Access control embedded into network gear

A system, comprising:

• a headend access control system configured to manage access control data associated with a plurality of access control devices;
• a network switch communicatively coupled to the headend access control system and comprising a smart communication manager, wherein the smart communication manager includes an application programming interface accessible by the headend access control system and translates commands received from the headend access control system into payloads readable by the plurality of access control devices;
• a first smart antenna communicatively coupled with the network switch at a first port of the network switch and configured to communicate with a first set of access control devices of the plurality of access control devices using a first wireless communication technology;
• and
• a second smart antenna communicatively coupled with the network switch in a daisy chained configuration relative to the first port of the network switch and configured to communicate with the first set of access control devices using the first wireless communication technology.

A system, the system comprising:

• a headend access control system configured to manage access control data associated with a plurality of access control devices;
• a network switch communicatively coupled to the headend access control system and comprising a smart communication manager, wherein the smart communication manager includes an application programming interface accessible by the headend access control system and translates commands received from the headend access control system into payloads readable by the plurality of access control devices;
• a first smart antenna communicatively coupled with the network switch at a first port of the network switch and configured to communicate with a first set of access control devices of the plurality of access control devices using a first wireless communication technology;
• and
• a second smart antenna communicatively coupled with the network switch at a second port of the network switch and configured to communicate with a second set of access control devices of the plurality of access control devices using a second wireless communication technology.

A Power-over-Ethernet network switch communicatively coupled to a headend access control system configured to manage access control data associated with a plurality of access control devices, the plurality of access control devices including corresponding lock mechanisms configured to control access through corresponding passageways, the Power-over-Ethernet network switch comprising:

• a first port communicatively coupled with and powering a first smart antenna that communicates with a first set of access control devices of the plurality of access control devices using a first wireless communication technology;
• a second port communicatively coupled with and powering a second smart antenna that communicates with a second set of access control devices of the plurality of access control devices using a second wireless communication technology;
• at least one processor;
• and
• at least one memory comprising:
• a plurality of instructions stored therein that, in response to execution by the at least one processor, causes the Power-over-Ethernet network switch to execute an operating system of the Power-over-Ethernet network switch;
• and
• a smart communication manager that includes an application programming interface accessible by the headend access control system and that translates data received from the headend access control system into payloads readable by one or more of the plurality of access control devices.