iAccess Controller
Rack Security & Access Control
The iAccess Controller is a 1U, rack-mountable device with dual power. It uses smart card technology to secure your racks. An internal web server lets you manage it easily from any standard browser. This setup boosts 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
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 the iAccess Controller?
The iAccess Controller is a 1U rack-mountable access control system designed to secure individual data centre cabinets and server racks. Using smart card authentication and network connectivity, it enables authorised personnel to access racks while maintaining a full audit trail of all entry activity.
How does the iAccess Controller improve data centre security?
The system controls physical access to both front and rear cabinet doors using any Wiegand smart card / biometric readers or remote management commands. Every access attempt — authorised or unauthorised — is logged, helping organisations protect critical IT infrastructure and maintain security compliance.
Can the iAccess Controller integrate with DCIM or BMS platforms?
Yes. The controller integrates with existing monitoring platforms such as DCIM, BMS, and NMS systems via SNMP. This enables centralised rack access management alongside environmental monitoring and power infrastructure within a single interface.
Does the iAccess Controller support remote management?
Yes. A built-in web server allows administrators to configure, monitor, and manage rack access remotely using any standard web browser. Access permissions and lock controls can also be managed through connected management platforms.
What type of authentication does the system use?
The iAccess Controller uses industry-standard Wiegand technology for secure authentication. This allows for the use of various smart card or biometric readers. Optional keypad interfaces allow PIN-based entry for additional access flexibility where required.
Can the iAccess Controller monitor environmental conditions?
Yes. The iAccess Controller supports two optional environmental sensors. Sensors are available to monitor temperature and humidity, carbon dioxide, particles or VFC. This allows organisations to combine physical rack security with environmental monitoring within the same system.
How are access events tracked and recorded?
The system generates a detailed SNMP audit trail recording:
- User access attempts
- Door open/close status
- Lock status changes
- Access method used (card, web interface, or management platform)
This provides complete visibility of who accessed each rack and when.
What alerts does the iAccess Controller provide?
The controller can send automated alerts via email or SNMP traps when:
- Cabinet doors are opened
- Unauthorised access attempts occur
- Environmental thresholds are exceeded
- Contact status changes are detected
This enables rapid response to potential security risks.
Is the iAccess Controller suitable for remote or edge IT locations?
Yes. Its compact 1U design and standalone operation make it ideal for remote IT rooms, edge data centres, and distributed rack deployments where centralised physical security is required.
What happens if one power supply fails?
The iAccess Controller includes dual power inputs. If one power source fails, the system continues operating to ensure uninterrupted rack security and monitoring.
Can the system control both front and rear cabinet doors?
Yes. The controller supports dual-door access, allowing independent monitoring and locking of both front and rear cabinet doors using compatible electronic handles or locking mechanisms.
Why is rack-level access control important in a data centre?
Rack-level access control helps organisations:
- Prevent unauthorised physical access
- Protect sensitive equipment and data
- Meet compliance requirements
- Track engineer activity
- Reduce insider security risks
It adds an essential physical security layer beyond perimeter access systems.
How many racks can one iAccess Controller manage?
Each iAccess Controller is designed to control two locking door handles. This in most case means you will need one iAccess Controller per rack you wish to secure.
Can lost or stolen access cards be disabled remotely?
Admin users can assign permissions through the built-in web interface. This allows you to easily manage users and credentials remotely. Alternatively, you can use SNMP via a DCIM platform like Sensorium.
Does iAccess work alongside environmental monitoring systems like iSensor?
Yes, iAccess complements iSensor. Although they are separate systems, they share a similar web interface. This makes switching between them easy. Both systems also support SNMP. As a result, you can manage them centrally using platforms like Sensorium DCIM.
Is installation possible in existing cabinets?
The iAccess controller is a standard 19-inch, 1RU device. Consequently, it fits easily into most server racks. When retrofitting existing racks, the controller supports the following connections:
- Two Wiegand card or biometric readers.
- Two 12V, VFC, or Solenoid cabinet locks.
If you need to change existing door handles, you can use the Southco H3-EM-67-200 Electronic Swinghandle. However, the cabinet must have a standard 25mm x 150mm handle cutout.