What if every door in your building could recognize authorized users instantly—without keys, cards, or on-site servers? You can unlock doors from your smartphone, manage employee access across multiple sites, and receive instant alerts without bulky servers or complex wiring. This is the power of cloud-based access control, a modern alternative to traditional keycard and PIN systems.
Traditional systems rely on-site servers that need constant maintenance, while cloud-based access control stores everything such as user permissions, access logs and security settings, etc. in the cloud. This means businesses can manage security remotely, scale effortlessly, and integrate with other smart technologies.
Companies like DNAKE offer cloud-based access control terminals that make upgrading seamless for businesses of all sizes. In this guide, we’ll break down how cloud-based access control works, its key benefits, and why it’s becoming the go-to solution for modern security.
1. What is Cloud-Based Access Control?
Cloud-based access control is a modern security solution that utilizes the power of cloud technology to remotely manage and control access permissions. By storing data and managing user credentials and permissions in the cloud. The administrators can control door access from anywhere using a web dashboard or mobile app, eliminating the need for physical keys or on-site management.
How It Differs from Traditional Systems?
- No On-site Servers: Data is stored securely in the cloud, reducing hardware costs.
- Remote Management: Admins can grant or revoke access in real-time from any device.
- Automatic Updates: Software upgrades happen seamlessly without manual intervention.
Example: DNAKE’s cloud-based access control terminals allow businesses to manage multiple entry points from a single dashboard, making it ideal for offices, warehouses, and multi-tenant buildings.
2. Key Components of a Cloud-Based Access System
A cloud access control system consists of four main elements:
A. Cloud Software
The central nervous system of the setup is a web-based management platform accessible from any internet-connected device. DNAKE Cloud Platform exemplifies this with its intuitive dashboard that enables administrators to assign role-based permissions, monitor entries in real-time, and maintain detailed logs, all remotely. The system enables OTA firmware updates for maintenance-free operation and scales effortlessly across multiple sites.
B. Access Control Terminals (The Hardware)
Devices installed at entry points like doors, gates, turnstiles that communicate with the cloud. Options include card readers, biometric scanners, and mobile-enabled terminals.
C. User Credentials
- Mobile credentials, via mobile apps
- Keycards or fobs (still used but phasing out)
- Biometrics (fingerprint, facial recognition)
D. Internet
Ensures terminals stay connected to the cloud, via PoE, Wi-Fi, or cellular backup.
3. How Cloud-Based Access Control Works
Cloud-based access control removes the need for an onsite server and computing resources. The property manager or administrator can use cloud-based security to grant or deny access remotely, set up time limits for certain entries, create different access levels for users, and even receive alerts when someone is trying to gain unauthorized access. Let’s walk through a real-world example using DNAKE’s system:
A. Secure Authentication
When an employee taps their phone (Bluetooth/NFC), enters a PIN, or presents an encrypted MIFARE card at DNAKE's AC02C terminal, the system instantly verifies credentials. Unlike biometric systems, the AC02C focuses on mobile credentials and RFID cards for flexible, hardware-light security.
B. Intelligent Access Rules
The terminal instantly checks cloud-based permissions. For instance, in a multi-tenant building, the system might restrict a tenant’s access to their designated floor while allowing full building access for facility staff.
C. Real-Time Cloud Management
Security teams monitor all activity through a live dashboard, where they can:
Security teams monitor all activity through a live dashboard, where they can:
- Issue/revoke mobile credentials remotely
- Generate access reports by time, location, or user
4. Benefits of Cloud-Based Access Control
Cloud-based access control systems offer a range of benefits that enhance security, convenience, and cost-efficiency for organizations of all sizes. Let's delve deeper into each of these advantages:
A. Flexible Authentication
Authentication methods verify user identity in access control systems. Biometric methods use touchless technologies like face, fingerprint, or iris recognition, while mobile credentials utilize smartphones as entry badges. Cloud-based systems, such as DNAKE's, excel in non-biometric authentication, combining encrypted card authentication with mobile app credentials and centralized management. DNAKE's access control terminals support multi-mode entry, including NFC/RFID cards, PIN codes, BLE, QR codes, and mobile apps. They also enable remote door unlocking and temporary visitor access via time-limited QR codes, offering both convenience and security.
B. Remote Management
With a cloud-based access control system, the administrator can easily manage the security of their sites remotely, as well as quickly add or remove users from anywhere in the world.
C. Scalability
A cloud-based access control system is easily scalable. It is designed to meet the needs of businesses of any size, even if companies or landlords have multiple locations. It allows adding new doors or users without expensive hardware upgrades.
D. Cybersecurity
Cloud-based access control systems provide robust security through end-to-end encryption for all data transmission and storage, ensuring protection against unauthorized access. Take the DNAKE Access Control Terminal, for example, it supports MIFARE Plus® and MIFARE Classic® cards with AES-128 encryption, effectively defending against cloning and replay attacks. Combined with real-time monitoring and automated alerts, the systems deliver a comprehensive, proactive security solution for modern organizations.
E. Cost-Effective & Less Maintenance
Since these systems eliminate the need for on-site servers and reduce the dependency on IT maintenance, you can save on hardware, infrastructure, and personnel costs. Furthermore, with the ability to remotely manage and update your system, you can reduce the frequency of on-site visits, further cutting down on expenses.
Conclusion
As we have explored in this blog, cloud-based access control is revolutionizing the way businesses approach security. This technology not only provides flexibility and scalability but also ensures cutting-edge security measures are in place to protect your facilities. With solutions like DNAKE’s cloud-ready terminals, upgrading your access control system has become easier than ever before.
If you’re ready to take your security to the next level and modernize your access control system, explore DNAKE’s cloud access control systems today. With DNAKE’s cloud-based access control terminals and comprehensive security features, you can rest assured that your business is well-protected, while enjoying the flexibility and scalability that cloud technology has to offer. Contact our team to design your cloud transition strategy or explore DNAKE’s solutions to see the technology in action.
