Key fobs are everywhere, providing quick access to apartments, offices, and even garages. These handy devices use RFID technology, or Radio Frequency Identification, to wirelessly unlock doors and gates. But what happens when you need an extra key fob? Understanding how key fobs work is the first step in knowing your options for copying a fob key.
RFID key fobs come in various forms, including cards and stickers, all functioning on the same principle. They are broadly categorized as active or passive. Active fobs have their own battery, giving them a longer range, often used for vehicles. Passive fobs, common in buildings, draw power from the reader itself when in proximity. This makes them smaller and lighter, ideal for everyday carry.
Passive RFID key fobs operate on different frequencies, mainly 125kHz, 134kHz, or 13.56MHz. These frequencies categorize them into legacy and modern systems, which directly impacts the ease and security of fob key copying.
Understanding Key Fob Copying and RFID Technology
Legacy systems, operating at 125kHz and 134kHz, are the older, less secure type. These systems use a simple serial number for access, making fob key copying relatively straightforward because there’s minimal encryption. Introduced in the 1980s, their security is now considered weak.
Modern systems use the 13.56MHz frequency and incorporate data encryption. This encryption is designed to secure communication and, crucially, to prevent unauthorized fob key copying and cloning. While more secure, the complexity and cost can sometimes deter property managers from upgrading to these systems.
If you’re looking to copy a fob key, knowing whether your system is legacy or modern is essential. Copying a fob key for a legacy system might be simpler, but it’s important to consider the security implications, especially in shared spaces. For modern, encrypted systems, fob key copying may be more challenging or require specialized services to ensure security is maintained.
