...
When a credentialed user approaches the reader and enters the overlapping Bluetooth range of both the phone and the reader, the reader makes a handshake with the mobile phone (in listening mode), sustaining the connection. The reader waits for a trigger event to activate the unlock process. The trigger event could be a hand wave in front of the reader, touching the reader, or pressing the unlock button on the phone app.
In addition to mobile, Avigilon Alta also supports other credential formats for unlocking entrances via the reader: physical cards/badges, physical key fobs, as well as and the option to enter a keycode (on the keypad reader only.)
Given all of the different access capabilities and the underlying technologies they rely on, there are optimal reader and mobile app settings and installation and environmental considerations to ensure a reliable unlock experience.
...
Configuration and current state
In order to To use one’s phone as a credential, it must be powered on. If it has zero battery or is powered off, one should not have the expectation expect that the phone can be used to unlock an entry via the Avigilon Alta Access control system. Secondly, the Alta access application must be installed on the phone for unlock to work. In addition to having the app installed, the user must be issued a credential by the administrator, and the credential must be provisioned on the App installed on the phone. Third, the phone must have Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and/or LTE capabilities turned on, and the app must be given explicit permission to use Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and/or LTE capabilities when installing the app. Without these radios enabled and permissions granted, the phone will not be able to be used as a mobile credential. For example, if a user has their phone in airplane mode with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and LTE disabled, their phone will not be able to send out a signal to the reader.
...
In some circumstances, the Android version of the Avigilon Alta mobile app can use NFC on Android devices as an additional authentication method. However, you need to confirm that the version of the mobile app you are running is one that does support NFC and that the phone supports NFC to be able to take advantage of this authentication method. At this time, NFC is not yet supported on Apple devices.
...
Performance data from our end users show that Android smartphones (across a wide variety of manufacturers) prior to before 2023 have demonstrated less effective Bluetooth performance than comparable year iOS phones when looking at a 5-year period.
...
The ability of the reader to connect to and communicate with the credentialed device impacts the performance of mobile credentials. This can be negatively impacted by poor LTE signal, weak or unreliable Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth interference. Physical obstructions can also impact connectivity, such as a wall or pillar blocking the line - of - sight to the phone.
There are some Some things that can be done to mitigate these issues. For example, if your location has a poor LTE signal, you could consider an LTE booster to improve the signal. Wi-Fi connectivity may be improved by installing a Wireless Access Point closer to the readers. Additionally, set the read range to the longest distance, ensure a clear line of sight between the phone and the reader, and ensure there are no other readers in close proximity.
...