Understanding the Difference Between MIFARE and Proximity Cards

MIFARE cards and Proximity cards are both used for access control. These two types of access cards are easy to confuse however they are very different, read on to discover their distinguishing features:

Proximity Cards

These are contactless cards which can be read by a system without having to be scanned or entered manually. They are a step ahead of the traditional magnetic swipe card. Proximity cards are embedded with a microchip which will provide the reader with the identification number, or unique code, that will enable access to an area of a building. These cards communicate a code which conveys the identity of the holder. These are activated by the proxy card reader, which will determine whether the code is, in fact, the right one, which then enables the carrier to pass through. These cards are commonly used for door, car park and workplace access.

The reading process is enabled by radio frequency fields which spark just enough energy within the card to allow it to give it's code to its reader.

MIFARE Cards

MIFARE, or Mikron FARE Collection System, is a brand of RFID chip used in access cards and tags. Because it is very small and subtle, MIFARE is used in a number of different products. This includes cards, wristbands, fobs, pet collars and phones. Basically, MIFARE can help you with pretty much anything.

The MIFARE card and chip is especially useful because of its embedded memory. The card is designed to be completely secure, keeping all data stored on its memory safe. An encryption key it what keeps all of this information out of harm's way, it prevents it from being emitted until there is mutual authentication between a MIFARE card and the card reader.

MIFARE cards also use radio frequency identification, or RFID.

The real differences between MIFARE Cards and Proximity Cards are:

• Their frequency. Although both cards are RFID, Proximity cards have 125KHz and MIFARE has 13.56 Mhz.
• Their codes. A Proximity card will use a facility code within their configuration, whilst MIFARE cards come pre-programmed with a serial number. This number is a unique and random formation which doesn’t contain any facility code.
• Their memory. MIFARE cards have the ability to store up to 1 kilobyte of data memory, whereas Proximity cards cannot store values.
• Their programming capabilities. MIFARE cards are more sophisticated in their programming potential. They can be programmed with credentials, which add an extra process in the interaction between the reader and the card reader software. You can also enhance a MIFARE card by programming its a  memory, so it is able to be used as cash or a membership card.

It is essential to know these differences when purchasing access cards, mostly because it’s very important for your card reader to be able to understand the card technology. For MIFARE, you need a reader that is able to read 13.56 KHz. If your reader is only able to read the 125 KHz required for Proximity cards, you will have a problem. If you want to implement MIFARE cards it is also necessary to find a reader that is able to read 32-bit formulas, as this is what a MIFARE card comes loaded with.

Now that you know the exact details and differences between Proximity cards and MIFARE cards, you can make an informed decision that is sure to enhance the security of your business.