iAccess Controller
Rack Security & Rack Access Control
The iAccess Controller provides enhanced rack security and rack access control.
It is a 1U, rack-mountable device with dual power. It uses wiegand smart card technology to secure your racks. An internal web server lets you manage it easily from any standard browser. This setup boosts rack security and access control in data centres and remote IT rooms.
Alternatively, connect the controller to your existing data centre management platform. It integrates with NMS, BMS, or DCIM systems using SNMP. This creates a centralised access control system and provides a full SNMP audit trail.
Learn more about Rack Access Control by reading our Complete Guide to Data Centre Rack Access Control. Alternatively watch our short video on iAccess.
Product Overview
What is the iAccess Controller?
iAccess is a compact, dual-powered, 1U rack-mounted solution engineered specifically for data centres and remote IT environments. Delivering secure entry management to server racks. It uses Wiegand smart card technology to secure entry via front and rear locking door handles. Moreover, its built-in web server and SNMP support enable seamless incorporation into your central network monitoring.
Key Advantages
Secure Dual-Door Access
The controller securely manages entry to server racks. Authorised users can open doors with smart cards using the integrated Wiegand reader. Alternatively, you can also unlock doors remotely through the built-in web server or a remote management platform (like NMS, BMS, DCIM) via SNMP and Voltage Free Contacts.
ADS recommended compatible reader/handles include:
- Southco H3-EM-67 swing handles
- Dirak MLR2500
- TZ Slidehandle
Environmental Monitoring Integration
The unit monitors cabinet temperature and humidity using two optional iSensor sensors. Where greater environmental monitoring is needed, the iSensor controller offers up to 24 temperature/humidity sensors. It also supports optional particle, carbon dioxide and dry contact sensors.
User Interface Options
The optional LCD Keypad controller fits around standard iAccess cabinet door handles. It offers keycode entry and shows the door’s status (locked/unlocked). If you install iSensorPlus sensors, it also displays environmental monitoring data.
It equips on-site personnel with both operational control and comprehensive insight.
Building Management System (BMS) Integration
Both iAccess and iSensor are standalone solutions. iAccess handles access control, while iSensor focuses on environmental monitoring. Their web servers share the same software interface, making them familiar to use. You can integrate both into any SNMP-enabled remote management platform, such as BMS, DCIM, or Sensorium, for centralised management.
In Sensorium, the rack layout displays data from both iAccess and iSensor. It also shows information from other SNMP-enabled rack equipment, like PDUs. All data appears on one convenient screen.
Remote Monitoring, Alerting & Audit Trail
You can monitor and configure iAccess using its internal web server or via SNMP registers. It sends email alerts via SMTP. These emails notify you when thresholds are breached or contact status changes.
Integrated into a remote management platform, it provides detailed SNMP trap information. It reports lock and door status (locked/unlocked, open/closed). It also logs whether access was authorised or not. Furthermore, it records the access method: card reader, web server, or SNMP management system. This creates a complete historical audit trail via SNMP. You will know who accessed each cabinet and when.
Why Choose iAccess?
Choosing iAccess delivers formidable physical security and environmental insight in one compact, rack-mountable solution. Enjoy peace of mind with meticulous audit logs, flexible access control, and network integration. It’s the intelligent choice for reliable security across data centres and distributed IT cabinets alike.
Discover how iAccess helped a UK university secure 200 distributed racks.
Features & Benefits
Core Security Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Secure Dual-Door Access | Connections for two Wiegand-enabled card reader locks (not supplied) to secure the front and back of the cabinet. Access can be granted via a security card, remote control or key. |
| BMS Integration | Easily link the lock system to your Building Management System (BMS). Isolated contacts provide immediate door status and lock control inputs. |
| Web & SNMP Monitoring | Monitor or configure the iAccess Controller over your network. Use a web browser or standard SNMP registers. |
| Instant Email Alerts | Get immediate SMTP email notifications. The system sends alerts when environmental thresholds are breached or contact status changes. |
| Immediate SNMP Traps | The system sends out SNMP Traps instantly. Traps alert you to breached thresholds or contact status changes. |
| Full Access Audit Trail | Integrate iAccess with your management platform (NMS/BMS/DCIM). It creates a complete SNMP audit log. Track every authorized and unauthorized access attempt. |
Performance Enhancements (Optional)
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Environmental Monitoring (iSensor) | Add two optional iSensors. These sensors actively monitor cabinet temperature and humidity. |
| Optional LCD Keypad | Install the optional LCD keypad for PIN entry. It shows the current lock status. If you use iSensors, the screen also displays environmental data. |
Specification
- Connections for 2 x Cabinet door Wiegand card readers.
- Connections for 2x 12v/VFC/Solenoid cabinet locks.
- 2x Ports for environmental monitoring sensors.
- Optional Sensors include: Temperature/Humidity, Particle, CO2 and VFC.
- BMS Integration via isolated lock/door status Volt Free Contacts and lock control inputs.
- Network 10/100Mbps full duplex (Auto).
- Configuration/monitoring options – Internal website (HTTP / HTTPS) and SNMP.
- Power – Dual 240V IEC C13 (Max 0.5A).
- LED – Power supply (A & B), Ethernet.
- Dimensions – 1RU x 155mm depth.
- Weight – 1.2Kg
ADS recommended compatible reader/handles include:
- Southco H3-EM-67 swing handles
- Dirak MLR2500
- TZ Slidehandle
If you are utilising different Wiegand reader/handle door lock configurations, ADS will generate bespoke harnesses as part of the solution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is rack access control?
Rack access control is a physical security system that restricts and monitors access to individual server racks within a data centre. It typically uses technologies such as smart cards, keypads, or biometric authentication to ensure that only authorised personnel can open specific cabinets.
Why is rack access control important in a data centre?
Rack access control is important because it provides an additional layer of security beyond perimeter controls. Even if someone gains entry to a data centre, rack-level security ensures they can only access authorised equipment, reducing the risk of data breaches, accidental damage, or insider threats.
How does rack access control differ from data centre access control?
Data centre access control typically secures the building or room, while rack access control operates at a much more granular level. It allows organisations to control access to individual cabinets, making it ideal for colocation environments or shared IT spaces where multiple users access different equipment.
What are the benefits of rack-level access control?
Rack-level access control improves security, accountability, and compliance. It provides detailed audit logs, reduces the risk of unauthorised access, and enables organisations to assign permissions at an individual rack level. This is especially valuable in regulated industries or multi-tenant data centres.
How does the iAccess Controller improve data centre security?
The iAccess Controller enhances physical security by restricting access to authorised users only. It supports smart card authentication, remote locking/unlocking, and provides a full audit trail of all access events, helping organisations track who accessed equipment and when.
Can the iAccess Controller integrate with DCIM, BMS, or NMS systems?
Yes, the iAccess Controller integrates seamlessly with DCIM, BMS, and NMS platforms using SNMP. This enables centralised monitoring, control, and reporting across your entire infrastructure.
What authentication methods does the iAccess Controller support?
The system primarily uses Wiegand-enabled devices. These include smart card readers and biometric scanners. As a result, the system maintains high security access control for all users. It can also support remote access via a web interface and optional keypad entry for PIN-based authentication.
Does the iAccess Controller provide an audit trail?
Yes, the controller logs all access events, including authorised and unauthorised attempts. When integrated with management platforms, it creates a detailed SNMP audit trail for compliance and security reporting.
Can the iAccess Controller monitor environmental conditions?
Yes, with optional sensors, the iAccess Controller can monitor temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors such as particle levels and CO₂, helping maintain optimal data centre conditions.
Is the iAccess Controller suitable for remote or edge locations?
Absolutely. The controller is designed for both central data centres and remote IT environments. Its built-in web server allows administrators to manage access and monitor systems from anywhere.
How is the iAccess Controller installed?
The unit is a 1U rack-mounted device that installs directly into standard server cabinets. It connects to door locks, card readers, and optional sensors using standard cabling, making deployment straightforward.
What alerts and notifications does the iAccess Controller provide?
The system can send real-time alerts via email (SMTP) or SNMP traps when access events occur or environmental thresholds are exceeded, enabling rapid response to potential issues.
Why is rack-level access control important in a data centre?
Rack-level access control ensures that only authorised personnel can access specific equipment, reducing the risk of accidental or malicious interference and improving compliance with security standards.