Access Control Card Readers for Government and Military Facilities
The department of Defense, in compliance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12/HSP-12, began issuing Common Access Cards (CAC) in 2006 which replace the ID cards of all active duty military, selected Reserve personnel, DoD civilian employees and eligible defense contractors. Along with providing identification, these cards provide physical access to secure areas, computer networks and public key infrastructure. This card uses an embedded programmable computer chip to store identification, allow documents to be signed digitally, and through encryption, establish secure connections to the internet.
Common Access Cards Require Specialized Readers
TriStar Commercial, a local Austin security company, is one of the few providers of the new Physical Access Control Terminals. These terminals support contact and contactless smart cards (CAC); with or without PIN pad and SAM for indoor and outdoor usage can offer unique secure access control solutions for government and military facilities, campuses or corporate campuses.
Physical Access Control Terminals
Physical Access Control Terminals (PACT) are a versatile and cost effective solutions to secure access to business, healthcare and government campuses, buildings and garage entrances and secure areas of facilities. The terminals have multiple interfaces, which can include contact and contactless smart card interfaces, a combination of both technologies, as well as PIN pad and biometric reader capabilities. PACT is available in different configurations for indoor and outdoor usage. The terminal is 148 mm long, 84 mm wide and 46 mm high and fits into a single junction box.
The PACT concept allows the product to replace legacy systems while leveraging new and more secure token technologies without having to change the current infrastructure and wiring. Additionally, its flexible design enables it to be used for new installations that offer more modern communication mechanisms.
The PACT family supports all current and emerging international standards for access control systems. Wiegand (DO/D1), magnetic stripe (CLK/Data) and RS-485 communications are available and TCP-IP support is planned. Security options include an internal SAM and 3DES for card authentication (DESFire) as well as relay inputs for security level control.
PACT products support the Government Smart Card Interoperability Specification (GSC-IS) version 2.1 published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and also support or are consistent with guidelines from the Federal Identity Credentialing Committee (FICC), the Data Model Working Group under the Government Smart Card - Interagency Advisory Board (GSC-IAB) and the Physical Access Interagency Interoperability Working Group (PAIIWG) under the GSC-IAB.
PACT terminals support the latest drafts of the PAIIWG's Physical Access Control System - Smart Card Technical Guidance, including the emerging guidelines for the Federal Identification Credential Number (FIC-N) and the Card Holder Unique Identifier (CHUID). PACT terminals also support ISO 7816 Parts 1 to 4 for contact smart cards and ISO14443 Type A and B (13.56MHz) Parts 1 to 4 for contactless cards, with an operating distance of about one inch.
Software architecture for the PACT products is based on SCM Microsystems industry endorsed SmartOS middleware. A full Software Development Kit is provided that enables integrators to develop their own applications and differentiate themselves. Custom applications can be provided on request. The SDK together with the onboard flash are designed to provide a secure firmware upgrade in the field, and a seamless reconfiguration of the terminal to prevent obsolescence. Contact TriStar Commercial for a detailed review of your CAC access control needs.
