ONVIF releases Profile D for access control peripherals

Profile D is designed to provide ONVIF interoperability for peripheral devices such as locks, credential/biometric readers, PIN pads, ANPR cameras, door phones, sensors and displays. These types of peripherals commonly require specific integrations between products from different vendors to be able to incorporate them into an access control management platform.

“Users are increasingly looking to incorporate additional technologies into their access control systems for use in innovative ways, such as bar code reading cameras for visitor management or video door stations for intercom applications,” stated Patrik Björling, chair of the ONVIF Profile D Working Group. “Profile D provides a standardised way to satisfy this demand for interoperability, which can in turn drive additional opportunities for more use cases for peripheral devices.”

Using Profile D, a peripheral device, such as a wireless lock, can pass credential identifiers to a securely located Profile D-conformant client, such as an access control unit or management software. The client or controller, which stores access rules, schedules and credentials, can then take the access decision and send a command back to the peripheral device to either grant or deny access, display a message or request additional input such as a PIN code.

Enhancing security

Having sensitive information on a separate controller in a secured area enhances security. In point of fact, communications between the device and client are secured using ONVIF security protocols such as TLS.

The Profile D specification enables a conformant client to configure a conformant device with the necessary data such as which door and access point the device is responsible for, as well as configure a list of allowed or blocked credential identifiers in a device that supports this capability.

ONVIF Profile D complements Profile A and Profile C in enabling standardised communications in an IP-based electronic access control system. Profile D devices can also support video Profiles such as Profile T and Profile M to enable an integrated video and access control system using ONVIF interfaces. Such devices include a door phone that combines a reader and lock with audio/video intercom or an IP camera with a relay output connected to a lock that can be used by a security officer to visually identify a visitor and remotely unlock the door.