Proximity based beacon and accelerometer for unauthorized gate entry

[Jarryd]

Hi everyone, 

Im looking to put together a security solution consisting of an accelerometer and a proximity beacon. The accelerometer would be installed on gates and authorized persons would carry a beacon that would allow them to open the gate without setting off a notification. However if someone else were to try gain access and forcefully open the gate, the accelerometer would detect movement and send a notification or alarm to the control room after detecting that there was no nearby authorized beacon. 

There are also a number of entrance gates that use RF remotes to open or close a gate. Is it possible to have this remote act as a beacon? Ultimately trying to look for the simplest solution with as little components as possible without users having to acquire more devices. Another possibility is to use a user's cellphone as a beacon?

There may not be a whole lot of detail above, but wanted to initiate the discussion and see what's available or possible. 

Thanks

Kind Regards 

Jarryd

[Hung Bui]

Hi Jarryd, 

I don't see any technical issue for doing what you described. 

But from security point of view, base the locking mechanism on just the beacon is not safe. Attacker can very easily clone an advertising packet and replay it to open the door. 

It's better that the door and the beacon should establish a connection and can do some authentication to verify the beacon. 

You of course can use the phone as the key. But as I mentioned, some authentication should be added, not just the beacon advertising. 

[Jarryd]

Hi Hung, 

Thanks for your reply. There wouldn't be any locking or unlocking mechanism. The idea is relatively simple in that I just want a notification when an unauthorized person tries to open the gate, but not every time. For example we have a problem with burglars pushing the main entrance gate open with a car. It is in this event I want a notification to know someone is breaking through, but not every time the gate is open as it may just be a resident opening the gate. 

[Hung Bui]

Okey, then you just need to know who open the gate. I think it shouldn't be too hard to implement what you need. 

The accelerometer should act as a central/scanner device. And the remote/phone can broadcast advertising packet. 

You also use the beacon as a remote, by either establishing a connection, or simply add the command to open/close the gate using the advertising packet.