20150032891 | Access Control System - An exemplary embodiment of an access control system includes a data communications network, a first access device coupled to the network, a network switching device (switch) configured for operation on the data communications network with one or more access devices. The switch includes at least one processor configured to operate in accordance with firmware instructions, a first memory configured to store the firmware instructions, and a second memory configured to store access information. The firmware instructions are configured to cause the switch to, in response to a communication containing an access request including at least user identification information received from a first access device: make a comparison of the user identification information from the access request with access information stored in the second memory, make an access decision based on the comparison; and transmit the access decision to at least the first access device over the network. | 01-29-2015 |