Badge Reader
A reader used to read and interpret data encoded in an identification badge. See Card Reader.

Bar Code Card
An access control card with identification information encoded in Bar Code format.

Bar Code Reader
A reader capable of reading and interpreting cards using bar codes to encode data. Barium Ferrite Card - An access control card with identification information encoded in the card via magnetic material embedded in the card.

Battery Backup
A secondary energy source used to power devices in the event the primary energy source fails. Battery Backup typically provides power for a short period of time, allowing for immediate action, system protection, and system shutdown before the battery reaches a drained state.

Baud
The unit of data signal transmission speed, typically expressed in bits per second.

Biometrics
A general term for the verification of individuals using unique biological characteristics (i.e. fingerprints, hand geometry, voice analysis, the retinal pattern in the eye).

Biometric Access Control
Access control where the identification process is made through biometric parameters. See Access Control, Biometrics.