Peripheral controller in an access control system

An access control system, comprising:

• a credential reader configured to receive access credentials via a wireless communication connection with a credential device;
• an electronic lock including a lock mechanism configured to control access through a barrier;
• and
• a peripheral controller separate from the electronic lock and comprising a reader interface communicatively coupled to the credential reader and a Power over Ethernet (PoE) circuit that receives power over an Ethernet cable for powering the peripheral controller, wherein the peripheral controller is configured to:
• analyze credential data received from the credential device via the reader interface;
• make an access control decision based on the analyzed credential data to determine whether to grant access to a user of the credential device;
• and
• transmit a control signal to the electronic lock to unlock the lock mechanism in response to a determination to grant access to the user.