Generally defined, RFID stands for radio frequency identification and is a form of technology that, as the name suggests, is radio-based. It is typically used for systems that operate on batteries or other similar forms of power. Over the years, RFID lock systems have been used in multiple types of businesses and for many different reasons.
In terms of how RFID itself works, this involves signals being sent between a reader and a tag. When it comes to the technology itself, this is considered to be extremely secure, which is considered to be the top reason as to why RFID is used so often and in so many methods.
More recently, many companies who had resorted to using security systems based on keycards had decided to replace magnetic keycards with technology based on RFID due in large part to the fact that it was considered to be technology that was much more superior in nature. As a result, this led to RFID Doors becoming popular thanks to RFID-based lock technology being used on them. Essentially, these are locks that require a special type of keycard that aren’t necessarily the same as more traditional magnetic strip cards, as cards used on RFID Doors don’t actually have to come into contact with the lock in order to be able to unlock it. Rather, proximity is the only thing required in order for the lock to disengage.
Here are the steps showing how the RFID locking system itself works.
*First and foremost, the keycard used with this system features data coded on the RFID chip contained inside the card. This chip is then connected to a specific computer system.
*All of the factors involved – the lock, keycard, and the computer system – work with one another using data that is encrypted, which is then sent over specific radio frequencies.
*By ensuring that the keycard itself is a specific distance away from the lock, the data will be exchanged and if everything matches, the lock will disengage, thereby allowing you access.
There are also many different advantages to using RFID locks as well. For instance, perhaps the biggest advantage is that you don’t have to actually physically touch the keycard to the lock itself in order to have the door unlock, which is one of the top reasons why commercial buildings have this type of lock system installed, as someone is carrying something most of the time, thereby making it much more difficult to have to deal with a set of actual keys.
Another great advantage of using RFID locks is that the keycards themselves are typically weatherproof due to the card itself being made out of plastic, meaning that none of the more secure elements inside the card will be exposed to any weather conditions.
RFID locks can also be reprogrammed at anytime in the event that further security measures need to be added, meaning that not only is this type of lock a great deal more secure than other types of locks, but it’s also practically impossible for anyone to be able to hack into them since RFID locks essentially have nothing to do with the internet.