iSTAR Controllers Data Sheet - Software House - #2

features

Easy to setup with DHCP/DNS/WINS

iSTAR controllers support Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) to simplify installation. DHCP is a communications protocol that lets network administrators centrally manage and assign Internet Protocol (IP) addresses from a central point. When a device is plugged into a different place on the network, iSTAR sends a new IP address to the administrator. For easy setup, iSTAR controllers also support Domain Name System (DNS), which translates domain names into IP addresses, and Windows Internet Naming Service (WINS), a system that determines the IP address associated with a particular computer on the network.

Ensure Effective Communication with Clusters

iSTAR Pro controllers support Ethernet and RS-232 communication topologies and contain a PC Card Type II (PCMCIA) slot for additional types of communications. iSTAR eX contains two onboard Ethernet ports for communications. Communication is peer-to-peer, meaning that the controllers communicate with one another without the need for host intervention. A single connection from the host supports multiple controllers through a TCP/IP subnet.

Clusters are user-defined groups of up to 16 controllers and can be created to enhance security by separating a widely dispersed facility into different controlled areas. A cluster is led by a master controller which manages the primary communication between the host computer and the rest of the controllers within the cluster. The master controller communicates all event and cardholder data between the cluster and the OCURE 800/8000 and OCURE 9000 host. The other controllers in the cluster or "members" communicate through the master to the other controllers in the cluster to link events and control anti-passback in the area secured by this cluster of controllers. To ensure constant security, clusters also feature a secondary communication path in the event the master controller loses communication with the network.

Control Security Better with Global Anti-Passback

Global anti-passback is critical for ensuring uncompromised security. Using a cluster configuration as described above, the iSTAR controllers can easily share cardholder status and location. The controllers are then able to send an anti-passback violation notice to the OCURE 800/8000 system should a cardholder pass a card back to another person to use or if that same cardholder tries to access the same area more than once during a specified period. Similarly, tailgating, or following another cardholder into a secured area without presenting a separate badge, can easily be flagged.

Keypad Commands Provide the Ultimate in Flexibility

Used with C»CURE 800/8000, keypad commands provide a powerful way to activate events. These commands include anything from triggering a duress call and sounding an alarm, to locking and unlocking doors, directly from an RM reader keypad. Commands can be configured to require a card presentation and/or a PIN to validate the command.

Extended Card Numbers Enhance Security

iSTAR controllers support extended card numbers allowing you to comply with certain federal guidelines (such as FIPS 201) that require a Cardholder Unique Identifier (CHUID), which is comprised of multiple field lengths. In addition, iSTAR controllers support card numbers of up to 256 bits, eliminating the need for multiple facility codes, site codes, or offset in order to avoid card duplication. Longer card numbers offer greater protection against card duplication and are especially valuable to customers who require card numbers that exceed ten digits.

How Many Cards or What Kind - You Decide

Used with C»CURE 800/8000 and C»CURE 9000, ¡STAR controllers allow administrators to assign up to five cards per cardholder record rather than having to create a separate record for each card. Using this powerful feature, users can assign a PIN as one of the cards for a flexible and secure solution. This simplifies the management and maintenance of personnel records.

For additional flexibility, iSTAR controllers can support up to 128 card formats system-wide and ten card formats per reader, including smart cards. This expanded ability to use multiple card types (such as 26-bit, 37-bit, or Corporate 1000) at a single reader frees customers from having to consolidate or re-issue new cards.

Easily Test and Troubleshoot with Configuration Diagnostics

iSTAR controllers include a built-in suite of diagnostics to test and troubleshoot hardware components such as inputs, outputs, reader ports, last card read, PCMCIA cards, and battery charger state. In addition, via the Internet, you can retrieve real-time status and diagnostics of:

• controller time/boot time

• total/available memory

• connection status

• firmware and OS versions

• hardware (MAC) and IP addresses

• downloaded clearances and cardholders Plus, for easy installation and quick troubleshooting, iSTAR controllers include an LCD.