Why has OSDP become the international communications standard for access control?

The Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) has become the international communication standard for access control systems. Developed by the Security Industry Association (SIA), OSDP aims to facilitate secure communication between various access control systems. This article explores why OSDP was created, its key features and applications, and why it represents a significant advancement over previous protocols like Wiegand.

What is OSDP?

The Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) is a communication standard for access control designed to improve interoperability between access control and security products. Created in 2008 and adopted as an international standard by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in 2020, OSDP advantageously replaces older protocols thanks to its ability to evolve and adapt to emerging security threats.

Key features of OSDP

OSDP is distinguished by several key features that enhance the security and functionality of access control systems. Firstly, the use of advanced encryption and authentication methods strengthens the systems’ security. Moreover, the bidirectional communication allowed by OSDP enables a more robust data exchange between readers and control panels. Lastly, OSDP supports greater communication distance and includes tamper detection features, thus increasing the reliability and security of access control installations.

Applications and best practices

OSDP finds its application in a variety of environments requiring secure and advanced communication between access control devices, such as commercial buildings, financial institutions, data centers, and critical infrastructures. Implementing OSDP involves assessing needs, planning for the replacement of non-compatible devices, selecting OSDP-compatible devices, and careful programming and integration to ensure a smooth transition to this more secure and flexible technology.

Adopting OSDP offers numerous benefits, ranging from increased interoperability and security to improved user experience and readiness for customer support. For future access control projects, specifying OSDP from the start ensures compatibility with the widest range of devices, readers, and identifiers, thus laying the foundation for a robust and scalable security system.