The access control market is on the verge of a technological revolution. As IP networking technology matures and computer processors attain new levels of performance and reliability, the industry is shifting from older technology based on hardware panels and proprietary protocols to new high-technology systems consisting of innovative software, PCs, and IP-enabled edge devices. This trend is simply a migration from controller-based access towards server- or host-based access control.

Historically, the hardware door controller has made all the access decisions. Due to poor computer performance and limited bandwidth, end users, integrators and manufacturers have been reluctant to entrust to a PC communicating over a network the task of granting cardholders access.

As such, the access control market has been hardware-driven with little or no perceived value added by software. Most access control system manufacturers offering software and hardware solutions tend to place little value on their software, while placing significant focus on the hardware.

As the market is moving from hardware-focused access control systems to IP-based systems, numerous benefits appear. These include centralized access control, more complex functionality handled by software, such as centralized anti-passback, people counting, alarm management, lower costs associated with hardware, easier software upgrades and customization, and access decisions based on more complete information, such as access and video analytics.

IP-based communication with IP door controllers also facilitates the setup process. IP-enabled devices can be automatically discovered and configured over an IP network. All an integrator has to do is install the IP door controller on a local area network (LAN). The device can be found using its IP address and then configured.

Conversely, legacy devices need to be hardwired and given serial addresses using PIN programming and hardware jumpers, resulting in lengthy setup processes for large systems of 50 doors or more.

Furthermore, software can be optimized to discover IP edge devices and further aid in the installation/setup process. IP access control systems offer simplified configuration and maintenance with features such as automatic unit discovery over IP, installation wizards, powerful search tools for locating entities, batch credential enrollment and extensive use of hierarchies.

The end-to-end IP architecture represents a true rebirth of access control technology. This revolution is similar to the one that has shaped and continues to shape the video surveillance industry, which is moving away from analog cameras and digital video recorders (DVRs) to IP cameras and PC-based archiving solutions.

By breaching existing limitations, this new approach to access control will provide far-reaching benefits for organizations that choose to adopt this technology.