Isonas RFID Single Or Multiple Door Proximity Access System

ISONAS provides the only security access control system that directly connects to your data network. No More Control Panels! ISONAS offers reader controllers, proximity cards/tags, UPS power source, and off-the-shelf network devices with network software, making it easy to install a complete networked security access control system over an ethernet data network. All you need are locking devices, lock power and any door input device to complete the system, which directly connects to our reader controllers.

What makes the ISONAS system unique is that reader controllers connect directly to a PC or network device (hub, switch, or thin client server). There is no need to connect to a control panel. ISONAS' powerful software drives unlimited number of reader controllers across any data network. And, since ISONAS is software-based, the number of door readers, cardholders, access levels and shifts are unlimited; limited only by the size of the server's hard drive.

Start with one stand alone reader controller with program cards, and grow the system to many reader controllers of the same type networked by simply adding readers to the network. ISONAS offers access control system packages for 1 or 2 door installation opportunities, and each system package comes with the PRC-001 ClearNet readers, network software, and serial adaptor or a choice of proximity credential type (thin cards, badge cards or keyfobs).

ISONAS makes security access control simple and affordable without obsoleting your equipment investment. Look at ISONAS' new IP and wireless IP reader controllers. Remember, when you buy Isonas products from us you can be sure you'll be receiving the right products for the job since we are a real lock company!

Features:

Plug and Play.

Time and attendance is included with each system purchase.

Standard network wiring (CAT 5 cable) - No special cables needed (shielded CAT 5 is suggested in "noisy" environments).

Cost effective, compact unit - No control panels needed.

Each reader has a built-in tamper optical switch and tamper plugs are available

Intuitive Windows-based multi-tasking application - Direct control of reader controllers.

Easy Expansion, from one to unlimited reader controllers on a data network.

Convenient programmable logic features in each reader controller.

Two door system easily expands to multi-door system.

Integration with existing data networks that are the simplest than any on the market and integration capabilities with digital video surveillance systems. You can also use wireless LAN technology to connect our reader controllers at remote sites.

Flexibility in wiring an access control system eliminating the limitations of 8 and 2 door panels in other systems. You can connect from 1 to 8 reader controllers on any "subnet" which could be a PC/server COM port or a thin client server's serial port anywhere on the network, offering the ability to run short wire runs from reader controllers to the network. Almost unlimited number of our reader controllers can operate across a large data network or intranet.

Choice of HID compatible or ISONAS proprietary reader controllers, allowing the ability to replace legacy systems that already have a population of HID cardholders. You don't need to replace cards.

Affordability with the elimination of proprietary wired networks and control panels. In most cases, our cost is 1/3 of other low cost systems.

Supported - ISONAS "no worry" customer service policy provides technical assistance via phone, web and email

Now you can start with a single door or two door system and expand out to as many doors you'll need later on. Both are expandable with the same powerful software.

Reader Operation Principles:
The ISONAS proximity reader controller is a "new" type of access control reader that works directly with a host application program in a system of reader controllers, or as a stand alone door control reader if not connected to a network. This device is unique because it has the ability to make access control decisions in stand alone mode due to its microcontroller, onboard relay, monitor inputs and TTL outputs; and it can seamlessly connect with other reader controllers of its type on a network, driven by a PC host application which makes the access control decisions in network mode. An individual with a valid RF/ID transponder in a card or keyfob tag has the ability to enter through a door with an outside reader installed.

The ISONAS reader controller is powered by a 12 VDC power source (our PowerNet Box) and can communicate directly to a PC host application through its RS-485 serial communication interface, or through the IP data network using a robust communication protocol which ISONAS provides. The communication between the keyfob/card and proximity reader controller is accomplished via magnetic coupling between the antenna on both the tag and reader using ASK (amplitude shift keying) modulation.

Software Choices:
ISONAS' one and two door system packages come with our Crystal Matrix BN software which can be upgraded to our Crystal Cubic EN software that allows for unlimited number of reader controllers across a data network through multiple serial sub networks from PC's or thin client server devices. ISONAS also have upgrade packages that allow you to add "third party serial devices" to the network; like keypad readers (Essex Electronics), long range readers (HID MaxiProx), and biometric devices due to our custom driver software in our latest version software upgrade. Finally, ISONAS provides a complete "Badging Software Package" for 1 - sided and 2 - sided Eltron color card printers. This package integrates your security access control database with card identification information with the ability to drive color card printers, putting access control and card ID on one proximity credential.



Wire suggestions:
Unshielded Cat 5 wire is fine for use on shorter runs of a 1000 feet or less. On longer runs or a noisy environment, use Cat 5 with shield.


This product system was one of the SIA Award Winners in 2000 and 2004!

Related Products
See our electric strike section
See our electric lock section
See our power supply section
See the book: The Guide to Electronic Locksmithing for installation hints

How To Choose Our Products:
Since our system doesn't use "control panels" all you need to do is choose a reader-controller type ( IP or wireless IP and now the new Keypad/prox reader) for a door location and the type and quantity of proximity credentials (keyfob, badge card or thin card). Our standard software is included with all controller system packages (wired and wireless versions). If you want to control "in and out" movement of a door location, then choose two readers per door location and we have a special way to wire them both, so they can work together on a door access point. (just request this information) If you have existing HID proximity credentials, you just need to choose HID compatible reader-controllers when you order them and these reader-controllers will also read our proximity credentials as well.



There have been a lot of questions about this product so the following FAQ should help:
Q: What is a TCP/IP enabled door reader-controller? A: ISONAS door reader-controllers connect directly to the company’s data network. The reader-controllers support using either Ethernet wiring onto the customer's LAN or wireless connections onto the customer's WLAN. The ISONAS solution is the original panel-free door access control system.

Q: Do you need a unique IP address for each reader-controller?

A: Yes. If desired, port forwarding techniques can used to conserve your company's network-wide IP Addresses.

Q: Is anything required in addition to the Door Readers?

A: Yes, to complete an access system you will need locking devices, lock power and any door input device, which directly connects to our reader controllers

Q: What makes the Door Reader work?

A: Those with authorized access are given credit card — sized proximity cards utilizing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. When the card is waved in front of the door reader, access is authorized or denied based on your parameters.

Q: How are authorizations and permission parameters put on the cards or badges?

A: ISONAS Crystal Matrix EN Software™ allows authorized security personnel to input individual users permissions using a Windows® user friendly interface to make changes in real time.

Q: Can Door Readers be used with other access control devices?

A: Yes. ISONAS has made it possible for many other devices to integrate with its readers with a number of enabling tools: a TCP/IP interface; the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) interface; and the ISONAS SDK are a few of the methods available.

Q: How many readers can be used and how many users can be on a system?

A: The ISONAS solution can support an unlimited number of reader-controllers and users on a system, limited only by the host PC's memory, CPU, and hard drive capabilities. A host that is properly sized for it's operating system can support an installation with hundreds of doors.

Q: How is access control protected if the network goes down?

A: In case of an emergency, the door readers automatically switch to the “stand-alone mode" and continues to function normally until network service is restored.

Q: Does the software have more than one method of identification for individual users?

A: Yes. Multiple identifiers can be used such as name, address, phone number, department identifiers and social security numbers the system can incorporate a personal photo to take validation to the next level.

Q: How does an ISONAS reader-controller control an electric locking device and monitor the REX and Door Position Switch?

A: The reader controller has a set of wires (called a pig-tail) that are connected directly to various switches and controls at the door. One of the wires is for a door sense switch. Another is for a REX signal coming from a switch, infrared sensor or other rex device. There is a third input signal which is called AUX (for auxiliary, that can be programmed to act in a variety of ways). The controllers also have an onboard relay, with a normally open, normally closed and common connection for the relay. This relay can be directly connected to an electronic or magnetic lock to unlock the door when a valid badge is presented. There are two additional output signals which we call TTL1 and TTL2 that can be programmed to behave in a variety of ways.

Q: Will the readers work with magstripe and HID Proximity Cards?

A: Our readers can be programmed to read HID prox cards. If you use magstripe HID prox cards, our readers will read the card ID as defined by the electronic prox card assignment. We do not read information from mag stripes

Q: How are the IP and wireless IP readers deployed; that is, connected to power supplies, and data networks?

A: The PowerNet IP reader-controller can be powered in two ways. Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) can supply the required power over the Ethernet cable. In addition, both the PowerNet and Wireless readers can be powered with standard low-voltage wiring. Data communications is facilitiated with either the Powernet's Ethernet connection or the wireless reader-controller's 802.11b/g connection.

Q: What models are offered?

A: Models offered include: PowerNet IP Reader (RC-001 series), ClearNet IP Reaeder (PRC-001B series), ClearNet Wireless IP Reader (PRC-001B-WP series). All models include the Cystal Matrix Software

Q: Will the readers work with magstripe and HID Prox? How is configuration done?

A: Our readers can be programmed to read HID prox cards. If you use magstripe HID prox cards, our readers will read the card ID as defined by the electronic prox card assignment. We do not read information from mag stripes.

Q: What encryption options are available with the new ISONAS Wireless IP Reader?

A: You can choose the older WEP (Wireless Encryption Protocol) or the more secure WPA (WiFi Protected Access.) The WEP and WPA is automatically there, you just enable and configure it on your Wireless access point and on the Lantronix WiPort inside.

Q: Are there additional steps I can take to encrypt data?

A: In addition to the protection of the Wireless signal, you can optionally provide end to end protection of the signals using 256 bit Rijndael encryption, which requires some additional programming. We support this for both our Wireless and Wired IP readers and strongly recommend that it be used for the Wireless.

Q: How is the antenna protected?

A: The antenna is mounted internally inside our reader controller housing. The housing was already designed to be transparent to radio frequency signals to allow the proximity cards to be read. In the unlikely event that the housing is broken to expose the antenna, a tamper alarm would be generated in your system.

Q: Are there circumstances where the wireless access control solution is not practical?

A: Interference and shielding are considerations in certain physical environments. For instance, if you have an industrial building with steel walls and you are trying to control access to an internal area where the wireless signals can’t reach, you have no choice but to run wire.

Q: Are there circumstances where the wireless solution is especially attractive?

A: Yes there are. Installation of wiring has always been a significant component an access control system's costs but there are some cases where costs become extreme and prohibitive. One example is where the wire would have to be run through several reinforced concrete walls or floors that don’t currently have any conduits. The cost to drill through the concrete can be very high. Another example is where a public thoroughfare may pass through an industrial complex or campus. If cableways are not existing under the road it may be both time consuming and expensive to work with the controlling entity to get permission for cabling. A wireless solution is especially attractive in both of these examples.