How Does a Door Key Fob Work?
A key fob works similar to traditional keys except you don’t need to tap them against a sensor. Instead, it transmits a frequency that the system recognizes and grants you access.
Fobs can also help you roll down your windows, a handy feature for those who park their cars in tight spaces. Some even let you summon your car like Tesla’s.
Ease of Use
With traditional keys, you need to hand out physical credentials that must be registered and deactivated if an employee or tenant leaves your organization. This process can eat up valuable time for managers that are already stretched Door Key Fob thin. Fobs eliminate the need for this process and allow admins to revoke access immediately.
Fobs are also a safe and convenient alternative to traditional metal keys. They are more difficult to copy than traditional keys and don’t require a special key cutting machine to operate. They also leave a digital footprint that can be used to track activity and identify unauthorized entry, providing better security than traditional locks.
A fob works the same way as a proximity card and is activated by radio frequency waves that are emitted when it’s within close range of a door reader. This information is used to confirm if the holder has an authorized entry clearance and unlocks the door.
Fobs are especially useful for businesses with sensitive areas like warehouses that house inventory or manufacturing equipment. With fobs, it’s easier to restrict access to specific locations for certain types of employees. This allows managers to manage a workforce that may shift between projects or to monitor employee mobility during their designated work hours. Fobs can also be programmed to cancel entry for a former employee or tenant so that they can’t enter the building again.
Ease of Installation
A key fob system is a convenient alternative to locking commercial buildings with traditional keys. Key fobs are not only easier to use, but they offer added security benefits. They are not easily duplicated, making them more secure than a traditional key and allowing admins to accurately monitor who uses the system.
Fobs are also small enough to be easily carried and used, which makes them convenient for both tenants and staff to access their workspace. Fobs can be configured with unique credentials for each user, limiting the ability of people to share credentials or to expose security vulnerabilities. They are also easy to reprogram, saving managers time and eliminating the need to hand out new cards or fobs to staff or tenants.
Modern fobs work through radio frequency identification, or RFID, a form of smart barcode that communicates with the reader through electromagnetic fields. When a fob is presented to the reader, the RFID reads its microchip and sends a signal to the system. The signal tells the system whether or not the fob is valid and allows it to unlock the door.
Fob systems are particularly suited to apartment complexes and gated communities. Residents can be given a key fob to access common areas, like the main gate or community pool. They can also be programmed to open doors in individual apartments, which is convenient for renters who hire cleaning crews, dog walkers or babysitters. Fobs can even be connected to surveillance cameras to provide an additional layer of security.
Ease of Maintenance
Fob systems eliminate the need for a heavy ring of metal keys. Instead, the fob has a small electronic chip inside that authenticates it and grants access to a building when presented in close proximity to an entry reader. Fobs are also often smaller and easier to carry.
Fobs are also more secure than physical keys. They can’t be copied in the same way as a traditional key and are much harder to break into a lock. Fobs can also be linked to other security systems to create a trail of who enters and exits a building and when.
Some key fobs also allow users to unlock vehicles by presenting them to the car’s dashboard or console. These devices require batteries, however, and will need to be replaced periodically. Some have a cover that allows for easy removal and replacement of the battery, while others may need a special tool or a trip to the dealership in order to replace it. Additionally, the location where the key fob is stored could have a large impact on its battery life. For instance, storing the key fob on a car’s dashboard can cause it to drain faster. This can be prevented by not storing the key fob on the dashboard and keeping it away from magnets and other electronic devices that can affect its function.
Ease of Replacement
Most key fobs use a technique known as RFID, or radio-frequency identification. When you hold or wave the fob Door Key Fob over a sensor at your apartment door, it transmits a number that matches an entry code in the building’s central computer system. If there’s a match, your apartment door will unlock.
If you lose your key fob, or need a spare for a family member or friend, you might be able to save money by buying a replacement at an online fob-copying service. These services typically clone 125khz key fobs, which are the kind most commonly used to gain access to apartments and offices.
Many car dealers can also replace your key fob, but you may pay more. Dealers often sell replacement fobs at a premium because they must invest in the expensive programming equipment required to work with newer models, says Genesky.
Some manufacturers, such as Audi and Subaru, require customers to go to the dealership when they need a replacement fob. But if you own an older car, you might be able to buy a compatible aftermarket fob and program it yourself for less. The process can vary depending on the make and model of your car, and instructions are generally provided in the owner’s manual. You can also find online tutorials and videos from users on YouTube to help you through the process.
