|
Hardware architecture
|
|
When we say “hardware architecture” we mean philosophy of data collection from the time recording and access control points. Actually, the term “data exchange” would be more
appropriate, since the flow of information is both ways.
The advantage of Time&Space over the most of competition comes from tight software-hardware integration allowing strong interaction and information feedback between the host and the user.
For example:
- When the user clocks in or out, the fresh hours balance is calculated in realtime and shown to the user.
- When the system administrator changes access rights, they are immediately updated at all access points.
- When the visitor checks in, his access rights are immediately updated to allow meeting with the host.
|
| DOX Controller
|
|
The central role is played by DOX Controller, intelligent and authonomous network device. It connects all access control and time recording peripherals like card readers,
door locks, time recording consoles, alarm sensors and alike. One DOX Controller can serve up to four access and time registration points (doors, entrances, barriers).
DOX Controllers also keep local copy of access rights, since they are typically not changed very often. More importantly, in case of communication dropouts,
DOX can continue working offline using locally stored data. Time recording transactions and access logs will be kept offline until the communication is restored.
Built-in DOX battery also ensures full authonomy in case of power failure. All that makes the system very robust on the local level, capable of surviving many hours and even days on its own.
DOX Controllers are connected to host using standard ethernet port. The connection is carried over any standard IP network medium including WiFi and VPN. A chain or
cluster of DOX Controllers can be connected using built-in industrial subnetwork interface, so that only one ethernet port is used for the whole chain. Typical situation where
this feature can spare a lot of cabling is office corridors with many access points. Moreover, industrial network segments can be bridged using wireless 802.15.4 link which can
provide another “life-saving” solution in some difficult cabling situations.
|
| Zone – Original Time Recording Concept
|
|
Vast majority of Time&Space systems are some combination of access control and time recording. There would be certain number of time recording points and usually a larger number
of access control points. Many points would be combined, having both access control and time recording features.
Instead of developing a complex time recording terminal with numerous access control features, we have developed time recording option for DOX Controller, a wall
mounted console with display and keypad for user dialogue. The device is called Zone and there are two models:
- Zone Touch with larger touchscreen
- Zone Button with 4 touch buttons and a smaller LCD
Both Zone consoles can be used with various external readers, from biometric, proximity, RFID smartcard, magstripe and similar. In case a more compact reader installation
is needed, both Z1T and Z1B can provide built-in reader solution:
- Zone Touch can accommodate a number of most popular reader technologies in its “double height” version
- Zone Button can have built-in HID iClass reader in its “reader” version
For pure time recording points without access control, a special Stand-Alone model of Zone Button (Z1B-SA) can be used.
That one has ethernet port with Power-Over-Ethernet and can be connected directly without DOX Controller.
|
|
|
