A gate controller accepts an 'open' command from many devices: handheld remotes, keypads, GSM units (you call the gate and it opens), intercoms, card or fingerprint readers, and number plate recognition. The more people use a gate, the more it matters that each person's access can be removed individually.
Key takeaways
- Remotes are simple but hard to control once lost.
- GSM openers let authorised phone numbers open the gate by calling.
- Access control and ANPR give per-person control and logs.
- Estates need central user management, not a drawer of remotes.
01Options compared
| Method | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Handheld remote | Homes, small numbers of users | Lost remotes: code them out promptly |
| Keypad | Staff, deliveries | Shared codes |
| GSM (phone call) | Remote opening, no remotes to hand out | Needs a SIM and mobile signal |
| Intercom | Visitors | Someone must answer |
| Card / biometric reader | Staff and residents | Needs access control |
| ANPR | Residents' cars, estates | Needs good camera placement |
02Who can open the gate?
With remotes, you often don't know how many copies exist. With GSM lists, access control or ANPR, each person or vehicle is listed and can be removed individually, and every opening can be logged.
03For estates
Multi-user gates are covered in ANPR for estates, UHF vehicle tags and visitor management.
04Frequently asked questions
What is a GSM gate opener?
A unit with a SIM card: authorised numbers call it and the gate opens, with no remote needed.
How do I stop a lost remote from working?
Have the remote deleted from the gate receiver's memory.
Can my gate open with my number plate?
Yes, with an ANPR camera linked to the gate controller.
