Third generation access control systems are entering a new age, as part of the intelligent building revolution using technology based on internet protocol (IP), which offers the advantages of greater functionality, flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

The new-build property developments of the 21st century are increasingly demanding smarter security solutions that operate over information technology (IT) infrastructure using common protocols such as Ethernet IP communications.

Advances in the design of such systems now mean that this technology can be more cost-effective than comparable conventional analogue systems.

Third generation IP access control technology can be best used in two main areas:

• Ethernet card-reading technology.
• Linking access control systems to the IT system and associated databases.