Application: Parking Garage Access Control
Quatech Products Used: ESE-100M eight port RS-232 Serial Device Servers

Parking garages are run using a combination of security systems to control access and POS systems to process payments. As these systems are typically located at a distance from any type of network or Internet connection, there are basically two options for implementation. The first, which can be expensive and potentially unreliable is via a completely wireless system. The second is by creating a wired connection between the devices in the system and a nearby network. Using Serial Device Servers is an economical and easy way to make this connection, because it does not require an actual PC workstation at the remote location in order to implement or monitor and service the devices.

The pictures and diagram below show different aspects of a Parking garage access control system. At the entrance to the garage, the driver has a choice of either taking a ticket from the machine or inserting a prepaid access card. In the former case, once the ticket is removed from the machine, a signal is sent to raise the control gate. In the latter case, the card reader transmits the card data to the remote server which either validates or rejects the card. If validated, then a signal is sent to raise the control gate. All of these serial devices are connected to the network via the Serial Device Server located in the Control Booth. Along with the external devices, a POS terminal for processing payment upon exit and a Debit Display monitor are also connected to the Serial Device Server. That SDS is connected via Ethernet to the closest network access point. The cables used to connect these devices can be run externally, or they can be embedded in the ground and tucked into walls during construction of the access gate.

This system not only makes connectivity simple, it provides the ability to remotely monitor the garage from any location. For instance, if a gate control malfunctions, a software problem can be fixed from any Internet location--a technician needn't go to the garage to make repairs. In addition, the number of people entering and leaving, the specific access cards used, average time spend in the garage, and a real-time total of receipts can all be remotely monitored.

Application: Building Access Control
Quatech Products Used: SSE-100D one port RS-232 Serial Device Server

Card readers are often used to control access to a building or a specific area of a building. These devices read an ID card, and grant access only when the card sends an approved code. These code tables are stored on a network server that must be queried every time someone attempts to use an access card. Rather than placing an entire PC workstation at the gate, using a wall mounted single port serial device server is an easy and inexpensive way to implement the system. The Card Scanner itself can be mounted on the front side of the wall and the SSE-100D on the back. The Scanner is connected to the SSE-100D via a serial cable run through the wall. The SSE-100D itself is hooked into the building's Ethernet Network and functions as if it were a native serial port on the access granting network server. When a card is swiped, the ID is transmitted through the SSE-100D to the server which either validates or rejects the code. Upon validation, the door is remotely opened (In fact, that access door could also be remotely controlled via a serial device server), if the card is rejected the scanner will flash a no access code.

Application: Building Security
Quatech Products Used: SSE-100D one port RS-232 Serial Device Server

Many buildings use a network of cameras for security monitoring. These cameras are placed throughout a complex, and signals from them are relayed to a monitor bank for viewing by security personnel. Using a single port serial device server is a fast, easy way to bring these cameras onto a network so that they can not only be viewed from the security booth, but from any Internet enabled computer with access to the network. A diagram of such a system is pictured below: