If you've ever tried to order replacement hotel key cards and been confronted with terms like "MIFARE Classic 1K," "DESFire EV3," or "13.56 MHz high frequency," you're not alone. RFID technology is remarkably reliable once set up correctly, but navigating the alphabet soup of standards can be intimidating. Here's a plain-English guide.
Frequency: The First Decision
RFID systems operate at two main frequencies:
- 125 kHz (Low Frequency) — Older systems, simpler technology, limited security. Still found in some South African hotels running legacy Onity or older Dormakaba installations.
- 13.56 MHz (High Frequency) — Modern standard. Better security, faster read speeds, more data capacity. Used by all current-generation lock systems from Dormakaba, SALTO, Assa Abloy, and Kaba.
The Main RFID Standards
MIFARE Classic (1K / 4K)
The workhorse of hotel access. MIFARE Classic cards have been the industry standard for over 15 years. They're affordable, widely supported, and perfectly adequate for most hotel applications. If your property runs Dormakaba SAFLOK or older SALTO systems, you're likely using MIFARE Classic.
MIFARE DESFire (EV1 / EV2 / EV3)
The premium tier. DESFire offers advanced encryption (AES-128), faster communication, and larger memory. It's the standard for new installations and is required by some corporate security policies. Properties running newer Assa Abloy VingCard or SALTO XS4 systems typically use DESFire.
HID iCLASS
Used primarily in properties that run HID-specific lock hardware or integrate hotel access with building-wide access control systems. More common in mixed-use developments that combine hotel, office, and residential access on a single platform.
Matching Your Lock System
The simplest way to identify your RFID requirement is by lock system:
- Dormakaba (SAFLOK, Ilco) — Typically MIFARE Classic 1K
- SALTO — MIFARE Classic or DESFire, depending on installation date
- Assa Abloy (VingCard) — DESFire EV1/EV2 for current systems
- Onity — May use 125 kHz or MIFARE, depending on model generation
When You're Unsure
If you don't know your RFID specification, send us a sample card. We can read the chip type, frequency, and memory configuration in our lab and confirm the exact specification you need. This service is free for all South African hotel customers.
Guest Lock Solutions stocks all major RFID configurations and can advise on the best match for your property. Contact us with your lock system brand and model for a quick recommendation.
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