Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) and Wiegand are technologies used to link access control systems together. While Wiegand readers are one-way communication devices, OSDP readers offer two-way communication. In other words, OSDP readers can send and receive communication from the controller.

‌OSDP access control technologies offer many benefits that other legacy systems like Wiegand don’t have. Read on to learn more about OSDP, how it differs from Wiegand, and what cable types you need to install OSDP systems.

What Is OSDP?

OSDP is a protocol that links control devices together and guarantees maximum security. Through AES-128 encryption and constant monitoring, OSDP features advanced features to protect your system from all threats.

‌Other features include:

  • Functionality across a wide range of security solutions and devices, regardless of the equipment manufacturer.
  • This includes secured access doors and gates, control panels (CPs), and peripheral devices (PDs) like card readers
  • OSDP can also be used in Internet Protocol (IP) environments. We recommend using OSDP when other protocols like Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol TCP/IP and USB aren’t available.
  • OSDP’s interoperability will extend even further when OSDP over IP is released.
  • Advanced user interfaces, including text, prompts, and welcome messages.
  • Uses two wires instead of the 12 or more found in other legacy systems.
  • Using two wires allows supervised connections, scalability, and multi-drop installation.
  • Uses an audio-visual system, which is equipped with a user feedback mechanism that creates a user-friendly access control environment.
  • The user won’t have to do any guesswork, since authentication processes and encryption have been predefined.
  • Costs less to implement on devices that are already embedded into the system, which makes OSDP an easy-to-install choice for many.
  • Has tamper messages, which means you will automatically get alerts if there is tampering.

What Is Wiegand?

Wiegand is a protocol used in access control applications like sensors and card readers. It’s also found in fingerprint readers and other data-capturing devices.

‌Like OSDP, the Wiegand interface uses two wires, with one wire passing 0s and the other passing 1s. Because the information sent through Wiegand isn’t encrypted like it is in OSDP, Wiegand systems are not secure.

How Does OSDP Compare to Wiegand?

OSDP has many advantages over Wiegand. These include:

  • Supporting two-way communication between a controller and a reader. This means that an interface unit, computer, or controller can connect with a reader and check PIN codes, manage LED indications, or identify malfunctioning devices.
  • Cheaper to install, since OSDP requires less cable.
  • Encrypted connection, since OSDP supports high-end AES-128 encryption. Wiegand and other common protocols don’t have this.
  • Allowing a reader to function even if it’s located 1,200 meters from the controller. In contrast, Wiegand only works if the reader and controller are less than 152 meters apart.
  • User-friendly interface that costs less and is easier to set up.
  • Better security than Wiegand. Wiegand is easy to hack since simple hacking tools to replay and sniff Wiegand data can be easily purchased and installed.

‌What Cable Types You Need to Install OSDP Systems

To install OSDP systems, we recommend using Remee’s Vigilance™ access control cables. Our cables can be used for any access control protocols, including Wiegand, OSDP, and BacNet.

‌We offer the following access control cables:

  • Direct Burial Composite for Wet Locations, PART NO. R00907WBT: This is a Riser-rated and OSP composite cable that has four components, UV-resistant PVC jackets, and water-blocking tape. It is made for use in wet locations and meets the Wiegand security cable standard.
  • OSDP/RS-485 Composite Cable, PART NO. 725937 or 725953: These new designs can be used with protocols that use encryption, such as OSDP. We also provide a foil shield against electromagnetic noise (EMI).
  • Wiegand Access Control Cables, PARTS NOs. 725901 (CMP) and R00907 (CMR): These are Riser-rated and Plenum-rated composite cables that contain a component with foil shielding for high EMI environments. The Plenum-rated and Riser-rated variations come with Remguard Plenum Polymer jackets and PVC jackets respectively. These cables meet the Wiegand security cable standard.
  • All-Shielded Composite Cables, PART NO. 725914: This is a new Plenum-rated Access Control composite cable that has a foil shield around each component cable for optimal EMI protection in high-noise environments. Like our Wiegand Access Control Cables, this product meets the Wiegand security cable standard.

‌Our access control cables, like the rest of our offerings, boast the following features:

  • Water-Blocking: Our cables all come with water-blocking materials or water-swellable tape that creates a moisture barrier. This makes them perfect for applications where cables are exposed to moisture or water, like direct burial.
  • Interference Protection: Our cables with foil shields have 100% coverage to prevent signal degradation or interference from ingress or egress.
  • Flexibility: Our stranded conductor cables are incredibly flexible, making them easy to install in ceilings and walls. We don’t use copper coated in aluminum, only solid copper.
  • Stripability: Our cables’ LSPVC and PVC jackets are easy to strip or peel away from conductors.
  • Bundling: Remee’s composite and bundled cables allow many signals to go through more than one cable, even if they’re using one jacket. This makes installation easier since only one cable needs to be pulled for the installation process.
  • Jacket Options: We offer a variety of jacketing options:
  • LSZH: Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) thermoset or thermoplastic compounds, which emit limited smoke and no toxic halogen gasses
  • Plenum Jackets: RemGuard™ Polymer jackets for plenum-rated cables with low smoke and low flammability

Cables & Wires For Every Industry

Remee Wire & Cable is a family-run company with a huge selection of complex cables. Established in 1972 by founder Al Muhlrad, Remee is one of the country’s leading copper and fiber optic cable manufacturers. Our experts have worked with a variety of industries to design and manufacture the cable products they need. From alarm and security applications to structured cabling systems, powered cabling solutions, automation/multimedia, broadcast A/V, renewable energy cables, and more…Remee has you covered with reliable cable products and personalized service.

Contact us today to learn more about our cables and how we can help you.