Higher intelligence
A collaboration between two security heavyweights has produced a new advanced access control system.
The TS0864 Hi-O to Challenger Gateway provides an interface between GE Security’s Challenger Intelligent Access Control system and Assa Abloy’s Highly Intelligent Opening (Hi-O) network.
Challenger
The Challenger system provides advanced access functionality and door control for more than 65,000 users per system. It can report alarms and access events to anywhere in the world via GE’s Forcefield management software.
Hi-O
The Hi-O system works on a smaller scale, using an encrypted common area network (CAN) to link intelligent readers, locks, openers and other devices. The system self-configures new devices on the CAN and provides an extensive range of information about the ongoing health of each product. Hi-O connects devices such as electric strikes, proximity readers and door openers through a four-wire cable, with two wires for power and two for data communication. When connected, the devices automatically exchange and share encrypted information as part of a Plug-and-Play network.
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With the introduction of the TS0864 Gateway, Hi-O technology brings to Challenger a lower overall maintenance cost of door environments by providing advanced diagnostic information. Rather than waiting for a fault to happen, devices can report specific information, predict the fault before it occurs, and send out system warnings to management software.
A TS0864 module is seen by the Challenger system as one of its 48 intelligent doors, and is programmed by the installer as such. Each of the Challenger’s 12 possible four-door controllers can have up to four TS0864 modules. The TS0864 module has a Hi-O CAN port by which it connects to a Hi-O door and other devices associated with the door. It also has a Wiegand port for connecting to a Wiegand reader, if desired.
With a simple connection, all Hi-O devices around a door are linked onto the Challenger Door Controller LAN, and Hi-O alarms are detected by the Forcefield management software. Non Hi-O devices such as Challenger remote arming stations can be terminated at the same location as Hi-O devices.
This connection provides the Hi-O door with the advanced access control functionality and reporting features of the Challenger system, and it provides the Challenger system with doors that are easily and securely installed, with less cabling, and with powerful health monitoring and diagnostic capabilities.
Maintenance of Hi-O devices is supported by built-in diagnostics in each device, rather than having a centralised, dedicated logic unit. Early reporting of out-of-tolerance conditions or failure of a device, together with details of the model number, serial number and other details, allows fast replacement of the affected device.
“Integration with access control systems is a major requirement for any electronic door solution,” Assa Abloy Australia’s Business Manager for Electronic Access Control, Michael Soderberg, said.
“GE are the first company to develop a Hi-O interface that integrates into a commercial alarm and access control system.”