What is a Proximity Card?
A proximity card, often called a prox card, is a contactless card designed to grant or restrict access to secured areas. It uses radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to communicate with card readers, allowing doors to unlock without physical contact. These cards are commonly used in offices, residential buildings, and industrial facilities to enhance security.
Proximity cards function by emitting a unique identifier when held near a compatible reader. The system checks this identifier against a database to grant or deny access. Unlike traditional keys, prox cards are harder to duplicate and offer a streamlined, user-friendly solution for access control.
In smart home and business security systems, proximity cards can integrate with alarm systems and video surveillance to provide an additional layer of security. For example, businesses can track employee entry and exit times, ensuring accountability and enhancing safety measures.
Prox cards are also popular in vacation rental automation, allowing property managers to issue temporary access to guests without needing physical key exchanges. This feature boosts convenience and security by restricting access to specific times.