A key fob security system provides the ideal combination of security, flexibility, and convenience by enabling easy access to doors and other devices in a designated business facility. Learn more about the technology behind this attractive security option and its many benefits below.
What Is A Key Fob?
A key fob is a small, albeit powerful, hardware device with built-in authentication, used to gain access to something. Just like how a password can help you gain access to your bank account, a key fob is a security token that can enable users to gain access to any electronically restricted resource—such as a locked door in a secure facility, or an electronic device. Used correctly, key fobs can allow people to gain secure access to buildings (by way of keyless entry) or things such as mobile-devices, computer systems, or network services.
How Do Key Fob Security Systems Work?
Key fob security systems are a type of “keyless entry system” — an umbrella term for any kind of security system that grants access to a restricted access area without requiring a physical key. Note that while “key fobs,” often take the form of physical fobs on keychains—they’re technically not keys.
Key fobs — and the ‘keyless’ key fob entry systems that enable them — work by way of Radio Frequency Identification, or RFID. Key fobs effectively request information from a remote device using radio frequencies. If the information from the device matches the information the fob is requesting, the device unlocks, opening the door, or enabling access to the electronic device it’s paired with.
In this way, key fobs are much like credit card readers or scanners, in that they request information from the credit card strip laminated on the back of your card. When you swipe your card, the strip provides the information that the scanner is requesting—enabling you to securely pay for your groceries without having to worry about your information being stolen.
Keyless entry systems also facilitate security, by denying access to anyone without the right information, or assigned frequency. If the fob’s frequency doesn’t align with the code on the reader, the reader rejects the information and does nothing—keeping the door, or the device, locked and secure.
Benefits of Key Fob Security Systems
Flexible Security
Using open access key fobs and readers can be an incredibly flexible security measure. Manufacturers can configure fobs so that they communicate with multiple devices (including doors and other desktop or mobile devices) in a facility. They can also provide multiple fobs that carry the same code for the same reader(s)—allowing multiple fob-carrying users to access the same device.
Easy, Reliable Security
Key fobs get their power through magnetic energy that is exchanged between the reader and the fob. Since the power is magnetic, there’s no need for battery power, allowing key fobs to be easily toted around by their users, on keychains or in small cases. Moreover, a fob access system is passive by nature, only becoming active when it’s prompted to read the credentials of a user attempting to gain access.
Convenient, Remote Access
Since RFID devices don’t require that the fob be in a stationary position for it to unlock the device (and instead only need to be in close proximity to the device), users can unlock it simply with the press of a button on the fob.
Locking Mechanisms
You can add an additional layer of security to your key fob security system by implementing a locking mechanism for your devices. When the user pushes the button on the fob—while in proximity to the device—the mechanism tests the signal. If it detects a match, it opens. If it doesn’t, it won’t.
Multiple-Level Remote Access
There are numerous options when it comes to implementing key fob security systems in secure faculties. For example, those that require various levels of access can take advantage of an internal server that locks all entryways into the building or to specific areas of the building. The server can then communicate with multiple fobs and readers to enable access to some or all users. This can make it possible for some people to access the entire building (or devices), while restricting others to those without clearance. Moreover, a system administrator can easily change who has access to what, without having to order new fobs or readers.
Install A Key Fob Security System At Your Austin Facility
Looking for a key fob access control system for your Austin area business, facility or operation? TC Tech Systems is an Austin-based telecommunications and security systems company that’s been providing Austin-locals with managed IT services and commercial security systems for over two decades. We can help you select the right keyless entry system for your business, and ensure a seamless transition with our reliable setup and 24/7 support. Give us a call today to find out how we can get everything set up and running for your business!
