What is a Door Key Fob?
If you’ve ever owned a newer car, you are probably familiar with key fobs. These small devices are used to unlock the vehicle and can also allow you to start it as well.
They work via RFID (radio-frequency identification), which is similar to a barcode system. Fobs cannot be copied or lost, making them more secure than keys.
Keyless Entry
A key fob is a small radio-frequency identification card used to allow access to private areas like offices and homes. This type of entry system allows for quick and easy access to a property without the need to carry a large set of keys or deal with the hassle of re-keying locks, and offers high levels of security as cards cannot be easily copied.
They’re also much easier to manage than traditional locks. For example, with a mobile-based access control system, it is possible to add new credentials for employees or guests, and to remotely revoke access from an employee who has left the company. These features help reduce unauthorized entries into a business, while also helping keep track of who enters the building when.
It’s a Greener Option
By eliminating the need for physical keys, a keyless entry system is a more environmentally friendly solution. This is because keys are made of materials like copper that are limited resources, as well as plastic which is harmful to the planet through its extraction, manufacturing and disposal. In contrast, a smart lock paired with and controlled by a smartphone is entirely recyclable and requires no additional hardware or resources than the user already has on their phone.
Enhanced Security
Unlike traditional keys, key fobs are not susceptible to the same kind of tampering. Fobs have a tiny computer chip inside that transmits a unique number to the Door Key Fob reader, which then confirms that the user is authorized to enter. This type of system is perfect for apartment complexes and gated communities where tenants can grant access to cleaning crews, dog walkers and babysitters without worrying about someone duplicating a physical key or picking the lock.
Fobs also work well in business environments. They can be instantly blocked or revoked remotely if they are lost, stolen or even used by an employee who has left the company. Fob credentials can also be updated to include two-factor authentication when necessary.
The process is simple. When the user approaches a reader device with a fob, it emits a signal that activates a tiny copper coil on both sides of the reader, which creates a short-range radio frequency field. This field energizes the chip inside the fob and causes it to transmit a unique number, which is then verified by the reader.
Fob systems can be paired with many different types of readers, depending on your business’s needs. Prox readers are the most basic and are typically the cheapest, while encrypted readers cost more but provide an extra layer of security. A key fob system can also be paired with other security features, such as video surveillance and fire alarms.
Reduced Maintenance Costs
Unlike key cards that must be swiped or inserted, fobs simply need to be held in front of a reader. When the fob is in range, the proximity reader will send a signal to the microchip inside the fob that corresponds with a specific unlock sequence. This unique unlock code can then activate the door or lock.
Using this system, you can also control what areas of your building each person can access. For instance, a custodian would only need to have full access while the receptionist might only have limited access. You can also assign a specific time for each person to gain entry, which is great for remote workers who only come into the office on weekdays or for contractors who need access to site during their work shifts.
Fob systems are also more secure than coded options. They include security features that prevent fob signals from being intercepted and copied, which can happen with codes. They also use pseudo-random sequences to create an unlock sequence that’s unique every time.
Additionally, if a fob is lost or stolen, it can be blocked immediately by the system. This is a big advantage over keys that can be easily replicated or shared. And it’s much easier for business owners to change the access codes and block fobs when employees leave or contractors end their work.
Easy to Replace
Today’s high-tech key fobs do much desfire ev2 more than unlock cars. They also serve as convenience devices, significant theft deterrents and even provide the owner with a rolling-code system for added security. However, this technology comes with a price – replacing a lost fob can cost hundreds of dollars or more depending on the vehicle and the brand of fob.
Fortunately, door key fobs are cheaper to replace than traditional keys and offer superior security in the form of a locking mechanism that’s difficult for thieves to copy. Furthermore, most fobs are easy to reprogram if they get lost or stolen, eliminating the cost and time-consuming process of changing out locks in commercial or residential settings.
In addition, door fobs allow managers to easily track who’s entering the building or office space. This is particularly helpful for rental homes and apartment buildings, where tenants come and go with regularity. Fobs make it easy to disable former tenant’s access to the building, preventing them from coming back to their old unit after their lease ends. Similarly, a door fob can be programmed to block access to specific rooms when employees change departments or shifts in responsibilities. This allows managers to restrict access to areas like the maintenance room, leasing offices and more. It’s important to note, however, that this type of technology is still vulnerable to hacking if not properly secured.