Modernizing access points is crucial for today’s flats, apartments, and gated communities. With various options available, such as telephone call boxes, video intercoms, and key fobs, understanding the best solution for your property is essential. This guide focuses on key fob systems for flats and residential buildings, explaining how they enhance security and integrate with other access control technologies.
Whether you’re a property owner, manager, or part of a homeowner association, this article provides vital information about key fob systems tailored for residential flats.
Understanding Key Fob Systems for Flats
A key fob system for flats is an electronic access control system utilizing key fobs as digital keys. These fobs grant authorized individuals entry to shared areas within a flat building or condominium complex.
Their utility extends to gated communities and residential campuses, managing access at vehicle entrances, pedestrian gates, and communal facilities like clubhouses or swimming pools.
Alt: A close-up of a key fob, a modern access control credential for flats and apartment buildings.
Typically, residents receive compact, quarter-sized key fobs, also known as key tags, designed for easy attachment to keyrings. Credit card-shaped key cards are an alternative, often seen in commercial settings or hotels. Residents simply “tap” their key tags on a proximity reader installed near building entrances and gates.
For increased convenience, longer-range, battery-powered key fobs can remotely activate doors and gates. RFID stickers offer another hands-free option, allowing vehicle entry to driveways and parking areas as the car approaches.
Key fobs are exceptionally beneficial for residential flats. A single fob can manage access across multiple entry points, including main entrances, mailrooms, resident lounges, and parking facilities.
Furthermore, key tags can be issued to building staff and regular delivery personnel, enabling them to perform maintenance or deliver packages securely without constant staffing at doors or gates.
How Key Fobs Enhance Access in Flats
Alt: A CDVI key fob used for electronic access control in residential flats.
Proximity readers at building entrances emit radio waves at common frequencies such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Near-Field Communication (NFC), and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). When a key fob is presented, it responds with a signal. The reader verifies this signal against a secure database. Upon successful authorization, the reader triggers a magnetic or electronic lock mechanism to unlock the door or gate.
Are Key Fobs a Secure Option for Flats?
Key fobs offer significant security advantages for flats, though they are not without limitations. Overall, they represent a secure access control solution that enhances the safety of residential buildings. Like any locking system, they are not entirely impenetrable, but provide a strong layer of security.
Security Advantages of Key Fobs:
- Detailed Access Logs: Each resident is assigned a unique key fob, and every entry is logged in a database, creating a comprehensive security record.
- Integration with Intercom Systems: Key fob systems can integrate with telephone call boxes or, ideally, video intercoms. This integration allows residents to visually verify visitors before granting entry, significantly improving building security.
- Remote Fob Deactivation: Key fobs can be deactivated remotely when a resident moves out or if a fob is lost or stolen. This immediate deactivation capability maintains building security without the need for physical lock changes.
Security Considerations for Key Fobs:
- Potential for Copying: Standard key fobs can be copied, which means they are not foolproof if ultra-high security is paramount.
- However, advanced key fob technologies like mobile device fobs, biometric fobs, and encrypted fobs offer greater security and are much harder to duplicate.
Exploring Different Types of Key Fobs for Flats
Passive vs. Active Key Fobs
Passive key fobs operate without requiring button presses. They activate when held in close proximity to the reader, typically by “tapping”. Active key fobs, powered by batteries, transmit signals over greater distances (up to 100 feet), similar to remote car keys. These require the user to press a button to initiate access.
Unencrypted vs. Encrypted Key Fobs
Encrypted key fobs utilize sophisticated communication protocols to transmit encrypted data between the fob and reader. This encryption makes unauthorized duplication extremely difficult, providing enhanced security.
RFID Car Tags
Comprehensive key fob systems for flats can include RFID car tags. These tags automatically trigger gates at driveways, community entrances, or parking garages, removing the need for drivers to manually present a fob. RFID stickers can be discreetly placed on the vehicle’s windshield or near the license plate.
Mobile Phone Integration
Modern key fob systems are increasingly compatible with smartphones. Utilizing “tap to pay” technology, residents can use their mobile phones as key fobs, eliminating the need to carry a separate fob. Mobile phones also offer strong encryption, making them a highly secure credential.
Biometric Key Fobs
Biometric fobs represent the highest level of security, incorporating fingerprint sensors for access control. Faster and more secure than traditional fobs, they rely on unique biometric signatures. Users must authenticate their fingerprint on the fob to gain entry. While generally more expensive, they are ideal for flats requiring maximum security.
Choosing the Right Key Fob System for Your Flats
Alt: Selection of various key fobs from different manufacturers for flat access systems.
When evaluating key fob systems for your flats, consider these key features:
Security Level of Key Fobs
Basic 125 kHz key fob systems are the most affordable due to their use of standard, unencrypted fobs. However, their ease of duplication means they offer lower security. For buildings with high-profile residents or heightened security needs, investing in encrypted systems is advisable. Consider systems using protocols like Desfire, 13.56 MHz, or Mifare for enhanced protection.
Key Fob Type Versatility
Many systems support multiple credential types, allowing you to select the best option for your residents. Choices include key tags, key cards, and mobile phone access. Vehicle stickers can also be integrated for parking and gate access.
System Integration Capabilities
Ensure the key fob system integrates seamlessly with existing security infrastructure, such as electronic door strikes, video intercoms, call boxes, and security cameras. If access control is needed at multiple points within the building (mailroom, gym, pool, etc.), verify system integration across all entry points.
Feature Set
Determine if the key fob system is part of a broader platform that includes other beneficial features for your building. These might include pin pad entry, intercom functionality, video capabilities, and remote management software.
System Cost
Basic key fob hardware can start from around $500 for a simple reader and credentials. Integrated systems, such as video intercoms with key fob readers, can range from $1,500 to $5,000. Installation costs are additional. Some systems require on-site hardware for software and databases, while cloud-based systems often involve a monthly subscription fee.
System Capacity
Confirm that the system can accommodate the number of current and future residents in your flat building.
Key Fob Software and Programming
For new installations, prioritize systems with cloud-based remote management software for system programming.
Older systems required on-site computers with cumbersome software to manage key fob databases. Adding or removing users necessitated physical access to this computer.
Modern cloud-based platforms allow building managers to manage the system remotely from any computer. This significantly reduces labor and time, particularly for managers overseeing multiple properties. Subscription fees for these platforms are often offset by reduced operational costs.
Leading Manufacturers of Key Fob Systems for Flats
Numerous manufacturers specialize in key fob systems for flats. Here are a few prominent examples:
Aiphone
A global leader in intercom systems, Aiphone is known for high-quality communication and security products. They offer a range of intercom solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial use, often including integrated access control features.
HID Global (part of ASSA ABLOY)
HID Global is a worldwide leader in smart cards, key fobs, and mobile access solutions. They provide scalable access control systems for diverse applications, including residential flats, offering advanced security options like biometric authentication. Their unencrypted passive key fobs are widely used.
Swiftlane
Swiftlane specializes in access control systems that integrate video intercoms with facial recognition technology. Their sleek, modern consoles are ideal for residential buildings of all sizes. They offer multiple entry methods, including key fobs, mobile phone tap access, and facial recognition.
DoorKing
DoorKing focuses on telephone call box entry systems, frequently used in large apartment complexes. Known for durability, DoorKing offers models with integrated key fob access, though without video capabilities.
Giesecke+Devrient (G+D)
G+D is a global technology company specializing in biometric key fobs. Their StarSign product line features key fobs with integrated fingerprint readers for enhanced security, crucial for high-security residential environments.
Installation of Key Fob Systems in Flats
Alt: An installer easily setting up a key fob access control system for a flat building.
While many companies manufacture key fob system components, installation is typically handled by third-party system integrators. DIY installation is generally not recommended unless your property has in-house staff with expertise in electrical engineering and security systems.
Access control systems require wiring for power and connection to door release mechanisms. Cloud-based systems also need internet connectivity. Integrating components from different manufacturers demands specialized knowledge, making professional installation advisable.
Hardware manufacturers can usually recommend experienced installation companies familiar with their products in your area.
Cost Considerations for Key Fob Systems in Flats
Alt: A graphic showing cost savings associated with key fob systems for flats.
A basic key fob system for a single entry point starts around $500, with a typical range closer to $1,000 for a reader and on-site database management. Cloud-based systems may lower upfront costs but introduce monthly service fees.
Integrated systems with video intercoms range from $1,500 to $5,000 per entry point. Additional doors without intercoms will be less expensive.
Credential costs also need to be factored in, ranging from $5 for basic unencrypted fobs to $50 for advanced encrypted or active fobs.
Professional installation fees are also variable depending on location and system complexity. Consult with system integrators or hardware providers for accurate cost estimates.
For a starting point on key fob system pricing, consider requesting a quote from Swiftlane.
Why Choose Swiftlane for Key Fob Access in Flats?
Alt: Swiftlane key fob and video intercom system, a modern access solution for flats.
- Swiftlane key fobs are integrated into a video intercom system, enabling residents to visually screen visitors and remotely unlock doors via their smartphones.
- Residents can also use facial recognition for door access, offering a keyless entry option in addition to key fobs.
- Key fobs can be temporarily loaned to guests for convenient access.
- Smartphones can be used as key fobs, eliminating the need for extra hardware.
- Building management benefits from a cloud-based platform for remote system control, user management, and permission adjustments.
Get a quote from us to learn more about Swiftlane’s key fob solutions for flats.
Frequently Asked Questions about Key Fobs for Flats
Can I program a key fob for my flat myself?
Building managers and owners generally CAN program key fobs once the system is installed. Installers provide the necessary software and hardware for system management, allowing for user additions, removals, and new fob assignments.
Residents typically CANNOT program their own fobs, as access to the management software is required.
Is it possible to copy a key fob for flats?
Copying or “cloning” a key fob is more complex than duplicating physical keys. It requires specialized RFID reader equipment, readily available online, along with software and technical knowledge. Online tutorials detail the process and equipment needed. Key card cloners are widely available on platforms like Amazon.
What type of signal do key fobs for flats use?
Key fobs use various radio wave standards for communication, including RFID, NFC, Bluetooth LE, and the older Wiegand protocol. These operate on safe, long-established frequencies with no demonstrated health risks.
What should I do if I lose my flat key fob?
If you lose your key fob, contact your building manager or owner immediately. They can deactivate the lost fob and issue a replacement.
Can I be tracked using my flat key fob?
Generally, no. Standard key fobs cannot be used to track individuals. They lack GPS, WiFi, or cellular connectivity and are only functional within the access control system’s range.
