Abstract: A method, a system, and an apparatus for proving secure transmissions from a smartcard reader are described. A signal created by the smartcard reader dependent on the smartcard is encrypted. The signal comprises access information. The encrypted signal is transmitted to a remote location relative to the smartcard reader. The transmitted signal is translated at the remote location to another format useable by an access controller. An access mechanism is controlled using the access controller dependent upon the translated signal.

Abstract: A method of switching a door latch in a secure area, a relay module, and an access control system are disclosed. Encrypted communications from a reader in an unsecured area are decrypted, and the decrypted communications are compared to an expected code. A micro-controller may implement the decrypting and comparing steps. Power is switched to actuate the door latch if the comparison of the decrypted communications and the expected code indicates a correct match. A relay coupled to the micro-controller may implement the switching step. The relay module and the door latch may be a single module. The method may further comprise the step of receiving the encrypted communications from the reader. At least one buffer coupled to the micro-controller may implement the receiving step.