The ProxNet access control system consists of a ProxNet Controller and up to 254 ProxNet Readers all connected on an industry standard RS-485 twisted pair cable.
The intelligent ProxNet Readers have internal nonvolatile memory that stores tag holder information and transaction records. Each ProxNet Reader makes its own access decisions and results in a highly reliable system that is independent of connection to the ProxNet Controller.
The nonvolatile memory of both the ProxNet Reader and Controller ensures that data is retained even if there is total power failure.
The ProxNet Controller is used to configure the system, manage tag holders, and gather transactions. When the anti-pass-back or counters features are used the controller must be online to make the access decision.
The user can manage the system and print basic reports via the 12-key keypad on the controller. Enhanced management and reporting is available if a PC running Windows software is connected onto the RS-485 network.



System features at a glance

Maximum Readers 254
Maximum Holders 4000
Areas 64
Up Counters 65535 counts resetable to any value
Time zones 7
* Time Zone 8 switch to override all 7 other timezones
* Anti-Pass-Back - including timed anti-pass-back
* Up Counters - preset to any value - counts to max 65535
* Down Counters - start count programmable - access denied at zero
* Date / Time stamp on transactions
— Programable Tag validity period outside of which the tag is denied access
* Individual or Global door release from ProxNet Controller
* Last 4800 transactions stored in ProxNet Controller nonvolatile memory
* Reader buffer of 1800 transaction in the event of communications loss
* Evacuation function
* Alarm input at each ProxNet Reader
* Alarm relay on ProxNet Controller
* Individual strike and alarm times programmable
* Full access control (except for APB and counters) in the event of RS-485 or Controller failure
* Automatic reader address configuration during installation
* Controller has 16 character display and 12 digit keypad
* Programming secured by 2 Level password
* PC software for Windows 95/98/NT/2000 for management of the system and reporting
Access Levels
* Holders are assigned to one of 64 Access Levels.
* An Access Level is made up of a combination of any of the 8 time zones and 64 Areas.
* Time zones TZ1 - TZ7 are defined by a start time, stop time and valid days of the week.
* Time zone TZ8 is linked to the TZ8 switch input on the ProxNet Controller. Operation of this switch will bar all access except for those Holders set for TZ8 access.
* The access level tables are stored in the reader ensuring a secure system even if communications with the controller fail.
Anti-Pass-Back (APB)
If APB is implemented, a Holder will not be allowed access if their current area (stored in the controller) is the same as the area to which they are trying to gain access. This decision is made in the controller and if communications with the controller are lost, APB checks cannot be carried out until such time as communications are restored.
Three levels of APB can be implemented :
* Soft APB only checks when access movements are from a lower to a higher area (increasing area number) and ignore APB when moving from a higher to a lower area number.
* Hard APB checks all movements.
* Timed APB applies anti-passback for a defined period (e.g. 15 minutes) after the last movement.
Event Counters
Individual holders may be assigned an event counter which can be set to count up or down on each valid transaction.
The up counter may be reset to any value and will count up to a maximum count of 65535 after which the count will not increment. Access is still allowed after the maximum count is reached.
The down counter may be preset to any value up to 65535 and will decrease to zero after which the holder will be denied access.