| With more and more access control devices | | | | electrified devices may be out for this type of |
| residing on a network infrastructure it only seems | | | | solution or may require additional cable for power. |
| right that the next logical step is for edge access | | | | Magnetic locks also pose a problem for this type |
| control devices. You may ask what edge access | | | | of system. Magnetic locks have special building |
| control devices are. With an edge access control | | | | codes that regulate them. Mag-locks must release |
| device the control panel resides above the access | | | | in the event of a fire alarm. This means an NFPA |
| control door - on the secure side (at the "edge" | | | | approved device must cut power to the magnetic |
| not in a main control panel room). All of the door | | | | lock (i.e. must be a mechanical relay disconnect |
| components wire to this edge device; the electric | | | | not software driven). A second drawback is the |
| lock, the door contact, the request to exit, and | | | | cable length limitation. Doors now have to be |
| the reader. The edge control panels are powered | | | | within 330 feet of a network switch as opposed |
| over the PoE Ethernet cable. This same power will | | | | to the traditional 500 ft. for wiegand readers. This |
| also power the card reader, the electric strike, | | | | may be an important design feature to consider |
| and the request to exit. Edge devices typically | | | | when laying out the security system. |
| come in a single door or sometimes a two door | | | | THE CAUTIOUS |
| configuration, depending on the manufacturer. | | | | The best solution may be a mix of traditional |
| THE GOOD | | | | panels and PoE edge devices depending on your |
| Using PoE (Power over Ethernet) makes cabling to | | | | current layout. Make sure that you have |
| the door simple. Saving you both labor and cabling | | | | evaluated your choices and that the access |
| costs. Using network cabling such as CAT5e or | | | | control system you select can meet those needs. |
| CAT6 also provides some future proofing. | | | | Many manufacturers offer both a PoE and |
| Meaning that we don't know what the future will | | | | traditional panel solution within the same software |
| hold but installing network cable to a door instead | | | | platform. Making sure the system that you select |
| of legacy cable types will better allow you to | | | | meets your needs as well as national and local |
| grow with future technologies. Today security | | | | building codes. |
| industry innovation and technology is being driven | | | | Using new technology can sometimes be a risk. |
| by IT standardization and "Commercial Off The | | | | Before selecting a manufacturer and security |
| Shelf" (COTS) products. Looking at Ethernet | | | | company make sure that the product and |
| cabling for a security project may be the smart | | | | implementation of the system has been well laid |
| choice for the longevity of your security system. | | | | out and makes sense for your security application. |
| THE BAD | | | | Be diligent and do your homework and applying |
| When using Ethernet cable to the door there are | | | | this new system infrastructure to your security |
| some drawbacks. Door hardware selection is the | | | | system way work out well for you. |
| most critical. PoE has power limitations so some | | | | |