without the risks of having keys or keycards that can be lost.

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