Access control systems use many or all of the components of a video surveillance system in conjunction with access control components to form a system that can control entrance to (or exit from) a secure space while recording images of the people entering (or exiting) that space. In addition to some of the components of video surveillance systems, access control systems use some or all of the following components:

• Lock- a device that secures the doorway/gate that isolates the secure facility
• Reader- a device that reads a badge, tag, or biometric scanner (thumbprint, iris scanner, voice recognizer, etc.) and passes the authentication information to a head-end
• Camera- an optional device to record the visual scene at the door whenever the door is unlocked for entry or exit
• Panel- a control interface that allows management to program the behavior of the access control system
• Head-end- a device (control computer) that operns or closes the lock when someone requests permission to enter, based on the program settings made at the controller
• REX device- a device, typically a motion or proximity detector, that allows someone to Request to EXit the secured space