Issue
Further explanation on the Mifare Reader and cards as it relates to I/NET Seven
Environment
- I/NET Seven
- Mifare readers and cards
Cause
At the present time, I/NET Seven can ONLY read the Proximity side of the card. I/NET does not support any of the read/write functions the Card Chip or the Reader Chip in the MIFARE mode can do.
If you want to utilize both the Proximity side of the card and the Smartcard chip, the only Schneider Electric Product that does this is the Andover Continuum product line.
Please note the Continuum product only has the read capability for the Smartcard chip and the Proximity chip. The Continuum product does not have the ability to write to the Smartcard chip.
Resolution
What is MIFARE?
MIFARE technology is a 13.56 MHz contactless technology that is owned by Philips Electronics. They do not make cards or readers, but they make and sell the card and reader chips on the open market. Card and reader manufacturers such as HID use this technology to create unique products for use by end-users.
MIFARE is often considered to be a "smart card" technology. This is based on the ability to read and write to the card. In reality, MIFARE is simply a memory card (as opposed to a processor card).
The MIFARE contactless smart card and MIFARE card reader/writer were originally developed to handle payment transactions for public transportation systems. With a short read-range, MIFARE was uniquely suited to perform increment/decrement functions. Although contact smart cards could also do the job, contactless readers are faster and easier to use, and there is virtually no maintenance on the readers, or wear and tear on the cards.
To date, the use of MIFARE for contactless access control applications has been limited. This is due to the short read-range when compared to the options available with proximity (125 kHz technology).
Why is HID offering a card with both HID proximity and MIFARE technology in one card?
Many HID customers are currently using HID proximity for access control. The customer now wishes to use MIFARE technology for cashless vending or transit. Since the customer only wants to carry one card, it makes good sense to have one card with both technologies.
Likewise, many customers are currently carrying a MIFARE card for cashless vending or transmit applications. This is highly likely outside of North America. The customer is now interested in implementing an access control system using proximity. Again, the multi-technology card allows for use of a single card with multiple applications.
