Data center access control technology plays a critical role in governing who can access, view and manage critical data. The Digitus dbBus Architecture is designed to simplify this process by integrating intelligent locks across numerous server cabinets.
dbBus – Architecture
Each dbBus system consists of a single dbBus Controller, a number of dbNodes with electronic handles attached and one or more optional dbEnline units. Each dbBus Controller has a single network connection and a single power supply. No individual network connections or power sources are required within each cabinet. The dbBus system uses inexpensive CAT5 cable, to carry data signals and power from the dbBus Controller to the individual cabinets.
The dbBus Controller also has built-in redundancy and can still function even with a break in the bus loop.
dbBus Controller
At the heart of the dbBus system is the dbBus controller, an IP networked device that uses only a single IP address to control and manage as many as 32 cabinets, and distributes fail-safe signals and electrical power to up to 64 cabinet door handles.
An unlimited number of Bus Controllers can be operated from a single instance of the Digitus DAS-SQL software platform.
The Bus Architecture offers multiple options for authentication. It can be used with any of the Digitus Server Cabinet Smart Handles, for authentication at the cabinet door, or with the dbEnline unit for authentication at the end of each row.
dbEnline – End of Row Authentication
The Bus Architecture allows authentication to take place at the end of a row of cabinets via the Enline reader.
The dbEnline reader allows a user to specify which cabinet they are attempting to access by identifying the cabinet by entering its row/cabinet/door number. Once a valid cabinet has been entered, the user must then authenticate by presenting the required credentials, PIN/RFID card/fingerprint. If the credentials are authenticated and the user has access to the specified cabinet, the cabinet door will unlock.
The utilization of dbEnline units on any Bus system is very flexible. It is also possible to have a reader installed at both ends of a single row of cabinets, or to have a single dbEnline reader control multiple rows. The end of row authentication method can be used in conjunction with the dbELock to help minimize costs.