Electronic access control (EAC) uses computers to solve the limitations of mechanical locks and keys. A wide range of credentials can be used to replace mechanical keys. The electronic access control system grants access based on the credential presented. When access is granted, the door is unlocked for a predetermined time and the transaction is recorded. When access is refused, the door remains locked, and the attempted access is recorded. The system will also monitor the door and alarm if the door is forced open or held open too long after being unlocked.

When a credential is presented to a reader, the reader sends the credential’s information, usually a number, to a control panel, a highly reliable processor. The control panel compares the credential’s number to an access control list, grants or denies the presented request, and sends a transaction log to a database. When access is denied based on the access control list, the door remains locked. If there is a match between the credential and the access control list, the control panel operates a relay that in turn unlocks the door. The control panel also ignores a door open signal to prevent an alarm. Often the reader provides feedback, such as a flashing red LED for an access denied and a flashing green LED for an access granted.

The above description illustrates a single factor transaction. Credentials can be passed around, thus subverting the access control list. For example, Alice has access rights to the server room, but Bob does not. Alice either gives Bob her credential, or Bob takes it; he now has access to the server room. To prevent this, two-factor authentication can be used. In a two-factor transaction, the presented credential and a second factor are needed for access to be granted; another factor can be a PIN, a second credential, operator intervention, or a biometric input.

There are three types (factors) of authenticating information:

• something the user knows, e.g., a password, passphrase, or PIN
• something the user has, such as a smart card or a key fob
• something the user is, such as fingerprint, verified by biometric measurement

Passwords are a common means of verifying a user’s identity before access is given to information systems. In addition, the fourth factor of authentication is now recognized: someone you know, whereby another person who knows you can provide a human element of authentication in situations where systems have been set up to allow for such scenarios. For example, a user may have their password but have forgotten their smart card. In such a scenario, if the user is known to designated cohorts, the cohorts may provide their smart card and password, in combination with the extant factor of the user in question, and thus provide two factors for the user with the missing credential, giving three factors overall to allow access.

A fire alarm system warns people when smoke, fire, carbon monoxide, or other fire-related emergencies are detected. These alarms may be activated automatically from smoke detectors, and heat detectors or may also be activated via manual fire alarm activation devices such as manual call points or pull stations. Alarms can be either motorized bells or wall mountable sounders or horns. They can also be speaker strobes that sound an alarm, followed by a voice evacuation message which warns people inside the building not to use the elevators. Fire alarm sounders can be set to certain frequencies and different tones including low, medium, and high, depending on the country and manufacturer of the device. Most fire alarm systems in Europe sound like a siren with alternating frequencies. Fire alarm electronic devices are known as horns in the United States and Canada and can be either continuous or set to different codes. Fire alarm warning devices can also be set to different volume levels.

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Video analytics is a technology that processes a digital video signal using a special algorithm to perform a security-related function. … That is, they try to determine if an unwanted or suspicious behavior is occurring in the field of view of a video camera and the algorithm notifies the console operator of the finding.

An Internet Protocol camera, or IP camera, is a type of digital video camera that receives control data and sends image data via an IP network. They are commonly used for surveillance but unlike analog closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, they require no local recording device, only a local area network. Most IP cameras are webcams, but the term IP camera or netcam usually applies only to those that can be directly accessed over a network connection, usually used for surveillance.

CCTV is no longer just for security. Buying any of the CCTV packages is to help you improve customer relations with your customers. Due to the changes in the economic landscape, businesses are looking for ways of protecting their hard-earned profits.

How does cloud-based CCTV Work?

How does cloud-based video surveillance work and what are its advantages?

CCTV systems/footage can be based in the cloud. Cloud in this context, is just a remote server where the cameras’ footage is uploaded to.

It is likely that you already use the cloud in other elements of your life. Some cloud-based services you may use include Netflix, Spotify, and Google Drive. Storing your files digitally makes your life easier.

These services are popular because you don’t need to worry about storing your files or the content being deleted/corrupted and you have access to them anytime you have internet!

How can you get a Cloud-Based CCTV system?

There are two ways to adopt cloud-based CCTV:

1.) You could use a company that lets you buy their cameras, software, and cloud storage, altogether.

While this simplicity may initially sound attractive, this option comes with a lot of disadvantages.

For example, if you already own cameras you would likely need to buy new ones.

Once their cameras are installed you are tied to that specific provider (at least for the life of the product) and they will likely charge you a premium. Being tied into a specific provider will also hinder your ability to add or diminish other features as your requirements change.

2.) You can use cameras from established brands and find a separate cloud provider (like us!).

For this option, you can use professional IP cameras from brands like Hikvision, Uniview, Dahua, and more.

Then purchase a Cloud Adapter (a ‘magic’ adapter) which will automatically recognize cameras linked to your network and send the video straight to the cloud. If you would like to keep a local recorder as well you can do that too. All you’ll need then is a Collsam account and a cloud storage plan.

All your footage in one easily accessible and secure place!

Door access control is a matter of who, where, and when. An Access Control System determines who is allowed to enter or exit, where they are allowed to exit or enter, and when they are allowed to enter or exit