Not every door in a building needs the same access control arrangement.
Some entrances are best suited to a conventional wired reader and electronic lock. Other internal doors can be difficult or expensive to cable and may be better suited to a wireless lock.
Verkada allows hardwired and compatible wireless doors to be managed through the same cloud-based platform.
What Is Wired Access Control?
A wired access control system connects the door reader, electronic lock, door sensor and access controller using physical cabling.
It is commonly used for:
- Main building entrances
- External doors
- Frequently used staff entrances
- Vehicle or pedestrian gates
- High-security rooms
- Doors connected to fire and life-safety systems
Wired systems can support electric strikes, magnetic locks and other electronic locking hardware.
They are often the preferred choice for heavily used or higher-security access points, particularly where cabling can be installed during construction or refurbishment.
What Is Wireless Access Control?
A wireless access control lock combines more of the reader and locking equipment into the door itself.
This can reduce the need to install new data and control cabling to every access point.
Wireless locks may suit:
- Internal offices
- Classrooms
- Meeting rooms
- Storage cupboards
- Staff-only rooms
- Accommodation
- Existing buildings where cabling would be disruptive
- Large numbers of dispersed internal doors
Verkada’s AL54 wireless lock supports physical proximity cards, mobile NFC and Bluetooth Intent Unlock. It can be managed centrally through Verkada Command. kada also supports selected wireless locks from ASSA ABLOY, Schlage and SimonsVoss. Supported third-party locks can be managed alongside hardwired access points through the same platform. What Are the Benefits of Wireless Locks?
Wireless access control can help businesses:
- Secure doors that are difficult to cable
- Reduce disruption during installation
- Expand access control to more internal rooms
- Manage physical and mobile credentials centrally
- Avoid maintaining separate systems for different locks
- Introduce electronic access without extensive building work
However, wireless locks are not automatically suitable for every door.
Battery management, door usage, emergency requirements, building construction and the required locking response must all be considered.
Can Wired and Wireless Access Control Be Combined?
Yes. Many businesses will benefit from a mixed system.
For example, a school might use wired access control at its external entrances and wireless locks on internal classrooms or staff areas.
An office could use wired readers at the main entrance and wireless locks on meeting rooms, storage areas and individual suites.
Both types of door can then be managed through Verkada Command, giving authorised users a more consistent view of credentials, permissions and access events.
Wired vs Wireless Access Control – Which Is Right for Your Building?
Fastech will assess:
- The construction and condition of each door
- Whether the door is internal or external
- How often it is used
- Existing cabling and locking hardware
- Security and emergency requirements
- Installation disruption
- Ongoing maintenance
- Future expansion plans
As an authorised Verkada partner, we can design a system combining wired and wireless access control where this provides the most practical result.
Contact our team about the right access control setup for your doors.