HID iCLASS cards were first introduced in 2002, building off of the technology and convenience of proximity cards. Using 13.56MHz read/write communication, iCLASS cards can read and write large amounts of data.
Advantages of iCLASS Smart Cards
HID iCLASS smart cards have several advantages over the more limited proximity cards:
- Increased security – data is encrypted, and card/reader system uses mutual authentication to protect transmitted data
- Ability to read & write – this allows the card to both send data (the only functionality a prox card has) and receive data
- More storage – iCLASS smart cards range from a memory size of 2k bits up to 32kbits
Additionally, iCLASS contactless cards can be combination technology cards with options for:
- Prox card technology
- Magnetic stripes
- Contact smart chips
