Because many client networks already include Wi-Fi access points, the advantage of connecting the PCSC panels using this technology is obvious. Access panels can be placed anywhere there is Wi-Fi coverage, and the device can be programmed to act as an IP-addressed node on the network. Wi-Fi coverage can be tested using a Wi-Fi equipped laptop computer or a purpose-built Wi-Fi tester, and the PCSC products support all of the standard encryption protocols such as WEP, WPA, and WPA2. High security can be achieved using the 256-bit Rijndael AES protocol included in PCSC’s Wi-Fi controllers.
The Zigbee Pro PCSC option uses the 802.15.4 IEEE standard to provide potentially longer transmission distances with reduced power requirements compared with Wi-Fi connectivity. There are two primary advantages to using Zig-bee Pro. First, the devices can be configured to operate as a “mesh” network, so each controller can not only report its own communications, but also can pass through other controllers’ signals to the rest of the network. The second and most important benefit of Zigbee Pro is that it can be installed as a completely separate wireless network just to handle access control communications. This keeps client employees from using their network-connected desktop or laptop computers to accidentally or purposefully reach the Zigbee Pro equipped access panels, which is very possible when Wi-Fi or Ethernet connected access panels are placed on an enterprise network.