Access control in Telecoms: overcoming complex challenges

Multi-site facilities

Telecoms companies cover vast areas of land to keep the service up and running for customers. This involves several tens of thousands of facilities, from mobile phone towers to street cabinets, that are maintained by numerous technicians. LOCKEN, now part of ISEO, has pioneered an easy-to-install solution. No cables are needed for doors, as the cylinders are passive and the key supplies the power and access rights. Old mechanical cylinders are replaced with maintenance-free electronic versions avoiding alterations on the doors.

Thanks to the LSA software, maintenance technicians no longer need to worry about accessing the numerous facilities during their daily inspection rounds. Once configured, their single electronic key guarantees access to the right place at the right time, allowing them to focus their attention on the task at hand. Operators are assured that their field teams – often subcontractors – can carry out all maintenance work during specified times, in line with their specific access processes.

Challenge of extreme weather

Most of the facilities requiring protection are outdoor sites, particularly exposed to wind, sun, snow and sea spray. Access control systems must therefore be able to withstand corrosion caused by bad weather.

 LOCKEN delivers a certified, conceptual solution to this challenge with cylinders that meet the requirements of the EN 1670 corrosion resistance standard, with a IP66-67-68-69 rating to guarantee maximum protection. The latest-generation electronic keys, manufactured by its parent company ISEO, also use inductive technology for contactless information exchange between the key and cylinders. With this technology, the electronic key can transmit access rights to the cylinder even if the humidity corroded the surface of the lock. In other words, bad connections no longer prevent information from being transmitted between the key and lock.

The challenge of work at height 

At some telecommunications towers, access is restricted to those authorised to work at height.
The Locken Smart Access software communicates with the operator’s information system, collecting select information from the various user profiles to limit access to authorised individuals. This allows operators to assign access rights for specific areas, based on the technician’s profile and authorisation.

To improve on-site control activities, electronic keys work with the MyLocken app and new technology (RFID, beacons, etc.) to send technicians verification messages about required safety instructions (wearing a helmet, the buddy system, etc.) These bespoke features are designed to meet ever stricter security requirements in companies.