Why ODSP Is The Future

Corporate access control systems rely on secure and reliable communication protocols to connect readers, controllers, and management software. Today, the most prevalent protocols include:

• Open Supervised Device Protocol or OSDP is the leading modern protocol for access control, offering secure, bi-directional communication between control panels and peripheral devices such as card readers, keypads, and biometric readers.

• The Wiegand protocol has been the industry standard for decades and is still widely used, especially in legacy systems.

• Older protocols like Clock and Data are still found in some systems using magnetic stripe or barcode readers.

• There are proprietary communications protocols developed and controlled by a single manufacturer that are designed for seamless integration into their access control system and may include unique security features or advanced functionalities not available in open systems.

Many companies are upgrading to the open / non-proprietary architecture of OSDP, which offers greater flexibility and interoperability that allows organizations to mix and match components from different vendors and more easily adapt to evolving security requirements.

Developed by the Security Industry Association (SIA), OSDA offers:

• Bi-directional communication: Readers and panels can talk to each other.

• AES-128 encryption: Data is transmitted securely, reducing the risk of credential theft.

• Device supervision: Alerts for tampering or disconnection.

• Support for advanced credentials: Compatible with smart cards, mobile credentials, and biometrics.

• Daisy-chaining capability: Multiple devices can share a communication line, simplifying wiring.

OSDP is compliant with NIST, FICAM, and emerging cyber-physical security standards and constantly monitors wiring to protect against attack threats. This protocol ensures credential data is protected during transit; therefore, it prevents credential sniffing, cloning, and replay attacks.

Let’s compare features of the top two protocols:

Feature	OSDP	Wiegand
Communication	Bi-directional (two-way)	One-way
Encryption	AES-128	None
Device Supervision	Yes (real-time status, tamper alerts)	No
Remote Management	Supported	Not supported
Scalability	High (multi-drop, fewer wires)	Low (more wires, single device)
Biometric Integration	Supported	Not supported
Security	Strong	Weak (vulnerable to hacking)
Installation	Easier, less wiring	More complex, more wiring

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