KIT AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING SECURITY ACCESS TO A DOOR USING POWER OVER ETHERNET WITH DATA PERSISTENCE AND FIRE ALARM

CONTROL PANEL INTEGRATION

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present disclosure relates to security systems generally, and more particularly, to a kit, a power-over-ethernet system, and an apparatus for controlling access to one or more doors.

Discussion of Related Art

[0002] Access control systems are used to prevent rooms or other areas from being visited by unauthorized persons. Such systems typically include an electrically operated door strike, an access device, and a controller configured to operate the door strike and the access device. However, one or more external power supplies and multiple wire connections are required, which makes installing such systems costly and time- consuming.

[0003] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a typical access control system 700. The access control system 700 includes a controller 701 and a controller support 704. The controller 701 is configured to manage the operation of an access device 707 and a door strike 708. A communications path 716 links the controller 701 to a network 720 and to a remote host computer 704.

[0004] The access control system 700 uses at least two power supplies. One power supply 702, which converts 110V AC PWR to 12VDC PWR, powers the controller

701. Another power supply 703, which converts 11 OVAC PWR to 12/24VAC/VDC PWR, powers other components of the access control system 700 (and/or the controller 701).

[0005] A junction box 705 is connected via a wire 714 to the controller 701 via a wire 713 to the power supply 703, and via a wire 715 to an exit device 706. The junction box 705 is further connected via a wire 710 to the door strike 708, via a wire 711 to the access control reader 707, and via a wire 712 to a door sensor 717. The door sensor is configured to detect whether the door is open or closed and to relay this information to the controller 701.

[0006] Access control systems and automated fire detection systems are not typically interlinked. Consequently, emergency personnel responding to a detected fire are sometimes not able to manually override an access control system that has automatically locked one or more doors (e.g., has "failed secure").

[0007] What is needed is an access control system having a controller, an access device, and a door strike that operate using electrical power provided via an ethernet port of the controller (e.g., an access control system that does not require external power supplies to be installed for each system component). What is also needed is an access control system having a power-over-ethernet ("POE") controller having a Fire Alarm Control Panel ("FACP") connector and a FACP circuit that is configured to override the POE controller and de-latch a door strike when the Fire Alarm Control Panel is in an alarm condition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0008] In summary, embodiments of the invention are configured to provide distributed processing for an interface of access devices, keypads, alarm inputs and outputs, and the like, back to a host system computer. In an embodiment of the invention, an apparatus may comprise a controller configured to receive electrical power over an ethernet connection. The controller may comprise a printed circuit board (PCB) (configured as herein described and shown) that is protected by a tamper-proof enclosure. The controller may further comprise an ethernet port. The PCB may be configured to deliver and/or transform all or a portion of electrical power received via the controller's ethernet port (over a previously established ethernet communications path) to components of the controller and/or to one or more peripheral devices coupled with the controller. The controller and/or the peripheral devices may each also comprise a backup power source such as a battery, a solar cell, a fuel cell, etc. Non-limiting examples of a peripheral device may include an access device, a door strike, and the like. Non- limiting examples of an access device may include an access control reader, a keypad, a biometric identification device, and the like.

[0009] The distributed processing afforded by embodiments of the invention advantageously allows the power-over-ethernet ("POE") controller (and an access device and electric door strike coupled therewith) to operate independently of a host system computer and to make access control and alarm monitoring decisions locally. In an embodiment, the access control and alarm monitoring decisions are made locally using

information contained in a database that is stored in a memory of the controller. The database and/or some or all of the information stored therein may be downloaded from and /or synchronized with a host system computer over the ethernet communications path. In this manner, embodiments of the invention provide instant response for door control and alarm sensing in the field, while leaving the host system computer with more processing power for quickly executing daily operations such as alarm response, database updates and reporting. Also in this manner, embodiments of the invention have the ability to make access control and alarm monitoring decisions even during times when the host system computer is unreachable or inoperable.

[0010] Embodiments of the controller may incorporate "FLASH" memory technology. Incorporation of "FLASH" memory in the controller advantageously allows the controller to receive its operating system and/or application(s) remotely from the host system computer over the previously established ethernet communications path. Consequently, firmware upgrades that occur after the controller (and or its peripheral devices) are installed can be "pushed" to the controller from the central host system computer, which eliminates costly service trips that were formerly required to install firmware updates. Both the modular design of the controller (and/or its peripheral devices) and the "FLASH" memory technology incorporated within at least the controller provide a simple migration path when considering future host system upgrades.

[0011] Embodiments of the controller and/or the access device may be configured to provide Fire Alarm Control Panel ("FACP") access and/or integration. This advantageously equips the controller, the access device, and/or a door strike coupled

with the controller to operate at the direct command of emergency personnel in situations when the FACP experiences an alarm condition. In this manner, one or more access- controlled doors can be operated during times of emergency. As used herein, the term "operated" (as used with respect to doors) comprises opening, closing, locking, unlocking a door, or combinations thereof.

[0012] Other features and advantages of embodiments of the invention will be apparent by examining the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] In the accompanying drawings,

[0014] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a networked system that includes an embodiment of a power-over-ethernet controller configured to couple with a Fire Access Control Panel of an automated fire detection system;

[0015] Figure 2 is a diagram that illustrates an alternate network configuration for connecting an embodiment of the power-over-ethernet controller of Figure 1 with a remote host computer;

[0016] Figure 3 is a front view of an embodiment of the power-over-ethernet controller of Figure 1;

[0017] Figure 4 is a side view of an embodiment of the power-over-ethernet controller of Figure 1;

[0018] Figure 5 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the power-over-ethernet controller of Figure 1;

[0019] Figure 6 is a diagram of an embodiment of a CPU printed-circuit-board that comprises an embodiment of the power-over-ethernet controller of Figure 1;

[0020] Figure 7 (Related Art) is a diagram of a typical access control system; and

[0021] Figure 8 is a diagram of an embodiment of the access control system of Figure 1.

[0022] Like reference characters designate identical or corresponding components and units throughout the several views.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a networked access control system 100 that includes an embodiment of a power-over-ethernet ("POE") controller 101 comprising an integrated Fire Access Control Panel ("FACP") circuit. The POE controller may further comprise a FACP port having input terminals configured to couple the POE controller with the FACP of an automated fire detection system.

[0024] An ethernet communications path 113 connects the controller 101 with a remote host computer 104, which is powered by an 110/220V AC input 112. Alternatively, the host computer 104 may be powered by a power source such as a battery, a fuel cell, etc. The ethernet communications path 113 may include one or more pieces of ethernet cable and/or one or more switches, relays, routers, and/or other computer network devices. The ethernet communications path 113 is used to convey data between at least the POE controller 101 and the remote host computer 104, and is also

used to convey electrical power to the POE controller 101 via the controller's ethernet port. Although not shown in Figure 1 , the electrical power supplied over the ethernet communications path 113 is provided by a POE source. In one embodiment, the POE source may be integrated within a network device (e.g., gateway, hub, host computer, etc.). Alternatively, an external POE source may be coupled with a network device. Portions of or all of the electrical power received via the ethernet port of the POE controller 101 are distributed to one or more peripheral devices connected with the POE controller 101.

[0025] In an embodiment, non-limiting examples of peripheral devices include a door strike 103 and an access device 102. The access device 102 may be a peripheral device such as an access control reader, a biometric identification device, a keypad, and the like. The door strike 103 may be an electric door strike, a magnetic door strike, or an electromagnetic door strike. A communications path 114 connects the POE controller 101 with the door strike 103. Electrical power (e.g., current/voltage) from one or more components of the POE controller 101 are routed over the communications path 114 to control operation of the door strike 103 (e.g. to latch/de-latch the door strike, which has the effect of locking/unlocking a door next to which the door strike is installed). This electrical power may be derived from electrical power received via the POE controller's ethernet port. In one embodiment, the communications path 114 may comprise a pair of shielded (or unshielded) wires. One wire is connected with a positive terminal of the door strike, and the other wire is connected with a negative terminal of the door strike. As denoted by the triangle containing the numeral "1", a protection device should be

connected across the door strike 103. In one embodiment, the protection device is a diode 131 having its cathode to the positive side of the door strike 103.

[0026] The access device 102 may be an access control reader. The access control reader may comprise a keypad, a magnetic stripe reader, a RFID reader, a biometric scanner, a camera, a microphone, and/or a display. A communications path 115 connects the access device 102 with the POE controller 101. Electrical power (e.g., current/voltage) from one or more components of the POE controller 101 is routed over the communications path 115 to power the access device 102. This electrical power may be derived from electrical power received via the POE controller's ethernet port (JlO in Figure 6). The communications path 115 is also used to transmit data between the POE controller 101 and the access device 102. The data transmitted over the communications path 115 may include, but is not limited to, signals that cause one or more components of the POE controller 101 to generate and transmit electrical power over the communications path 114 to operate the door strike 103. In one embodiment, the communications path 115 comprises a pair of shielded wires.

[0027] In an embodiment, the access device 102 receives identification data from a user of the access control system 100 and relays this identification data to the controller 101, which processes the identification data to determine the access privileges (if any) associated therewith. If appropriate access privileges exist, the controller 101 may operate to delatch the door strike 103/105. If insufficient (or revoked) access privileges exist, the controller 101 may keep the door strike 103/105 securely latched.

[0028] The POE controller 101 is configured to be optionally connected with a Fire Alarm Control Panel ("FACP") 129 via a FACP communication path 130, which may comprise a pair of shielded wires. The FACP 129 is configured to override the POE controller 101 and de-latch the door strike when the FACP is in an alarm condition. An alarm condition may be generated at least by operation of a fire detection sensor, a manual switch, and/or by operation of a fire alarm pull device. If the POE controller 101 is not connected with the FACP 101, a jumper may be connected across the POE controller's FACP connectors (J6 - as shown in Figure 6). For failsafe and redundancy purposes, the FACP 129 is powered by its own local power supply (not shown).

[0029] Optionally, an embodiment of a controller 101 may be powered by a local power supply or backup power supply (e.g., a battery, a solar cell, a fuel cell, and equivalents) (not shown). In such an embodiment, a door strike 105 powered by another local power supply 109 may be coupled with the POE controller 101. The local power supply 109 may be powered via a 110/220V AC input 111. A communications path 117 formed of two or more shielded wires may connect both the door strike 105 and the local power supply 109 with the POE controller 101. As indicated by the triangle containing number "2", a protection device should be connected across the door strike 105. The protection device may be a Metal Oxide Varistor ("MOV") or a diode 132. For an AC- type door strike 105, a MOV type protection device should be used. For a DC-type door strike 105, a diode protection device should be used, with the cathode of the diode 132 connected to the positive side of the door strike 105. As indicated by the triangle containing the number "4", there is a current restriction through the relay (not shown) in

the controller 101. The fuse 133 couples the local power supply 109 with the POE controller 101 and serves to protect the relay. In an embodiment, the current restriction should be limited to less than about 2 amps to prevent damage to the relay in the POE controller 101, but different embodiments may require different current restrictions (if any). The current limiting may be achieved either by using a power supply 109 that has built in current limiting or by wiring in a fuse that is external to the power supply 109.

[0030] Although not shown, a separate local power supply may be used to power the access device 102.

[0031] Additionally, another communications path 116 may couple the controller 101 with a relay 106 and further couple the relay 106 with an output device 107 and its local power supply 108. The local power supply 108 may receive electrical power via a 110/220V AC input 110 (and/or via a power source such as a battery, fuel cell, etc.). The communications path 116 may comprise two or more shielded wires. As indicated by the triangle containing the numeral "3", a protection device (such as diode 134) may be connected across the output device 107 (with the cathode of the diode 134 connected with a positive side of the output device 107). As indicated by the triangle containing the numeral "5", there may be a current restriction through the relay coil 106. In an embodiment, the current through the relay coil 106 is limited to less than about 0.2 amps to prevent damage to the POE controller 101. Other embodiments of the invention, however, may required a different current restriction (if any). Non- limiting embodiments of an output device 107 include a siren, a horn, a lamp, etc. In an embodiment, a signal

produced by the controller 101 causes the output device 107 to produce a visual and/or audio indication of an alarm event. .

[0032] Referring again to Figure 1, an exemplary installation and operation of the POE controller 101 is described. The POE controller 101, the access device 102, and the door strike 103 are installed at a door for which access control is desired. Specifically, the POE controller 101 is installed above (or adjacent a side of) the door and on a side of the wall that is interior to the room/area to be protected. If the room/area to be protected includes an automated fire detection system, the POE controller 101 is connected with the automated fire detection system's FACP.

[0033] Additionally, the door's mechanical door strike is removed and replaced with the door strike 103. Shielded wires forming the communications path 114 are connected to the door strike 103 and to the POE controller 101. As noted above, a protection device 131 is connected across the door strike 103. The access device 102 is installed next to the door on a side of a wall that is exterior to the room/area to be protected. Shielded wires forming the communications path 115 are connected to the POE controller 101 and to the access device 102. An ethernet cable, forming the ethernet communication path 113, is then connected to the POE controller's ethernet port. In this (or equivalent) manner, one or more doors may be quickly and inexpensively equipped with an access control system.

[0034] Connecting an ethernet cable between the host computer 104 (or a network device such as a gateway, a router, a hub, etc.) and the POE controller 101 provides a path for electrical power to the access device 102 supplied by a POE source

(not shown, but described above) and/or to the door strike 103. Within the controller 101, a circuit (not shown) coupled with the controller's ethernet port (JlO in Figure 6) is configured to transform all or part of the electrical power received via the ethernet port and to route the same to one or more components of the controller 101 and to at least one peripheral device (102, 103,106) coupled with the controller 101.

[0035] Connecting an ethernet cable to the POE controller 101 also allows data to be transmitted between the host computer 104 and the POE controller 101. Data (if any) transmitted between the host computer 104 and the access device 102 passes through the controller 101. The POE controller 101 may include a microprocessor (not shown) that is configured to program the POE controller 101, to dynamically load one or more firmware programs and/or software programs to a memory of the POE controller 101, and to program one or more peripheral devices when the one or more peripheral devices are coupled with the POE controller 101. A memory (not shown) of the POE controller 101 may contain a database of stored information that permits stand-alone operation of the POE controller 101, the door strike 103, and the access device 102 when data transfer between the POE controller 101 and a host computer 104 ceases. Additionally, the POE controller 101 may be further configured to transmit to the host computer 104 data indicative of at least one of: detected tampering of the controller housing, an AC power failure, and a low battery pack back-up condition.

[0036] User identification codes and associated access privileges generated by the host computer 104 and/or stored in a memory thereof may be transmitted (in real time or in near real-time) to the memory of the POE controller 101. Optionally, the POE

controller 101 may relay these codes and access privileges to the access device 102. Additionally, data indicating access records and/or operational status of the POE controller 101 and/or its peripherals (access device 102, door strike 103, door strike 105, digital output device 107, etc.) may be stored in a memory of the POE controller 101 and/or transmitted via the ethernet communications path 113 to the host computer 104. [0037] Once the POE controller 101, the access device 102, and the door strike

103 have been installed and configured, a person desiring access to the protected room/area interacts with the access device 102. Such interaction may occur via keypad entry, magnetic card swipe, smart card proximity "handshake," biometric scanning, facial recognition, and/or voice recognition. Based on this interaction, the POE controller 101 compares the identification data provided by the user to a database of user identification data and associated access privileges. This database of user identification data and associated access privileges may be stored in the memory of the POE controller 101 and/or updated in real-time or near real-time by the host computer 104. If a match with appropriate access privileges is found, the door strike 103 is operated to allow the user to open the door, and an access log entry is created. The access log (and its entries) is stored in the memory of the POE controller and may be transmitted to the host computer

104 via the ethernet communications path 113. If no match is found (or if a match is found that has revoked access privileges), the door strike 103 is operated to prevent the door from being opened. An access log entry to record the denial of entry may be generated and stored (in the memory of the POE controller 101).

[0038] Figure 2 is a diagram that illustrates a system 100 having an alternate network configuration for connecting an embodiment of the POE controller 101 of Figure 1 with the remote host computer 104, assuming the hub/jack 118 is a POE source. If the hub/jack 118 is not a POE source, the system 100 may be alternatively configured. Although omitted in Figure 2 for simplicity and ease of illustration, the system 100 is understood to comprise at least the additional elements shown in Figure 1 and described above. Referring now to Figure 2, the ethernet communications path 113 may comprise a hub/jack 118, a gateway/router 119, and a network 120. The network 120 may comprise a wide area network ("WAN") such as the Internet and/or a local area network ("LAN").

[0039] Figure 3 is a front view of an embodiment of the POE controller 101 of Figure 1. The POE controller 101 may include a tamper-proof enclosure (or housing) that comprises a base portion 121 and a hinged, latchable door 122. In Figure 3, the door 122 is shown in an open position so that the interior of the enclosure's base portion 121 can be seen. The base portion 121 includes a base plate and four sidewalls attached thereto. Mounting holes 123 are provided in the base plate for securing the POE controller 101 to a wall or other substrate. Fasteners (not shown) are inserted through the mounting holes 123 to fasten the base portion 121 in place. A CPU printed circuit board ("PCB") 200 is mounted within the interior of the base portion 121. Configuration and operation of the PCB 200 are described below with respect to Figure 6.

[0040] Figure 4 is a side view of an embodiment of the tamper-proof enclosure of the POE controller 101 of Figure 1. As shown in Figure 4, the tamper-proof enclosure includes a base portion 121 and a hinged door 122. The door 122 includes a latch

mechanism 126. A sidewall of the base portion 121 includes one or more removable stamped cut-outs 125. When these stamped cut-outs 125 are removed, shielded wires and/or ethernet cable may be introduced within the interior of the base portion 121 and connected to the PCB 200.

[0041] Figure 5 is a bottom view of an embodiment of tamper-proof enclosure of the POE controller 101 of Figure 1. Figure 5 illustrates the base portion 121, the hinged door 122, and the latch mechanism 126 previously shown and discussed. Additionally, Figure 5 illustrates an earth ground connector 127 attached to the sidewall of the base portion 121 and one or more removable stamped cut-outs 128. The earth ground connector 127 is electrically connected to the PCB 200. When the POE 101 is installed, a ground wire (or wires) is connected at one end to the earth ground connector 127 and connected at the other end with ground. The stamped cut-outs 128 may be removed and shielded wires and/or ethernet cable inserted into the interior of the base portion 121 and connected to the PCB 200. Additionally, the shielding of the wires may be connected to the earth ground connector 127.

[0042] Figure 6 is a diagram of an embodiment of a CPU printed-circuit-board ("PCB") 200 that comprises an embodiment of the POE controller 101 of Figure 1. The PCB 200 comprises ports (also called jumpers and/or connectors) Jl, J2, J3, J4, J5, J6, J7, J8, J9, JlO, Jl 1, J12, W2, W3, and W5. Each of ports Jl, J2, J3, and J4 comprise eight pins (numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8). The port J5 comprises six pins (numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6). The PCB 200 further comprises switches SWl, SW2, and SW3 as well as a bank of LEDs (listed in the order shown in the exemplary diagram of Figure 6) D85,

D14, D15, D16, D17, D18, D19, D20, D21, D51, D52, D53, D54, D55,D56, D57, D58, D24, D25, D26, D27, and D28. The PCB 200 further comprises ports Pl, P2, P3, and P4 for modem use. Each of these components is more fully described, below.

Ports

[0043] Ports Jl, J2, J3, J4, and J5 are used to connect one or more peripherals to the PCB 200. Illustratively, an access device (such as a Wiegand-type access control reader) may be connected to port Jl . Another Wiegand-type access device may also be connected to the port J3. Alternatively, another type of access device (such as a F/2F access control reader) may be connected to port Jl and/or to port J3. Other types of access devices include a Strobed-type access control reader and a Supervised F/2F- type access control reader.

[0044] Additionally, a door alarm contact and exit request button may be connected to pins 1, 2, 3, and 4 of port J2 (using Belden 8725 or equivalent). A second door alarm contact and exit request button may be connected to pins 1, 2, 3, and 4 of port J4 (using Belden 8725 or equivalent).

[0045] A door strike (powered using electrical power provided via the ethernet port JlO) may be connected to pins 6, 7, and 8 of port J2 (using Belden 8725 or equivalent). A door strike (powered using a local power supply) may be connected to pins 6, 7, and 8 of port J4 (using Belden 8725 or equivalent). For door strikes powered using electrical power provided via the ethernet port JlO, a jumper wire should be positioned on connector W2 and/or connector W3 to select either 12VDC or 24 VDC

strike power. Pins 1 and 2 may be used for 12VDC and pins 2 and 3 may be used for 24 VDC. When an external power supply is used to power a door strike no jumper should be used. For shielded wire, the shield grounds must be stripped back through the stamped cut-outs and grounded to the earth ground connector.

[0046] Port J5 is a pluggable screw terminal block.

[0047] Port J6 is used to connect the PCB 200 to a Fire Alarm Control Panel ("FACP") of an automated fire system. If a FACP is not used, the jumper 204 shown on the J6 FACP input should remain in place for correct operation of the POE controller (101 in Figure 1).

[0048] Port J7 is a pluggable screw terminal block.

[0049] Port J8 is a pluggable screw terminal block that may be used to connect a 24 VDC, 1 amp auxiliary power supply to the PCB 200.

[0050] Port J9 is a nine-pin female D-sub-receptacle, which controls a console port.

[0051] Port JlO (ethernet port) is an RJ45 Standard Cat 5 ethernet jack, which controls a RJ45 ethernet network connection, one end of an ethernet cable 113 may be looped through ferrite 202 before removably connecting to the port JlO. The other end of the ethernet cable 113 is coupled with a host computer or a network connection (e.g., a gateway, a router, etc.) that has an integrated POE source or is coupled with an external POE source.

[0052] Port Jl 1 is a RJl 1 standard telephone jack.

[0053] Port J12 is an insertion jack for a microprocessor.

[0054] W5 is a two-pin jumper that provides tamper inputs that permit the housing of the POE controller be protected against and/or monitored for unauthorized tampering.

Switches

[0055] Pl, P2, P3, and P4 (not shown) are connectors used by a modem. In an embodiment, the connectors Pl, P2, P3, and P4 (and other circuit elements) are covered by a substrate of the PCB 200.

[0056] SWl, SW2 and SW3 are sets of DIP switches used for configuring the PCB 200 to operate with various types of peripheral devices such as, but not limited to Magstripe readers and Wiegand readers.. SWl includes eight DIP switches; SW2 includes four DIP switches, and SW3 includes four DIP switches. For example, to connect one type of Magstripe reader, DIP switches 1 and 2 of SWl are set to "ON". To connect one type of Wiegand reader, DIP switches 1 and 4 of SWl are set to "ON." Other SWl DIP switch combinations may be used to connect other types of readers and/or other kinds of peripheral devices. In most embodiments, the DIP switch 4 of SW2 is set to "OFF". The DIP switches 1, 2, 3, 4 of SW3 are turned on or off depending on the type of communication protocol used to make the connection. For 120 ohms transmit pair termination, DIP switch 1 of SW3 is "ON". For no transmit pair termination (default), DIP switch 1 of SW3 is "OFF". For 120 ohms receive pair termination, DIP switch 2 of SW3 is "ON". For no receive pair termination, DIP switch 2 of SW3 is

"OFF". For RS485 - 4 wire (default), DIP switches 3 and 4 of SW3 are "ON". For RS485 - 2 wire, DIP switches 3 and 4 of SW3 are "OFF".

[0057] SW4 is a manual switch used to place an embodiment of the POE controller in BOOT MODE, which enables use of an Integrated Configuration Tool. In an embodiment, pressing and holding SW4 for up to about 5 seconds will turn LED D19 "ON". Once the LED D19 is illuminated, the switch S4 is released. Thereafter, the LED D19 turns "OFF" once the Integrated Configuration Tool has been enabled.

[0058] SW5 is a manual switch used for HARDWARE RESET that restarts (resets) the PCB 200. The switch SW 5 should only be utilized when performing a controlled manual shutdown of the application as indicated below or if instructed to do so by customer support and/or a technician.. To properly restart the PCB 200, both the switch SW5 and the switch SW6 should be used. First, press the switch SW6 to stop an application being run on the PCB 200. Then press and release the switch S5 to restart (reset) the PCB 200.

[0059] SW6 is a manual switch used for SHUTDOWN REQUEST that stops an application running on the PCB 200 and puts the PCB 200 into a maintenance mode, which allows the PCB 200 to be removed. Since the PCB 200 runs an operating system just like a computer, it must be shut down correctly. Pressing SW6 shuts down the operating system/application of the PCB 200, and is like using the "Shut down" feature of a computer. To properly restart the PCB 200, both the switch SW5 and the switch SW6 should be used. First, press the switch SW6 to stop an application being run on the PCB 200. Then press and release the switch S5 to restart (reset) the PCB 200.

[0060] SW7 is a manual switch used for RESTORE DEFAULTS that returns the configuration of the PCB 200 to the factory defaults. Specifically, pressing the switch SW7 for about five seconds restores the factory defaults for PRIMARY CONNECTION (ETHERNET), IP ADDRESS (192.168.6.6), MASK (255.255.255.0), and GATEWAY (192.168.6.1).

[0061] In an embodiment, the PCB 200 provides network and dial-up (fallback) capabilities in one board. Non-limiting examples of these capabilities include: support for ethernet networks; support for network protocols (e.g., DHCP, TCP/IP, UDP, and DNS); support for optional, integrated modem board for fallback dial-up connectivity; provision of nonvolatile storage (referred to as persistent mode of operation), which affords a faster reset recovery and allows for host- less operation of the POE controller; utilization of 32-bit platform, which provides fast response times and high capacity throughput; support for remote diagnostics; provision of a browser-based configuration tool; and provision of a tunable, offline, history buffer.

[0062] Figure 8 is a diagram of an embodiment of the access control system 100 of Figure 1, with some of the components shown in Figure 1 omitted for simplicity and ease of description. Referring to Figure 8, the access control system 100 comprises a POE controller 101, an access control reader 102, and a door strike 103 (which is installed in a jamb of a door 802). The door strike 103 and the access control reader 102 are each powered via electrical power supplied via an ethernet port of the POE controller 101. Consequently, if Figure 8 is compared with Figure 7 (Related Art), it is seen that embodiments of the new access control system 100 eliminate at least the junction box

705, the external power supply 702, and the external power supply 703. Consequently, some advantages afforded by embodiments of the access control system 100 over the prior access control systems 700 include, but are not limited to: less equipment, fewer terminations, less wiring (since the access control system 100 is ethernet (CAT-5) based), edge of network devices, full intelligence, and electrical power provided via an ethernet connection.

[0063] Referring again to Figure 8, a communications path 114 couples the POE controller 101 with the door strike 103. A communications path 115 couples the POE controller 101 with the access control reader 102. A communications path 130 couples the POE controller 101 with a FACP 129. A communications path 116 couples the POE controller 101 with a door sensor 717. Additionally, the POE controller 101 may be coupled with a network 120, a remote POE source (not shown), and a remote host computer 104 via an ethernet communications path 113. The POE controller 101 may also be coupled with an exit device 801 via a communications path 803.

[0064] Referring back to Figures 1 and 6, embodiments of fully or partially assembled components of the access control system 100 (including one or more components of the POE controller 101) may be made and/or sold as a kit for providing secured access to a door. The kit may include at least a controller 101 having an ethernet port JlO, wherein the controller 101 is configured to operate using electrical power supplied via the ethernet port JlO, and wherein the controller 101 is further configured to control an access device 102 and a door strike 103 (and/or 105). The controller 101 may further comprise a Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) circuit (not shown) and/or

connector J6 for coupling the controller 101 with a FACP 129. As mentioned previously, the controller's integrated FACP circuit is configured to override the controller 101 and de-latch the door strike 103 (and/or 105) when the Fire Alarm Control Panel 129 is in an alarm condition. The kit may further include a door strike 103 (and/or 105) that is configured to operate using a portion of the electrical power supplied to the controller

101 via the controller's ethernet port JlO. The kit may further include an access device

102 configured to operate using a portion of the electrical power supplied via the controller's ethernet port JlO. The kit may further include a door sensor 717 and/or an output device 107 (and/or its relay 106)

[0065] The components and arrangements of the POE controller and access control system, shown and described herein are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the embodiments as expressed in the appended claims. Accordingly, the scopes of the appended claims are intended to include all such substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions.