Net2 wireless access control - How does it work?

The PC requires at least one Net2Air bridge to communicate with a controller. This can be a Net2Air Ethernet bridge unit connected to the PC via a TCP/IP connection.

A Net2 wireless based access control unit connects to the central administration PC using Paxton proprietary and secure wireless technology (Net2Air). Net2 wireless control units can be mixed with other Net2 control units and so can be added to existing Net2 installations.

The Net2Air protocol is based on the standard known as IEEE 802.15.4. It operates at 2.4GHz and can co-exist with wireless LAN networks and other devices using this frequency.

Overview

Wireless security

Net2Air employs AES128 encryption technology to ensure that all communication remains secure.

The enrolment process for a wireless ACU is also secure as it is recognised that there could be issues if units installed within the building were able to be detected from outside the site.

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Enrolling a Net2 wireless ACU via a Net2Air bridge

To register a Net2Air bridge, you must first run the Net2 Server Configuration Utility and detect the bridge units.

To enrol a wireless ACU, it will need to bind to a single bridge. This term is used to denote the fixed relationship between a wireless ACU and its bridge. Present a user token that is in the database to the reader and the ACU will transmit this data out to a bridge.

If more than one bridge replies to the ACU, the unit checks the signal strength and selects the strongest bridge to communicate with. The Net2 PC then confirms that this user card is in the database and if so registers this Net2 wireless ACU/bridge as a binding.

It is very important for a reliable system that the devices are placed in the best position for wireless communication. The positioning of the door controllers will effect the number of bridges required. On commercial sites, a typical indoor range of 10 metres between a bridge and a controller is normal with a maximum of about 20 metres possible across open space.

A radio signal will vary, not only by distance from the bridge but also with the height above the floor or below the ceiling. Metal objects in the room, such as storage racking or metal desks, etc will also be a factor.

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With reference to the diagram, the unit should be located at a distance as shown within the Green area. Performance may be reduced with an increase in distance as shown by the Amber area. The unit should not be used at distances shown by the Red areas.

The best option may be to mix Net2 ACU styles using the hardwired data line system in complex corridor areas and a wireless unit in the more open locations (reception, warehouse, car parks, etc) where cabling is difficult or expensive to install.

See also:- AN1096 - How to plan a Net2 wireless installation < http://paxton.info/975 >

To ensure optimum performance, other wireless networks should avoid Wifi channels 11, 12 and 13 to reduce the possibility of interference.

Range

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