Distributed Access Control
Access control systems in which all control decisions are made at the local controllers, independent from a host computer. Local Controller events are uploaded to a host computer periodically for review and storage.

Door Forced Alarm
An alarm generated when a door is forced open, opening the door switch contact.

Door Held Open Time
The amount of time from when a door is opened before an alarm is generated for the door being opened too long. This is often used to monitor if a door is being propped open following a valid access request.

Door Switch
A switch that reflects the state of the door: if the door is open, the switch is open -- if the door is closed, the switch is closed.

Duress
Forcing a person to provide access to a secure area against that person's wishes.

Duress Alarm
A device that generates a silent alarm signal in the event a person is experiencing Duress. This device may be a standalone signaling device or it may be incorporated into a reader.