What is MIFARE?

WHAT ARE THE PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A MIFARE CARD?

• Operating frequency: 13.56 MHz.
• Read range: from about 0cm up to 10 cm.
• Card size: approx. 85.7mm x 54.0mm x 0.8mm.
• Data capacity: a standard 1K Mifare card has 16 sectors each with 4 blocks of data that are16 bytes. Other capacities are available.

HOW SECURE IS THE DATA ON A MIFARE CARD?

• The radio transmission between the Mifare chip and the reader is encrypted.
• Each sector can have its own 48 bit keys for read and write access, this allows multiple applications from different vendors to operate on the same card.
• Access to data from each sector is protected with a 48 bit key.
• The actual data stored on the card can be either encrypted or not encrypted.
• Each sector can be read.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A MIFARE CARD?

Advantages:

• A single card can be used for multiple applications including access control, pin verification and purse applications
• Secure encryption prevents unauthorized access to information stored on the card. This makes it extremely difficult to copy a Mifare card.
• Being contactless, there is reduced maintenance required for card readers as well as less wear and tear on the cards.
• Mifare cards do not need to be inserted into a reader; instead they only need to be presented within the range of the card reader. This will allow read and write operations to be performed.
• Each card has its own unique card serial number.
• Cards can be used in a wet environment as the card reader can be sealed.

Disadvantages:

• Higher cost than magnetic stripe cards.

Cards Plus has a large range of Mifare cards and solutions to provide your company with the best product and service. If you need more information, please give us a call or pop into our offices.