Access control systems have become an integral part of modern security infrastructure, with HID access control cards playing a pivotal role in regulating entry to buildings, offices, and restricted areas. These cards, small yet powerful, carry the weight of an organization’s physical security on their thin plastic frames. But not all cards are created equal. The format of an HID card—the way data is encoded and structured within it—can significantly impact its security level, compatibility, and overall effectiveness in an access control system.
From the ubiquitous 26-bit format to the more specialized Corporate 1000 options, the variety of HID card formats can be overwhelming for security managers and system integrators alike. Each format offers a unique balance of security features, scalability, and ease of implementation. Understanding these differences is crucial for organizations looking to enhance their security posture or upgrade their existing access control infrastructure.
Table of Contents
Standard Formats
26-Bit Format
The 26-bit format, also known as H10301, is the most widely adopted HID card format in the access control industry. Its popularity stems from its universal compatibility and straightforward structure. Key features of this format include:
- An open-format accessible to all manufacturers and users
- 255 possible facility codes (ranging from 1 to 255)
- 65,535 unique card numbers per facility code
- A total of 16,711,425 possible unique card combinations
The 26-bit format’s widespread adoption ensures compatibility with a vast array of access control hardware, making it a versatile choice for many organizations. However, its openness also means it offers lower security compared to proprietary formats.
Read More Article: What is the Difference Between 26 Bit and 34 Bit Proximity Cards
HID 37 Bit Proximity Cards
The HID 37 bit proximity cards format represents a step up in security and flexibility from the standard 26-bit cards. There are two main variants of the 37-bit format:
Managed 37-Bit (H10302):
The Managed 37-bit format (H10302) is particularly beneficial for organizations that operate across multiple locations or have a large number of cardholders. By eliminating the facility code, this format allows for a greater number of unique card numbers, reducing the risk of accidental duplication when issuing cards across different sites or departments.
- Eliminates the need for facility codes
- HID manages number generation for each order
- Available to any provider or partner
Proprietary 37-Bit (H10304):
The Proprietary 37-Bit format (H10304) provides an additional layer of security by restricting access to the format. This exclusivity makes it an attractive option for organizations that require a higher level of control over their access cards and want to minimize the risk of unauthorized duplication.
- Uses reserved facility codes managed by HID
- Ideal for partners seeking a unique format
- Exclusive ordering through specific partners
High-Security Formats
Corporate 1000 (C1K):
The Corporate 1000 format provides a higher level of security and is customized for each end-user organization. It comes in two generations:
First Generation (H5XXXX):
- 35-bit format
- Over 1,000,000 available credential numbers
Second Generation (H200XXXX):
- 48-bit format
- Over 8,000,000 available credential numbers
The C1K format offers organizations exclusive control over their card numbers, significantly reducing the risk of card cloning or unauthorized duplication.
Other High-Bit Formats:
For organizations with the most stringent security requirements, HID offers formats with even higher bit counts:
- 33-bit
- 48-bit
- 50-bit
These high-bit formats provide an exponential increase in unique card combinations, making them extremely difficult to compromise. However, this enhanced security often comes with a higher price tag due to its proprietary nature.
HID Prox II Cards:
HID Prox II cards are a popular choice for organizations seeking a balance between security and cost-effectiveness. These cards use 125 kHz frequency technology and are compatible with a wide range of HID readers. Key features include:
- Durability and long read range
- Available in various formats, including 26-bit and 37-bit
- Can be combined with other technologies for multi-factor authentication
HID Prox II cards are known for their reliability and ease of use. Their long read range makes them suitable for a variety of installation scenarios, including vehicle access control or hands-free entry points. These cards are also highly durable and resistant to cracking and breaking, which helps reduce replacement costs over time.
Read More Article: What is the Frequency Used by HID Prox Cards?
Technology Types
HID offers various card technologies that support different formats:
Low Frequency (125 kHz):
Low-frequency cards are the traditional standard in access control. They offer good reliability and are cost-effective, making them suitable for many basic access control applications. However, they are more susceptible to cloning and have limited data storage capacity compared to high-frequency options. These cards include:
- HID Prox
- HITAG
High Frequency (13.56 MHz):
High-frequency cards offer increased security and data storage capacity. iCLASS and iCLASS SE, in particular, provide advanced encryption and mutual authentication between card and reader, significantly enhancing security. MIFARE DESFire cards are known for their speed and flexibility, while Seos technology offers the highest level of security and privacy in the HID portfolio.
Multi-Technology Cards:
These cards combine multiple technologies, such as proximity and smart card capabilities, offering flexibility and future-proofing for organizations transitioning between systems.
Factors to Consider to Choose the Right Format:
When selecting an HID card format, organizations should evaluate:
- Security Requirements: Assess the level of protection needed for your assets and choose a format that aligns with your security policies. Consider the sensitivity of the areas being protected and the potential consequences of a security breach.
- Existing Infrastructure: Ensure compatibility with current readers and access control systems to minimize upgrade costs. Take into account the lifecycle of your existing equipment and plan for future upgrades.
- Scalability: Select a format that can accommodate future growth and potential system expansions. Consider not just the number of users, but also potential additional locations or new applications for the access control system.
- Budget: Balance the cost of proprietary formats against their enhanced security features and long-term value. Consider both initial implementation costs and ongoing operational expenses.
- Compliance: Consider industry regulations and standards that may influence your choice of access control technology. Some sectors, such as healthcare or finance, may have specific requirements for data protection and access control.
- User Experience: Consider the convenience and ease of use for your employees or visitors. Factors such as read range, form factor, and multi-application capabilities can significantly impact user satisfaction.
- Integration Capabilities: Evaluate how well the chosen format can integrate with other systems, such as time and attendance, visitor management, or building automation systems.
The Bottom Line
Physical credentials like HID access control cards are likely to remain a crucial component of many security strategies for years to come. As we’ve explored, the choice of card format is not a one-size-fits-all decision. Organizations must balance these elements to select a format that not only meets their current needs but also positions them for future growth and technological advancements.
At Bristol ID Technologies, we understand the critical role that access control plays in safeguarding your organization. As experts in HID access control card solutions, we offer a comprehensive range of formats and technologies to meet your unique security needs.
Contact us today to discover how we can elevate your security infrastructure with cutting-edge HID access control solutions.
