NEDAP-AEOS access control system: concentration of advantages.
NEDAP-AEOS access control system: concentration of advantages PROGRAMMABLE CONTROLLER
One of the unique features of the AEOS system is the ability to “behaviourally” program the operation of your controllers.
The server contains the necessary software components describing all possible system configurations, from passage through a standard door to special algorithms for checkpoints and gateways, including turnstiles; from simple monitoring of individual sensors to a full-fledged security alarm system and the creation of virtual scenarios of behavior during an alarm. The corresponding software components are downloaded from the server to the controllers on request.
What does this mean for you?
— The security policy you choose can be easily implemented in the system with minimal changes and costs, without headaches for your system administrator.
— The logic of the controller and the interaction between the controllers can be quickly and easily changed in accordance with the current wishes and requirements of users.
— The resulting functionality of the system does not directly depend on the selected hardware.
— Additional functionality with little or no installation costs. — You only pay for the functionality you actually use.
How do other manufacturers do this?
The behavior and functionality of the system is tightly coupled to the hardware you choose.
Even relatively small changes in functionality typically require hardware changes and thus additional installation costs.
PEER-TO-PEER COMMUNICATION BETWEEN CONTROLLERS
— In AEOS, controllers communicate directly with each other, rather than through a server. An input event in one controller can trigger an output action in another or more other controllers.
What does this mean for you?
— The ability to configure “intelligent behavior” at the lowest system level.
— Fast and reliable operation of the system, independent of the availability and response time of the server.
— Minimal load on your network.
How do other manufacturers do it? — They rely heavily on the server and are therefore dependent on the availability and response time of that server. — To increase speed and reduce system response time, intelligent settings are often limited to a single controller and/or require special cabling between system elements, which adds cost and complexity to installation.
WEB-MOBILITY
The AEOS user interface is built using web technologies.
What does this mean for you?
— Users are no longer tied to a specific workstation. Any PC-based device with a web browser can be used to access the system.
— You will not miss a single message from the system, even when you are outside the building, since the new generation of mobile phones and laptops allows you to stay in touch anytime, anywhere.
— Another unique feature is that the system allows any employee of the company to register visitors. With a competent access policy to the system, this will reduce the workload of receptionists. A company employee loads the necessary web interface, which allows registering a visitor (for example, via the corporate intranet). Information about the visitor is then logically linked to the employee who registered him or her, including any powers he or she may have. After this, the visitor simply needs to get a pass at the reception. If necessary, the employee who authorized the user will be automatically informed of the registration via e-mail or SMS.
— No need to install client software. No conflict of software versions. All users work on the same software version (distributed software principle).
— Optimization of the benefits of using existing and future developments in embedded and (distributed) wireless networking technologies.
How do other manufacturers do this?
— At trade shows, they try to demonstrate systems that have access to a limited part of their software via an additional external web server, usually using a database mirror that is linked to the real database via ODBC.
AEOS USES YOUR EXISTING NETWORK (TCP/IP)
Communication between controllers and with the server is based on IP technology.
What does this mean for you?
— Optimizing the return on your investment in existing networks.
— No additional costs for laying specialized cables for the security system.
— Flexibility: the required functionality can be provided wherever there is a network.
How do other manufacturers do this? — They try to use IP technology to connect their existing controllers to the network. — The solutions currently available usually use Lantronix modules or embedded Lantronix chips to connect the controllers to the network.
The main difference compared to AEOS is that the Lantronix solution is only suitable for communication between the controller and the server and does not implement direct communication between controllers (see also Peer-to-peer communication between controllers).
Disadvantages:
— It is not secure.
— This significantly increases the network load.
— This cannot be managed by the IT department.
VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORK (VPN), SECURE SOCKET LAYER (SSL), SECURITY ACCOUNT MANAGER (SAM).
All data transmitted in the system is protected using VPN connections and the SSL protocol. VPN in combination with SSL is generally considered the most secure method for data transmission in IP networks. Also, the AEOS central controller (AEpu) can have a built-in SAM module.
What does this mean for you?
— Reliable and proven communications security directly from the world of networking technologies. Common industry standards.
— Improvements and new technologies are constantly available, which appear with the development of networking standards.
— The SAM module prevents unauthorized users from accessing the controllers or software. The SAM module can be supplied with keys that users can use at their own discretion.
How do other manufacturers do this?
— They either have no protection at all, or they use a unique key system to protect messages.
— Currently, no vendor offers a SAM module (the highest level of security).
A VARIETY OF IDENTIFICATION TECHNOLOGIES IN ONE SYSTEM AEOS ALLOWS YOU TO SUPPORT A VARIETY OF IDENTIFICATION DEVICES (INCLUDING DIFFERENT TYPES OF CARD READERS) IN ONE SYSTEM.
What does this mean for you?
— Readers and cards used in existing systems can be integrated into AEOS without any problems. This means huge savings in cost and time.
— For example, you can provide staff with convenient contactless badges, and use inexpensive barcode cards to identify visitors.
How do other vendors do this?
— They suggest deciding on the identification technology at the stage of purchasing the system.
Published in the magazine “Protection Technologies” No. 2?2009