Electronic Access Control – Network Based Options

There are many network based electronic access control options available. In fact, there are so many that the whole issue of adding access control to your business could seem rather daunting. Many systems far exceed the capabilities needed for a majority of installations, however, future expansion options must be accounted for to minimize future costs.

Due to the large number of manufacturer products it is almost impossible to offer and service more than just a few systems.

Kantech KeyPad and Proxy Reader Combo

Each locksmith or access control installer must usually attend a training class and complete a certification process before they are able to offer quality services to their own customers. These classes are not offered at no cost. Thus, the average locksmith or access control company will likely limit the number of options they offer as each person that will be installing a system must be certified.

ApexAccess is currently trained and certified on the following network based access control systems.

• Paxton Net2+
• Paxton BLU
• Kantech

We are also trained on systems that are not network based nor require certifications to install and service.

Access Control Quick Review

The following is a brief overview of each of the network based access control systems offered by ApexAccess and noted above.

Paxton Net2+

The Paxton NET2+ network access control system is installed on your local network (LAN). It is controlled from a dedicated server or computer software package. There is NO cloud access, however, if one can remote into the server or computer running the software on the LAN itself remote management of the doors and user accounts is certainly an option.

Paxton-KP50-Proxy-Keypad

Each Paxton Net2+ controller will operate one (1) door and can control 2 readers. It is designed to control access going both directions on a single door. We have installed these systems were each controller operated two separate doors in non-critical access environments – but bear in mind that when access is granted, both doors open for the period of time set on the controller. A door that is not immediately visible from the point of access is temporarily opened and it is possible that unauthorized entry from the second door could occur. This option should be carefully considered before committing to just one controller to operate two (2) separate doors that cannot be observed simultaneously.

Paxton Net2+ software allows for simple to more complex time zones. A time zone dictates when a door is unlocked for normal business hours, whether it can be accessed on non business hours, and by whom it can be accessed. Holiday lock-downs are available. Remote unlocking of the door is an option for persons given access to the server for system management. The doors can be controlled from the server by your Security team.

ApexAccess technicians install the controllers and all hardware needed to accomplish the stated goals of the project.

The project baseline cost of hardware installation depends on the number of doors to be controlled. Additional costs include the hardware needed for each door to meet security and Life Safety codes and time required to pull network cables. ApexAccess will program the initial setup and train one person or a group of authorized persons who will manage the system after the installation. If the number of employees and other authorized access persons is less than 50 persons total, ApexAccess includes the programming of the initial setup at no additional charge. Generally, we set up and test the system on one card, PIN, or FOB and train your head of security on how to add users, groups, and set time zones. All of our work on the hardware and installation has our usual warranty and there is currently a 10 year parts warranty for Paxton brand hardware. Other hardware warranties may vary.

Paxton BLU

The Paxton BLU access control system is cloud based. There is an annual license fee that is billed to you by ApexAccess one month before the license expires. Prompt payment ensures your continued access. Late payments do not stop the BLU system from working, but no changes can be made to the controllers until payment is made. In other words, if you forget or are late on the license fee your business remains secured and will operate as usual but management access is curtailed until the fee is paid.

Paxton NET2+ Controller installation for 2 doors.

The advantage to the Paxton BLU access control system is that no LAN based server is needed. The controller configurations and management is completed using any secure web browser. The user interface is very different from the NET2+ software but all of the same features are available. There is also the ability to use a phone app to manage the system, or to access the location by persons authorized to do so from the phone app.

All other specifics for the BLU are the same as the NET2+ description above.

Kantech

ApexAccess is trained and certified on the Kantech access control system. This system uses a dedicated physical LAN installed  server and controller setup and is accessible from the Internet via Remote Desktop or a phone app. The phone app is limited in function but provides the options to check door status, unlock doors remotely for short or long periods of time. If cameras are installed at the doors the live video feeds can be viewed by authorized personnel.

Kantech KT400 Controller Four Door Installation

This system is generally more expensive than the Paxton systems noted above, but has huge capabilities for businesses with multiple locations.

The most common controller we install is capable of controlling four (4) doors per controller. Camera options increase the overall cost and extra charges are dependent on the number of doors and time required to install hardware on each and to run the necessary cables to each door.

ApexAccess technicians will install as usual and as noted above.

Our Tech Capabilities

ApexAccess employs persons that are skilled in hardware and network connections and setup. In some cases we will need the assistance of your computer network (IT) team to complete an installation. If so the IT team will need to provide the correct network switch ports and LAN configurations as well as to install the required software on some servers. We do not need access to your network servers to complete the installation, but we will need to work with your IT team to ensure everything is properly connected.

In the case of a LAN install that has no existing dedicated server requirement, or runs through a simple router, we can handle it all. The technician that handles the IT side of the installation has a B.S in IT network management with years of experience in the field.

Ready to pull the trigger on your project?

Give ApexAccess a call today. We charge nothing to conduct a site survey and discuss the specifics you are looking for to secure your business access. We will provide a quote free of charge with no obligation to commit.