Product Overview
For commercial and institutional sites that need a compact, IP-networked access point without running separate power and data cabling to every door, the 2N Access Unit 2.0 consolidates the functions of a traditional door controller and RFID reader into a single PoE-powered unit. Rated IP54 for moisture resistance and IK08 for mechanical impact protection, it suits both indoor lobbies and exposed outdoor entry points. The unit reads 13.56 MHz contactless cards and key fobs across a broad range of protocols – including ISO14443A, HID iClass PicoPass, FeliCa, and NFC via the My2N app – and supports secured MIFARE DESFire EV2/EV3 credentials using 2N PICard technology. An inbuilt tamper switch, 2 digital inputs, and active and passive switch outputs give installers direct door relay and alarm integration. Extension modules covering keypads, fingerprint readers, Wiegand interfaces, and I/O expansion are supported, allowing the installation to grow without replacing the core reader unit. Operating across -40°C to 60°C, it handles both sub-zero environments and hot plant rooms.
Key Capabilities
Multi-Protocol 13.56 MHz RFID
Reads ISO14443A, HID iClass PicoPass, FeliCa, ST SR(IX), and NFC credentials from a single reader head. Sites with mixed card populations or legacy credentials from multiple suppliers can consolidate onto one reader type at each door.
2N PICard Secured Credentials
Supports MIFARE DESFire EV2 and EV3 cards encrypted with 2N PICard technology, providing cryptographic credential protection that is significantly harder to clone than standard UID-only card reads. Suited to sites where card cloning is a genuine risk.
IP54 and IK08 Housing
IP54 dust and splash resistance combined with IK08 impact protection makes the Access Unit 2.0 suitable for exposed outdoor entrances, loading dock doors, and public-facing mounting positions where the reader may be subject to weather or deliberate physical interference.
PoE-Powered Single-Cable Installation
Powered via IEEE 802.3af PoE (Class 0, up to 12.95 W) over a standard Cat-5e or better Ethernet run, eliminating the need for a local 12 V power supply at the door. This reduces installation time and simplifies ongoing power fault diagnosis.
Extension Module Architecture
The unit accepts plug-in extension modules for keypad PIN entry, fingerprint biometrics, Wiegand integration with third-party panels, and additional I/O. Installers can start with card-only access and add layers of authentication later without replacing the base unit.
Best For
- Outdoor and Semi-Exposed Entry Points: IP54 and IK08 ratings allow surface mounting at building exteriors, car park pedestrian gates, and covered loading dock entries where a standard indoor reader would not survive.
- Mixed Credential Environments: Multi-protocol 13.56 MHz support, including HID iClass PicoPass and ISO14443A, suits sites migrating from older card standards without requiring a full credential re-issue on day one.
- IP-Native Access Control Installations: PoE delivery over Cat-5e and standard IP protocols (HTTPS, Syslog, SMTP) integrate naturally into structured cabling infrastructure already running cameras, VoIP, and IT equipment.
- Sites Requiring Multi-Factor Authentication: Extension module support for keypad PIN and fingerprint biometrics allows the same door position to enforce card-plus-PIN or card-plus-fingerprint without rewiring.
Why Choose the 2N Access Unit 2.0
The 2N Access Unit 2.0 addresses a common installation headache: fitting a capable, weather-resistant reader at doors where pulling separate power and data is impractical. By combining PoE power, a 10/100 IP network connection, door relay outputs, and digital inputs into one unit, it replaces what would otherwise require a separate panel, reader, and power supply at each door position. The -40°C to 60°C operating range means it functions reliably across refrigerated warehouses, rooftop plant rooms, and outdoor gates without additional housing. PICard-encrypted DESFire EV2/EV3 credential support raises the bar beyond basic UID-only reads, and the extension module system future-proofs the installation against changing authentication requirements. Available through Security Wholesalers, the 2N Access Unit 2.0 suits commercial integrators looking for a single-unit reader that can grow with a site’s access control policy.
Buyer Decision Tips
PoE Budget and Switch Compatibility: The Access Unit 2.0 draws up to 12.95 W under IEEE 802.3af. Confirm your PoE switch has sufficient per-port wattage budget before allocating ports, particularly if the same switch also powers IP cameras. If extension modules are added later, verify that the total draw remains within the 802.3af Class 0 budget or switch to a 12 V DC supply in parallel to handle the additional load.
Extension Module Planning: Decide at the design stage whether keypad, fingerprint, or Wiegand output modules will be needed. While the modular architecture allows retrofitting, planning the mounting frame and conduit sizing during initial installation avoids rework. The flush mounting frame is 130 mm wide by 153 mm high, so a standard single-gang back box is not sufficient – verify the wall void depth and frame dimensions against your chosen mounting surface before ordering.
Key Features & Technical Specifications
| Brand |
2N (an Axis company) |
| Product Type |
IP access control unit / RFID card reader |
| RFID Frequency |
13.56 MHz |
| Supported Card Protocols |
ISO14443A, PicoPass (HID iClass), FeliCa, ST SR(IX), NFC (My2N app), MIFARE DESFire EV2/EV3 (via 2N PICard) |
| NFC Support |
Yes – NFC-ready, compatible with My2N mobile app credentials |
| Protection Rating |
IP54 / IK08 |
| Power Supply |
PoE IEEE 802.3af (Class 0, max 12.95 W) and/or 12 V / 3 A DC |
| Network Interface |
10/100BASE-TX with Auto-MDIX, RJ-45; recommended cabling Cat-5e or better |
| Switch Output (Active) |
8 to 12 V DC, max 600 mA |
| Switch Output (Passive) |
NO/NC contacts, 30 V, 1 A, AC/DC |
| Digital Inputs |
2 |
| Tamper Switch |
Inbuilt |
| Buzzer |
97 dB |
| Supported Protocols |
DHCP opt. 66, SMTP, TFTP, HTTP, HTTPS, Syslog |
| Extension Modules |
Keypad, fingerprint, I/O module, Wiegand (sold separately) |
| Operating Temperature |
-40°C to 60°C |
| Relative Humidity |
10 to 95% (non-condensing) |
| Storage Temperature |
-40°C to 70°C |
| Dimensions (Surface, 1-module) |
107 (W) x 130 (H) x 28 (D) mm |
| Flush Mounting Frame (1-module) |
130 (W) x 153 (H) x 5 (D) mm |
Ideal Use Cases
Commercial Building Entrances
IP54 and IK08 ratings allow the unit to be mounted at covered or semi-exposed main entrances. PoE delivery over Cat-5e simplifies cabling runs back to a centralised IDF or comms room alongside existing network drops.
Car Park Pedestrian Gates
The -40°C to 60°C operating range and IP54 housing handle exposed outdoor mounting on gate pillars. Active and passive switch outputs connect directly to electric strikes or magnetic locks on pedestrian barriers.
Server Rooms and Secure Storerooms
PICard-encrypted DESFire EV2/EV3 credential support provides cryptographic-level card security on doors protecting high-value assets, with HTTPS event reporting to management platforms for every access attempt.
Industrial and Manufacturing Facilities
Wide temperature tolerance from -40°C suits refrigerated storage areas and cold-chain facilities. The IK08 rating handles incidental impact from machinery, forklifts, or high-traffic doorways common in production environments.
Multi-Tenant Office Buildings
Multi-protocol 13.56 MHz support accommodates tenants using different card standards from various previous installations. The extension module system allows individual tenancy doors to be upgraded to PIN-plus-card without replacing the reader unit.
Choosing the Right Model
- Choose this model if: your site uses 13.56 MHz contactless cards across multiple card standards (including HID iClass, ISO14443A, or DESFire), requires a PoE-powered reader that can be extended with keypad or biometric modules later, and needs a housing rated for outdoor or high-traffic mounting positions.
- Choose a different model if: your site uses 125 kHz EM or HID Prox legacy credentials exclusively – this unit operates at 13.56 MHz only and will not read older low-frequency cards. A reader with dual-frequency capability or a low-frequency-only unit would be more appropriate in those installations.
- Choose a different model if: you require a video intercom function at the door entry point. The Access Unit 2.0 provides RFID access control and event notification but does not include a camera or display – a 2N IP video intercom panel would be required if visual verification at the door is needed.
FAQs
- What card types does the 2N Access Unit 2.0 support?
The unit reads 13.56 MHz contactless credentials including ISO14443A, PicoPass (HID iClass), FeliCa, ST SR(IX), and NFC credentials via the My2N mobile app. It also supports secured MIFARE DESFire EV2 and EV3 cards encrypted with 2N PICard technology. It does not read 125 kHz EM or HID Prox low-frequency cards.
- Can this unit be installed outdoors?
Yes. The IP54 rating provides protection against dust ingress and water splashing from any direction, and the IK08 rating indicates resistance to 5 joule impact. This makes the unit suitable for covered outdoor entrances, car park gates, and exposed building facades, provided cable entry points are properly sealed during installation.
- What is 2N PICard technology and why does it matter?
PICard is 2N’s encryption framework for MIFARE DESFire EV2 and EV3 cards. Rather than authenticating on the card’s UID alone – which can be intercepted and cloned with commercially available hardware – PICard uses cryptographic keys stored on the card to verify authenticity. This significantly raises the difficulty of credential duplication for sites where card cloning is a security concern.
- How is the Access Unit 2.0 powered?
The unit accepts PoE via IEEE 802.3af (Class 0, up to 12.95 W) over a Cat-5e or better Ethernet cable, or 12 V / 3 A DC via a local power supply. PoE is typically the preferred option as it eliminates the need for a separate mains power point at each door position and allows the unit to be monitored for power faults through the PoE switch.
- What door locking hardware can the Access Unit 2.0 control?
The unit provides an active switch output (8 to 12 V DC, max 600 mA) suitable for powering low-current door releases, and a passive switch output with NO/NC contacts rated at 30 V, 1 A AC/DC for controlling electric strikes, magnetic locks, or other relay-driven hardware. Always verify that the lock draw is within these ratings before connecting directly.
- Can I add a keypad or fingerprint reader to this unit later?
Yes. The 2N Access Unit 2.0 supports expansion via plug-in extension modules, including keypad, fingerprint, Wiegand interface, and I/O modules. These are purchased separately. If multi-factor authentication is a likely future requirement, it is worth sizing the mounting frame and conduit for module additions during the initial fit-out to avoid opening up the wall later.
- What event reporting and integration options does it support?
The unit can send access logs to a Syslog server, trigger email notifications, or dispatch HTTPS commands to third-party systems on selected events. Supported protocols include DHCP opt. 66, SMTP, TFTP, HTTP, HTTPS, and Syslog, allowing integration with VMS platforms, building management systems, or custom monitoring dashboards. The inbuilt tamper switch also generates an alert if the unit is physically interfered with. The 2N Access Unit 2.0 is part of the Security Wholesalers range and is supplied with standard 2N firmware and configuration options.
Cabling Considerations
- Cable Type: Cat-5e or better UTP or FTP Ethernet cable is recommended by 2N for both data and PoE delivery to the unit.
- Maximum PoE Cable Run: As with all 802.3af PoE devices, the maximum Ethernet cable run from the PoE switch or injector is 100 m. Beyond this distance, a PoE extender or midspan injector with a local power supply will be required.
- Door Lock Wiring: The active switch output (8 to 12 V DC, 600 mA max) and passive switch output (30 V, 1 A NO/NC) require separate cable runs to the door locking hardware. Use appropriately rated cable for the lock current draw and run these separately from the Ethernet cable to avoid interference.
- Wiring Tips: Seal all cable entry points into the unit housing with appropriate gland fittings or silicone when mounting outdoors to maintain the IP54 rating. For flush-mounted installations, verify that the wall void is sufficient for the flush frame depth (5 mm frame plus cable bend radius) before cutting the opening. Where conduit is used, size it to accommodate any future extension module cables.
