In the field of access control, the use of proximity cards and MIFARE cards has become commonplace in some organizations around the world. Many clients trust these cards for various purposes, from access control to the sale of tickets, charging, and assistance monitoring. However, understanding the difference between MIFARE cards and proximity can be disconcerting. It is like distinguishing between two brothers who look identical at first sight.
MIFARE cards, such as the famous M1 (S50) card, are equipped with MIFARE chips, which cost their name. Despite this, they are technically a type of proximity card. The word “proximity card” traditionally refers to the oldest cards of 125 kHz, which differ in new intelligent cards of 13.56 MHz as MIFARE. Let’s deepen their operations and applications to solve the complexities between these technologies.
What are MIFARE cards?
MIFARE cards are like super-intelligent cards that do not require physical contact. They are used in many areas, such as transportation, access control, and events. These cards work at a frequency of 13.56 MHz and follow a standard called ISO 14443.
They are safe because they only share data when both the card and the reader agree (like a secret handshake). MIFARE cards have different sections to store data, and each section is protected by a secret key known only for its specific application.
There are many types of MIFARE cards, and the most popular is the M1 card.
NXP makes MIFARE cards with a small built-in circuit that talks to card readers. They are used on traffic tickets, school cards, passports, and bank cards. They work at a short distance, approximately 3 inches, and are used in safety, identification, control, payment, time, and public transportation.
MIFARE cards used to be very expensive, but now they are cheaper and do many things, so many people are presently using them for different uses.
What are proximity cards?
A proximity card, also known as a prox card, represents a modern technology compared to magnetic striped cards. Unlike magnetic striped cards, these contactless smart cards do not require entering a reader’s device to read. Instead, they just have to stay close to an electronic reader for a while, facilitating the rapid identity of a coded number. Generally, they operate at a frequency of 125 kHz or 13.56 MHz, and HID cards often direct them. Proximity cards are widely used in certain applications, including accessing office doors and office and Airport access control in the US.
The chip integrated with a proximity card serves a single operation: Provide the card reader with the number of card identification for authentication. These cards operate within a frequency range of 26 to over 60 bits, with a reading distance of up to 10 cm (3 inches). Although proximity cards may not be able to store further information, their simplicity makes them suitable for door access control, such as communities or schools. In the field of standards, they comply with ISO/IEC 14443.
What are the differences between MIFARE cards and proximity cards?
Let’s explore the main difference between the proximity cards and MIFARE cards in simpler terms:
- Storage/Memory Value:
Proximity cards cannot store information, while MIFARE cards are like small storage units capable of maintaining up to 1 kilobyte of data.
- Configure:
Proximity cards with a 26-bit setup use something called code installation, but MIFARE cards have a unique serial number of 32 bits established in the factory. This number does not have an installation code; this is just a random ID.
- Frequency of operation:
Proximity cards work at a frequency of 125 kHz, while MIFARE cards work at a higher frequency of 13.56 MHz.
- Security:
MIFARE cards are like Fort Knox with 128-bit AES Encryption and the highest level of security (Level 3). On the other hand, proximity cards have lower security due to their lower frequency, making people strongly steal information without discretion. Proximity cards may not keep safe personal data.
- Versatility:
MIFARE cards are like multi-tasking cards that can do many things: they are like Swiss Army Knives for cards. They can handle payments, take you to places, help with transportation, and even monitor loyalty points. They are super flexible because you can load them with different types of information for different uses.
The proximity cards, on the other side, are more specific as they are primarily used for simpler tasks such as opening doors or parking. They are such a reliable tool for specific jobs, but they may not have a wide range of functions like MIFARE cards.
- Applications:
MIFARE cards are versatile as multi-tool. They can be used to pay, access places, transportation, loyalty programs, membership, security, identity, and monitoring time. You can download them with different types of data for different purposes. On the other hand, proximity cards are simpler and often used for parking and controlling access to doors.
All in all, we have come to know that both MIFARE cards and Proximity cards are helpful in access control, but they still have a few differences. Proximity cards are simpler and reliable, but they do specific tasks. They are often used for simpler tasks such as door access. On the other side, MIFARE cards are more versatile and work as an intelligent tool that can perform a number of different tasks. The choice between them depends on the application’s specific needs, and MIFARE offers a wider range of enhanced capacities and characteristics.