Description
Proximity badges operate on the principles of radio frequency identification (RFID) or near-field communication (NFC). At their core, they are tiny transmitters that send out a unique radio signal. When a person wearing a proximity badge approaches an access control point, such as a door or a turnstile outfitted with a compatible reader, the reader picks up this signal. This interaction happens within a short range, typically a few inches to a couple of feet, depending on the technology used.
The reader is then connected to a central access control system. Once it receives the signal from the badge, it quickly cross-references the badge’s unique identifier against a pre-programmed database. If the badge is authorized, the system sends a command to unlock the door or grant passage. This entire process occurs in a matter of seconds, allowing for a seamless entry experience. There’s no need for the user to fumble with keys, remember complex passwords, or even make physical contact with the access point.


The Advantages of Proximity Badges
Enhanced Security
Traditional lock-and-key systems are vulnerable to picking, key duplication, and lost keys falling into the wrong hands. Proximity badges, in contrast, use encrypted signals. Each badge has a distinct code that is difficult to replicate. Moreover, access can be remotely revoked in case a badge is lost or an employee leaves the organization. The central access control system also keeps a detailed log of every entry attempt, allowing security personnel to review and detect any suspicious activity. For example, if a badge is repeatedly used to try and gain access outside of normal working hours, it can trigger an alert.
Efficiency and Convenience
In busy workplaces, time is of the essence. Proximity badges enable employees to move through multiple access points quickly. Consider a large corporate campus with several buildings. Workers can simply walk up to the entrance, and with a quick flash of their badge, they’re inside. This not only saves time but also reduces the congestion that can occur when people are waiting to punch in codes or find the right key. Additionally, for those with disabilities or limited mobility, the contactless nature of these badges makes entry far easier than traditional methods.
Flexibility in Access Management
Administrators have a great deal of control over who can access what areas. Different levels of access can be assigned to individual badges. For instance, an intern might only have access to common areas and the department they’re working in, while a manager could have unrestricted access to all floors. This granular access management ensures that sensitive areas are only accessible to authorized personnel.
Applications of Proximity Badges
Corporate Offices
In modern office buildings, proximity badges are essential for managing the flow of employees, contractors, and visitors. They are used to control access to elevators, individual floors, meeting rooms, and even server rooms. This helps companies protect their intellectual property, client data, and physical assets.
Educational Institutions
Schools and universities use proximity badges to keep students, faculty, and staff safe. They can restrict access to dormitories, libraries, laboratories, and administrative offices. In the event of an emergency, the access control system can also quickly lock down all areas, preventing unauthorized entry.
Healthcare Facilities
Hospitals need to balance open access for patients and visitors with strict security for medical records, pharmaceuticals, and restricted patient care areas. Proximity badges allow healthcare workers to move around the facility swiftly while maintaining a high level of security.
The difference between ID card and HID card
ID cards generally refer to read-only low-frequency cards containing EM chips or other chips (also read and write), with a frequency of 125KHz (also 134.2KHz), and are widely used. ID low-frequency card reader is the most popular card reader on the market now, there are many transmission formats, and almost all of them are universal.
The HID low-frequency card is a card brand of the American HID company. It has not much relationship with the ID card, but it is also a kind of low-frequency card. It’s just that the serial number of the chip it leaves the factory is set and encrypted according to the region, so it has a custom format and cannot be used in common with other brands of card readers, that is, HID cards can only be used on HID card readers .
Some types of HID low-frequency cards
PROX-CARDⅡ: Often called 1326 thick card.
ISO-CARDⅡ: often called 1386 thin card.
DUO-CARDⅡ: Often called 1336 thin card with magnetic stripe.
MICRO-PROX signage: often referred to as 1391 signage card.
PROX-KEYⅡ: Often called 1346 key drop card.
PROX-CARD PLUS: often called 16X card.
HID card formats include 26-bit, HID37-bit, enterprise 1000 long format, OEM format