Farpointe's long range reading solution protects Wiegand protocol from attack

Sunnyvale, Calif., USA - November 5, 2015 - Farpointe Data, a DORMA Group Company, the access control industry's trusted global partner for RFID solutions, today announced that access control integrators and end-users can help eliminate hacking of the Wiegand network by implementing its Ranger long range receivers installed in the locked security closet, with the electronic access control panels, out of harm's way. Wiegand is the industry standard protocol commonly used to communicate credential data from an access control card reader to an electronic access control panel. Wiegand itself is no longer considered inherently secure due to its obscure and non-standard nature, a fact unknown to many users, integrators and manufacturers.  Implementing Ranger removes the Wiegand network from harm's way.

Versus proximity/smart card readers, the 433 MHz receivers use either 2-button or 4-button transmitters to open two or four different doors per receiver from ranges up to 200 feet (61 m). Each button outputs transmitter data over separate Wiegand outputs, yet the receiver installs just like a Farpointe Pyramid Series proximity reader for easy integration with popular card access control systems.

"One of the biggest threats to hacking the Wiegand data lines are installs of proximity and smart card readers on the outside, unsecured sides of buildings," explains Scott Lindley, president of Farpointe Data. "Even if the reader is fully potted and secured with security screws, it could still be removed exposing the sensitive data lines to troublemakers."

With the Ranger receiver in the security closet, there would be no access readers installed at the door. Thus, no Wiegand data lines are ever exposed to the outside of the building. To enter the facility, the system user presses the appropriate button on the Ranger transmitter to gain access to any exterior entrance at a distance set by the user. The receiver, which is safely installed in the closet, will accept the signal and forward it to the access panel installed in the same closet, which will unlock the door. Meanwhile, traditional RFID access control readers could be used inside the facility.

Using standard 26-bit Wiegand protocol and featuring standard mounting holes, the WRR-22 and WRR-44 Ranger receivers are easy to use as "add-on" or "wire-in" units. With a custom Wiegand protocol, such as 32- or 36-bit, the long range system can be made even more secure to prevent credential duplication.  The MAXSecure option from Farpointe Data further raises the level of security, helping to ensure that the receivers will only collect data from this specific, single system's coded credentials. The CR2032 lithium cell battery is tested to exceed 500,000 presses.

In addition, the transmitters are secure multiple technology credentials. For long range applications, they utilize a proprietary encrypted rolling code algorithm. They support custom Wiegand security formats.  Private labeling is an option. For increased flexibility and user convenience, the transmitters also can contain a proximity or smart card module, allowing each unit to be used as a traditional presentation credential throughout the facility.

The new WRR-22 and WRR-44 433 MHz Ranger receivers and transmitters are for use globally and are available for shipment now.

"We'll be discussing this solution in depth with attendees at the ISC East Show at the Javits Center North in New York City November 18-19 in our booth #533," adds Lindley.