Access Control Glossary

The definitions referenced were/are obtained and collected from multiple sources including industry publications and YourSix trusted partners such as Axis Communications.

Access Control

The control of persons, vehicles, and materials by using security measures in a protected area.

Access Rules

When and how an identity can access a barrier. Within YourSixOS, an access rule is made up of 4 main components: barrier group, identity group, schedule, and authentication profile. These 4 components combined to create an access rule.

Access Schedules

Schedule to be used within an access rule which grants access during a set time.

Access Time

The number of seconds that a barrier shall be unlocked upon access.

Authentication

In access control technology, the process of confirming the correctness of a claimed identity.

Authorization Profile

The method used to authenticate an identity allowing for access or exit. Within YourSixOS there are 3 options: Card, Card+Pin, REX

Barrier

A controlled entry/exit point such as a door, turnstile, parking gate, or elevator (A door, gate, turnstile or something else that can be controlled)

Barrier Group

A group of barriers. Allows for simultaneous configuration of the barriers and for easy configuration of users access to a set of barriers.

Biometrics

In access control, the use of a person's physical characteristics, such as fingerprint or iris pattern, to authenticate identity.

Crash Bar

Also referred to as a push bar, is a door opening mechanism that enables a person to open a door by simply pushing a bar.

Credential

An item or aspect of a person's physical presence that grants an individual access.

Door Contact

Sensor that informs a system whether a door is open or closed.

Door Forced

When a barrier is forcibly opened without the use of a credential.

Door Held

When a barrier is opened with a credential but remains open beyond the designated time limit (Access Time).

Door Monitor Circuit

Open Circuit (N/C): called "Normally Closed" and thus would “alarm” when the circuit is opened.

Closed circuit (N/O): called "Normally Open" and thus would “alarm” when the circuit is closed.

Door Release

A button that unlocks the barrier allowing for a person to exit (push to exit).

Extended Access Time

The number of seconds that a barrier shall be unlocked upon access for those with extended access enabled.

Free Egress​

The ability to freely exit a facility.

Identity

An individual in the access control system, whom is in possession of a credential.

Identity Group

Group of identities. Used to give access to a set of barriers when creating an access rule.

Lockdown

Time during which movement within or access to an area is limited.

Maglock

A locking device that consists of an electromagnet and an armature plate.

N/C

Normally closed

N/O

Normally open

NFC

Near Field Communication is the technology that enables communication between two devices in close proximity.

OSDP

Similar to Weigand, OSDP is a communication protocol used between the controller and the reader. OSDP is a proprietary standard that provides enhanced cybersecurity compared to Weigand, as it supports 128-bit AES encryption. Additionally, it enables longer wiring distances and facilitates bidirectional communication between the reader and the controller.

OTL

(Open Too Long) When a barrier has remained open for an extended duration, triggering an alert. Can be standard OTL or extended OTL (extended amount of time before alarm is triggered)

PAC

Physical Access Control

Pre-Alarm Time

Number of seconds between barrier opening and the pre-alarm event. The option shall be disabled if no door monitor is present.

Relay State

Fail open: When something "fails open", it means that, when something unaccounted for occurs, such as power outage the barriers are open allowing for free movement within the facility.

Fail close: When something "fails closed", it means that, when something unaccounted for occurs, such as power outage the barriers remain closed allowing limited movement within the facility.

Relock Time

The number of seconds that the barrier shall be unlocked after it has been opened by a credential.

REX

(Request to exit) a button (door release) or sensor that alerts the system when someone is attempting to exit, triggering a relay that switches the door from locked to unlocked.

REX Configuration:
Active Low (N/O): Normally Open
Active High (N/C): Normally Closed

Tailgating

In access control, following an authorized individual into a secured area without gaining authorized access yourself.

Throughput

In access control, the rate at which people or vehicles pass through an access point.

Weigand

Similar to OSDP, Weigand is a communication protocol utilized between the controller and the reader. Weigand is an older profile known for its broad compatibility.

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