Practical applications of RFID access control systems.

Each frequency band in RFID devices has different applications. Applying the correct and appropriate RFID frequency will lead to high work efficiency and save unnecessary costs. Below are examples of the applications of each frequency band in real-world RFID access control applications.

1. LF - Kitchen Cabinets

Interior designers have incorporated RFID into their latest home kitchen designs by creating drawers and cabinets with access control. Wong designed these cabinets to prevent unauthorized access to potentially harmful items, such as knives and alcohol.

RFID readers can be installed directly inside the cabinet or fixed to the outside. Once installed, drawers and cabinets can only be opened if an LF RFID-enabled key card is touched to the reader. The automatic re-locking feature ensures that drawers and cabinets remain secure after use.

2. HF - Hotel Key Card

By using RFID in hotel room key cards, incorporating an HF RFID chip into the key card, hotels can manage room access and safekeeping. Additionally, hotel staff can monitor card usage to detect unusual activity and help recover items potentially left behind in the hotel safe.

By placing HF readers on hotel room doors and safes, guests can use their RFID-enabled cards for access. The door and safe readers are also networked to the hotel management's computer, allowing hotel staff to track instances of card misuse.

3. UHF - Car parking

UHF RFID was used to secure employee parking areas. Due to the large number of vehicles arriving and departing from MIBC, the center sought to install a system that was faster than their previous HF RFID access control system. With UHF RFID readers, vehicles did not have to stop to be scanned, making entry and exit more time-efficient and avoiding traffic congestion.

Each employee is issued a key card with an embedded UHF RFID tag. The internal chip contains a unique ID number and an encryption key. For vehicles to be allowed entry, the key card must be detected by a reader that emits the matching encryption key. Because UHF RFID typically has a large reading range, this encryption provides an additional layer of security and reduces the likelihood of rare hacking incidents.