The Technology Behind Barrier Gates: From RFID to Remote Control

A barrier gate plays a crucial role in the safety, security, and convenient access of vehicles in parking areas. Its presence alone hinders unauthorized entry and controls traffic flow.

However, with additional technology, a gate with a barrier gate operator maximizes security and safety potential tenfold.

What Is a Barrier Gate?

A barrier gate is placed at the entrance of a property for security purposes. This security gate grants access to both people and vehicles, allowing them to enter the premises when they are authorized to.

A barrier gate can be automated if combined with an access control system. It enhances security, safety, and privacy while ensuring that only those who have permission to enter can access the premises.

Different Forms of Barrier Gates

Barrier gates come in different types. Most of them are already automated with advanced technology features to boost security.

The most common form that we see in an automated gate is a boom barrier. Boom gates have a bar or pole that blocks a vehicle or person from passing through unless authorized to enter.

The tip of the barrier arm rises to a near-vertical position to allow entry. A boom gate is often found in parking lots.

Another type of barrier gate is the vertical lift gate. Instead of just a bar like you would see with a boom gate, vertical lift gates have actual gates that open up by being lifted from the ground. They roll up and down to deny or grant entry.

Vertical lift gates provide better security from unauthorized access, considering that they totally cover the entryway as opposed to just being a simple parking barrier arm.

Other forms of barrier gates commonly used in private and residential communities are bi-folding gates, swing gates, slide gates, and cantilever gates.

Technology Innovations for Accessing an Automatic Barrier Gate

A barrier gate not only serves as a road barrier for traffic control but also keeps the traffic lane clear from any vehicles that don’t have the right credentials for entry.

In these modern times, we have witnessed a surge in technological advancements across all industries. That said, the access control system used by barrier gates has also been revolutionized to involve the following technology:

RFID

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is one of the gate access control systems employed for barrier gates. The barrier gate operator uses radio frequency to either deny or grant access to the area.

Key cards or fobs emit radio waves to verify a person or vehicle’s credentials. A wireless communication between the reader and the RFID tag is sent to the control board for entry verification.

Ticket System

The ticket system is the most commonly used technology found in public parking facilities. When a vehicle enters a parking lot or garage, the driver gets a ticket by pressing a button. The barrier gate arm opens when the printed ticket is removed from its slot.

Tickets may have a QR code, unique barcode, or magnetic strip that records the time the vehicle entered. Upon exit, drivers pay at automated payment machines using cash or other payment methods.

Call Button

Call buttons work well in a telephone entry system or a similar set-up where visitors need to contact someone inside the building to grant them access.

Without someone inside granting entry, vehicles or people cannot enter the area. This strategy improves security, too, since it allows an actual person to approve or deny entry.

Emergency Vehicle Sirens

An automatic barrier gate can open for emergency vehicles when needed. Look for a gate operator that features siren registration so that it can distinguish the sound of sirens during an emergency.

This feature makes it easy for first responders to enter the area during emergencies since the gate will automatically open for them.

Remote Control

Remote controls can also be used to open and close a barrier gate arm. Controls that share the same frequency as the operating system easily provide access when needed.

Using a remote control saves time, too, since you can press the button even at a distance, allowing enough time for the gate opener to open properly prior to arrival.

PIN Code Reader

Using PIN codes may not be as popular as they were before, but there are still facilities that use them. Entering the correct PIN allows entry to the facility. A PIN code is efficient since there won’t be any lost cards or fobs. However, codes can be easily shared, and this can put security at risk.

App-Based System

Applications in mobile phones are also a tech advancement that many of us use nowadays. A registered mobile number may serve as the access credential used to enter the premises. Simply wave the phone in front of a scanner for the gate to open.

There are also other apps that you can use that allow you to park in specific places. Parking fees are also collected through the app since it automatically deducts payment from your registered credit card.

Technology Features of Modern Barrier Gates

A wide range of technological features has led to the improvement of modern barrier gates today. It makes both pedestrian traffic and vehicle traffic flow better.

Security Cameras

Adding security cameras helps improve security measures. They give you an all-knowing eye on the things that are happening within the vicinity. CCTV cameras also make access control easier since they can record and keep the data of people and vehicles that come and go.

Lights

Incorporating lights in a barrier gate system protects vehicles from becoming damaged. Lights are used to indicate whether a car can successfully pass through or not.

For example, a red light cautions drivers that the gate arm is still closed or is about to close. The driver should stop the vehicle to prevent the straight arm from crashing. If the light becomes green, it signals the driver to pass through the gate safely.

Sensors

Sensors such as loop sensors help detect vehicles passing through. These sensors prevent damage to the vehicle that can be caused when they close. Some sensors also can determine tailgating and prevent it from happening.

Breakaway Bolts

Cars may accidentally run into the barrier, and this causes damage to both the barrier arm and the vehicle. To minimize the damage, breakaway bolts can be installed.

These bolts secure the barrier arm but still allow it to move up and down when needed. When a car hits the arm, the bolt goes first and saves both the arm and the control mechanism. Replacing damaged bolts is easier and more cost-effective than repairing the arm itself.

Barrier Gate: A Wise Investment

Barrier gates are wise investments for commercial and business spaces. Automating the gate also adds to its prestige and the level of security it offers.

Are you looking for a reliable barrier gate operator? Look no further since All Security Equipment has everything you need.

Feel free to browse our selection of barrier gate operators and accessories. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our customer service team.