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RFID / Proximity Cards
Proximity cards, or simply "prox cards," communicate through an
antenna similar to contactless smart cards except that they are
read-only devices that generally have a greater range of operation.
A RFID tag is a microchip embedded in a plastic card that is
attached to an antenna, which transmits unique information to a
reader device that can be anywhere from a few inches to several feet
away. The technology, that can be referred to as ‘contactless
chips’, ‘proximity’ or ‘RFID’ is used
in security access cards, E-ZPass automatic toll-paying devices and
other applications. |
Whereas the Contactless Smart cards only
operate from a few inches away from the reader, Proximity cards
range from allowable distances starting from around three inches all
the way up to twenty inches. Their range depends on the reader, but
is generally between the two extremes.
One of the greatest benefits of this card is
its inherent security. Forging a card like the Proximity card is
very difficult and it greatly minimizes security risks. Because of
their ability to store information permanently and the fact that
they can’t be re-written, forging them would be highly challenging.
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