Proximity Cards versus Smart Cards

A proximity card is a credential that is used for access control.  Most often a photo ID accompanies a proximity card although key fobs can also be used for this purpose.
Proximity cards are contactless credentials which use an internal antenna and operate on a 125kHz frequency.  When held to a reader, this frequency is read and interpreted and then subsequently grants the operator physical access to the door, gate or facility.
A smart card can be either contact or contactless.  Smart cards also contain an internal antenna but also include a chip which acts much like a microprocessor.  This chip has the ability to store additional information and perform added security functions as compared to the proximity card.  This microprocessor chip allows for storage of information pertaining to the user and can be used for banking, vending, bookstores, transportation, cafeteria use etc.  This chip also allows two factor authentication of the user such as biometrics for an added level of security protection.  Smart cards operate on a 13.56MHz frequency which permits them to communicate faster than the frequency of a standard proximity card.
Smart cards offer faster and more secure access with the additional memory features compared to proximity cards.  A majority of smart cards can operate on a standard Weigand reader used by proximity cards which alleviates the costs of having to replace your existing card readers.
Overall, smart cards offer added memory, faster speed and more security options than standard proximity cards all while being very cost competitive to the standard proximity card.
Due the recent security breaches experienced by many retailers, both Master Card and Visa have set an October 2015 deadline for all of their card holders to be issued the more secure smart cards as their credit cards.  Many other credit card companies and banking institutions are to follow in the very near future.
Absolute Access is a provider of both standard proximity and smart cards for our customers.  If you would like any additional information, please visit our website at https://absoluteaccessid.com or contact us at (865) 771-9697 for a specialized quote.
Posted by Cindy

We offer a complete line of proximity credentials from the industry's leading manufacturers

Absolute Access carries a complete line of proximity cards and access control credentials from the industry’s leading manufacturers.
HID is a well-known leader in the physical access control, logical access and secure government identification.  HID’s credentials range from standard proximity of 125 kHz to iClass, Corporate 1000, Crescendo and MIFARE.
XceedID by Allegion is also a leader in the security industry.  XceedID’s credentials consist of standard proximity, multi technology and smart cards.  XceedID’s proximity cards and credentials are also able to interface with many of the industry’s leading proximity readers and may be a cost effective solution for your company or business.
We also carry AWID’s line of proximity cards, key fobs and tags.  AWID is commonly used by many businesses and organizations across the USA.  AWID provides top level security by offering their standard low frequency proximity line, their high frequency smart card line and their ultra-high frequency line for graphics cards, clamshell cards and hang tags which allow readability up to 20 feet.
Farpointe has been a provider of ID cards and credentials and have set the benchmark for reliability.   Some of Farpointe’s pyramid series of cards and credentials are designed to work with select HID and AWID readers.  Farpointe offers a standard 125 kHz proximity technology, a 13.56 MHz smart card technology and a 433 MHz for long range technology.
Identiv credentials offer a broad range of physical access control as well as logical access.  The Identiv credentials consist of their low frequency, 125 kHz proximity line to their 13.56 smart cards.  Identiv’s low frequency proximity credentials are able to replicate many proprietary formats ranging from HID, AWID, DSX, Simplex, Keyscan, AMAG and Casi Rusco, while saving expense for the end user on these formats.  Identiv also just recently introduced their uTrust line of credentials and readers for the ultimate security in converged access.  Their uTrust credentials are designed for use with information security, desktop login, digital signatures, email security and remote access.
Absolute Access offers very competitive pricing on any of these leading manufacturers’ credentials and we are confident that we will be able to save our customers substantially on these products.  Please browse our website for additional information and pricing at https://absoluteaccessid.com or feel free to contact a member of our sales team at 865-771-9697 for a specialized quote today!
Posted by Doug