Often, cabling solutions for security integrators face constant challenges that demand innovative solutions. From voltage drops and operability issues to distance limitations and power concerns, finding a reliable and technologically advanced cabling solution infrastructure is critical—especially when integrating access control systems that include both new and aging components. One cabling manufacturer, Paige Datacom, has introduced a groundbreaking hybrid cabling solution that aims to address these challenges while offering flexibility for current and future security needs.
Why Choose A Hybrid Cabling Solution?
One key feature of a hybrid solution lies in its composite cable for the reader element, combining 2 LoCap 22awg pairs and 2 18awg conductors. This advanced design addresses the unique needs of both OSDP (Open Supervised Device Protocol) and Wiegand systems, offering security integrators a versatile cabling option.
For OSDP, which is recognized as the future of secure communication for access control systems, the hybrid solution dedicates one LoCap pair to data transmission (RS485) and the other to power. By upgrading the third pair to 18awg, this allows integrators to handle increased power requirements over longer distances, making it superior to traditional cabling methods.
Supporting Both Current Needs & Future Upgrades
One of the benefits of the hybrid solution is its flexibility in supporting both Wiegand and OSDP protocols. For customers requiring two readers for a badge in/out setup at a single door, the hybrid design enables each reader to use 1 pair of 22awg LoCap for communication, while the 18awg pair supplies power through daisy-chaining. This configuration accounts for both power needs and distance from the power source, ensuring reliability.
For those still relying on Wiegand, the hybrid solution provides a smooth transition path to OSDP. All 6 conductors of the composite cable can be connected, effectively future-proofing the setup. This means customers won’t need to rip out existing cables when they decide to upgrade to OSDP. OSDP is more secure and offers two-way communication between the reader and control panel. The infrastructure is already in place, ready for the next phase of their security system.
Addressing Power Demands Over Longer Distances
Beyond handling data transmission, manufacturer Paige Datacom’s Hybrid solution accommodates power requirements for OSDP readers over longer distances. With OSDP readers capable of operating beyond 500 feet, the cable has been upgraded to 16awg to ensure sufficient power transmission. This gives integrators more flexibility when designing systems, especially in larger installations where distance and power demands are critical.
Key Benefits of A Hybrid Cabling Solution:
- Versatility: Supports both OSDP and Wiegand protocols, allowing integrators to adapt to customer needs and budgets.
- Future-Proofing: Provides a seamless transition from Wiegand to OSDP, ensuring that customers won’t need to overhaul their cabling systems when upgrading security protocols.
- Enhanced Power Transmission: The 18awg and 16awg conductors allow for greater power over longer distances, reducing the risk of voltage drops and ensuring system reliability.
- Advanced Security: OSDP enables two-way communication, enhancing security by verifying commands and unlocking advanced system capabilities, unlike Wiegand’s one-way communication.
OSDP vs. Wiegand: The Future of Access Control
While Wiegand has been a longstanding communication standard, OSDP is becoming the go-to solution for modern access control systems. OSDP offers not only enhanced security through encrypted two-way communication but also allows organizations to future-proof their setups for advanced system capabilities. As cybersecurity concerns rise, having a scalable, secure, and adaptable infrastructure is crucial for ensuring long-term protection.
A hybrid OSDP and Wiegand cabling solution is a game-changer for security integrators, addressing key challenges such as voltage drops, power transmission, and future-proofing. With its ability to support both legacy systems and next-generation security protocols, a hybrid solution offers a robust, efficient, and secure option for any access control system installation. Whether upgrading to OSDP or maintaining a Wiegand-based system, integrators can confidently rely on a hybrid solution to meet their customers’ current and future needs. Contact Security Reps to learn more about hybrid cabling solutions.