Compare OSDP (Open Supervised Device Protocol) and Wiegand — the two dominant reader-to-controller communication protocols — and understand why OSDP is rapidly becoming the industry standard.
Wiegand has been the dominant communication protocol between access control card readers and access control panels since the 1980s. It uses a simple one-way, unencrypted serial protocol that transmits a fixed data format (typically 26-bit, 34-bit, or 37-bit card data) from the reader to the panel when a card is presented.
Topics covered
ASIS Physical Security Professional (PSP) — Full Practice Exam
✨ Premium ContentGo beyond the free practice questions with a full-length paid exam bank.
Applied Physical Security Systems Engineering Professional Program
✨ Premium ContentA structured, paid professional training program for this discipline.
Access Control Systems Handbook (Full Access)
✨ Premium ContentA zoomable interactive reader — free preview, then unlock the full set.
Camera Lens FOV Calculator
✨ Premium ContentA paid interactive calculator or 3D simulator for this discipline — part of the All-Access Pass.
📬 Get new engineering guides in your inbox
New calculators, interactive readers, and reference guides — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Put this knowledge to work on your iPhone
Browse our full catalog of professional iOS apps — from electrical code tools to AI builders.
Browse All 95+ Apps