FAQ - Way readers

Migration and replacement

If I have an NVITE reader and want to replace it with the Way QR reader, what steps do I need to take?

Are you using Nedap technology, then you have two options.

Option 1. Use the Way reader in OSDPV2.2 secure or switch to transparent mode.

Using Nedap technology

You have two options. Migrate to OSDP v2.2 Secure or Transparent mode.

Option 1. Transparent mode

Out of the box, the Way QR reader is configured for Transparent mode. Simply update the controllers and door interfaces to Transparent mode. For detailed instructions, go to the Technical WebHelp.

Option 2. OSDP v2.2 Secure

1. Set the Way reader to OSDP v2.2 mode using the DIP switch at the back of the reader.
2. Configure the reader using the desktop configuration application and create a configuration file.
3. Transfer the configuration via the USB-C interface or remotely using OSDP v2.2 file transfer.
4. Update the firmware of your controller and door interfaces to OSDP.
5. Update your configuration by adding the required OSDP mode settings. See the Technical WebHelp for configuration examples.
6. Connect the new reader to the corresponding access point.

Note: Once you've created the configuration, you can save it and reuse it for future installations.

Existing OSDP installation

If your NVITE reader is already using OSDP, you can migrate directly to the Way QR reader in OSDP v2.2 Secure mode.

1. Set the Way QR reader to OSDP v2.2 mode using the DIP switch at the back of the reader.
2. Configure the reader using the desktop configuration application and create a configuration file.
3. Transfer the configuration via the USB-C interface or remotely using OSDP v2.2 file transfer.
4. Connect the new reader to the OSDP bus.

Note: Once you've created the configuration, you can save it and reuse it for future installations.

Using Wiegand

The Way reader also supports the Wiegand protocol.

1. Configure the reader using the desktop configuration application and create a configuration file.
2. Transfer the configuration via the USB-C interface.
3. Connect the new reader to the Wiegand bus.

Can I migrate to Way readers without replacing my cards or credentials?

If you are using cards from the MIFARE family, such as MIFARE DESFire EV3 cards, or the Nedap Mobile Credential, you can migrate without replacing your cards or credentials.

For a complete overview of the supported card technologies and mobile credentials, see the Way reader Datasheet.

Installation, configuration and firmware

Which tools do I need to configure a Way reader?

The Way readers come with a desktop configuration application to create a configuration file. This file can be pushed to the reader over the USB-C interface or remotely over OSDP v2.2 file transfer. 

When using Nedap technology, the readers can be configured directly in AEmon over Transparent mode.

Which communication protocols are supported and how can I change them?

The Way readers contain two firmware partitions:

1. One for the Nedap Transparent mode
2. One for OSDP and other protocols

Out of the box, the Way reader is configured for Transparent mode. When using Nedap technology,  the reader can directly be configured through the AEmon Toolkit when connected to a Blue controller (AP7803).

By flipping the DIP switch on the back of the reader, you can activate the second partition, which supports open protocols such as OSDP v2.2. The reader can then be configured using the desktop configuration tool.

For detailed configuration instructions, including switching between communication protocols, see the Way reader Installation Guide.

Can I individually control or disable the LEDs?

Yes, the status LED can be controlled individually from the Access LED and Ambient LED.

Yes. The Way reader offers flexible LED configuration.

• The Status LED can be controlled independently of the Access LED and Ambient LED.
• The Ambient LED can be disabled while the Access LED remains operational.
• The Status LED can also be disabled if required.

How do I update the firmware of a Way reader?

We recommend to update the readers before installation. Especially during the first months after launch, new firmware releases are expected as additional features, optimizations and bug fixes become available.

The readers use a dual-partition firmware structure. An update file will overwrite the partition that is not being used. After installation the reader will switch the partition so the reader stays operational during the update process. If something goes wrong during the update process, the reader can revert back to the original partition or go back to factory default.

The readers support multiple update methods:

• Out of the box over USB-C interface (the reader will also be powered over USB-C).
• Remotely over OSDP v2.2 using file transfer.
• When using Nedap technology, remotely over Nedap Transparent mode via the AEmon Toolkit.

Reader capabilities

What is the IP rating of the Way reader? 

The IP (Ingress Protection) rating indicates how well a device is protected against the ingress of dust and water.

An IP rating consists of two digits:

• The first digit indicates protection against solid objects and dust (0–6).
• The second digit indicates protection against water (0–9).

The Way reader has an IP65 rating:

• 6 – Completely dust-tight.
• 5 – Protected against rain and water jets from any direction.

This makes the Way reader suitable for indoor and outdoor access control installations.

The optional Protection Hood does not change the IP rating. The Way reader is already fully suitable for outdoor use with its IP65 rating. The Protection Hood is intended to provide additional mechanical protection and reduce direct exposure to harsh weather conditions in demanding outdoor environments.

What is the IK rating of the Way reader? 

The IK (Impact Protection) rating indicates how well a device is protected against mechanical impacts, such as accidental knocks or deliberate vandalism. The higher the IK rating, the greater the impact resistance.

For most access control applications, readers with an IK05–IK07 rating provide sufficient protection. These ratings are typically suitable for indoor offices, schools, healthcare facilities and general commercial buildings, where the risk of impact or vandalism is relatively low.

The Way reader has an IK08 rating as standard. This provides an extra level of protection, making it suitable for busy indoor areas and sheltered outdoor installations, such as main entrances, distribution centres, parking facilities and apartment buildings, where the reader may be exposed to intensive daily use and more frequent mechanical impacts.

When used with the optional Protection Hood, the reader's impact protection increases from IK08 to IK10. The addition of the Protection Hood makes it suitable for high-risk locations where intentional damage or vandalism is more likely, such as prisons, stadiums, public transport facilities, public parking garages and unattended outdoor locations. IK10 provides the highest level of impact protection.

Which Way reader and accessories should I choose for my application?

The Way reader portfolio is designed to support a wide range of access control applications. The table below provides guidance on selecting the appropriate reader and optional accessories for different installation scenarios.