GUEST ACCESS WITH KEY LINK

Being the smartest access control in the cloud means that we can do some amazing things. One of such things is granting access via web link.

Key Link is a very convenient solution for granting temporary access, especially at a distance as nothing material needs to be sent or received. The recipient does not need to be Door Cloud user, does not need to install or run any special app, does not need to memorize anything and everything can be set well in advance.

It goes like this:

• User creates a web link for opening a certain door.
• User sends the link via mail or chat.
• The recipient opens the door by clicking on the link.

Which seems like a bit too simple, does it? So, let’s just go in and answer some immediate questions:

• How do we open the door once we receive the link?

The door can be opened using a smartphone or any other online device with a browser. Clicking the link will open the browser and land you on the door opening page. The door is then opened by clicking the button on the page.

• How do we prevent the link to be further distributed and used by other people?

We don’t. Think of the link as of the ordinary mechanical key or the PIN code. The key can be easily copied, the PIN can be revealed.

• How do we know that the link has been used by the intended recipient and not by someone else?

We don’t, see the previous answer.

• How do we keep track of who made the link, for whom and why?

The link name and description, its validity period, and the user who made it – all that is automatically logged by the system. If the link is sent by email, the email will be logged too. For any other data, it is up to the user what he will choose to record using the name and description. It may be the recipient name, the link purpose, or anything else of importance to the user.

• How do we keep track of the access events made using the link?

Just like any other access using cards or mobile app. All access events made via links are logged in the event log.

• How can we limit the link use?

We can set the link validity from – to. We can change or cancel it at any later time. We can also limit the number of times the link can be used down to single use.

• Can we send the link to multiple recipients?

Yes. Also, links can be forwarded, copied, published or otherwise distributed to any number of secondary recipients.

• What are the technical requirements?

Access via Key Link can be performed on any Door Cloud access point (door). Link can be issued online on the web or using the Door Cloud web app. For opening doors, any smartphone or similar device with browser and internet connection will do.

• Link access can be seen as a high-convenience, yet low-security access feature. What are the security considerations?

It really depends on the use case. Key Link is not meant as a replacement for card access or smartphone app access. It is intended for use cases where the lack of user identification is acceptable, such as apartment rent.

BENEFITS

• Access right can be granted easily and instantly from the web or the mobile app.
• Access right can be granted with delayed start and automatic expiration (from – to, from – duration).
• Access right can be modified or revoked easily and instantly.
• Access right recipient can be anyone with a smartphone and internet connection.
• Access right recipient can easily and instantly share the access right further to other recipients.
• No cards or card readers required.

USE CASE: APARTMENT RENT

The best use case is apartment rent. The apartment owner is a Door Cloud user, the guest is anyone with a smartphone and internet connection. The owner creates the link and sends it to the guest. The guest opens the apartment door with his smartphone, and the owner sees that the guests have arrived.

If cards are preferred, they can be left in the apartment for guest’s convenience. In that case, the link duration may be set for some initial period only.

If there are more guests, they can share the link between themselves. Or, the owner can send multiple links. If the guest cancels or leaves early, the owner simply revokes the link.