Access cards are by far the most widely used RFID application today. The vast majority of these implementations use passive HF tags, which are well suited for access control due to their close proximity requirement and also proven reliability. In addition, a lot of these applications already leverage security just as HF systems do in payment processing and similar fields e.g. transit tickets or event access. However, these HF systems can be broken and there are several examples where the security of HF-based systems has been compromised.
 
We see a growing trend towards passive UHF applications due to a number of factors. One is the fact that UHF applications can be built just as secure as HF. Another is that close proximity is not always the best solution e.g. asset and personnel tracking along with access to areas inside of secure facilities often requires longer read ranges. At the same time, UHF applications can be limited in read range to accommodate the traditional door opening requirement that calls for proximity in the first place. The substantially lower cost of UHF tags and their universal applicability will also play a role over time e.g. an asset tracking system based on UHF technology and an access control system based on HF require two separate infrastructure investments. Given that asset theft can be detected at entry and exit locations using UHF for example, it would be inefficient to implement two systems in these locations. Rather, we believe that users will mandate a single, UHF-based system that allows for access control and asset tracking along with theft prevention. It is these and certainly other factors that will drive adoption for passive UHF-based access control applications.

 

Within all of these considerations it is important to keep in mind that any access control system, whether it combines with asset protection and similar applications or not, needs to be secured. The primary security issue has to do with the cloning of access control cards and RFID tags. This is a very well proven scenario and has been done in several instances. The Hummingbird HB-2 algorithm allows for the encryption of data and authentication of cards, tags and readers. By doing so it provides a secure system that leaves intruders out.