A zone is an entity that monitors a set of inputs and triggers events based on their combined states. These events can be used to control output relays.
A zone can be armed (triggers activated), or disarmed (triggers deactivated) using a key switch, a software command, or on a schedule. A zone can be armed by software (using an action command or according to a schedule), or by hardware (for units that support this feature).
I/O linking
I/O linking is the control of specific output relays based on the combined result of a specific set of electric inputs. Each input can be connected to a specific monitoring device, such as a motion sensor, a smoke detector, a door or window contact, and so on.
Zone states
Zone states are determined by a combination (AND/OR) of inputs associated with the zone.
- Normal
- When the combination of inputs yields a zero (0).
- Active
- When the combination of inputs yields a one (1).
- Trouble
- Requires to have at least one supervised input. The zone is in the Trouble state when at least one of the input is in the Trouble state. The Trouble state supersedes all other states.
Hardware zones
A hardware zone is a zone entity in which the I/O linking is executed by a single access control unit. A hardware zone works independently of the Access Manager, and consequently, cannot be armed or disarmed from Security Desk.
Hardware zones are recommended when quick responses and offline operations are crucial for your security system. The access control unit controlling the zone must not be operated in server mode. Once the unit is configured in Security Center, it must be able to act on its own without being connected to, or controlled by Security Center.
Hardware zones can be armed using a key switch (input), or on schedules.
Virtual zones
A virtual zone is a zone entity where the I/O linking is done by software. The input and output devices can belong to different units of different types. A virtual zone is controlled by the Zone Manager and only works when all the units are online. It can be armed and disarmed from Security Desk.
Virtual zones are recommended when flexibility is required, and when access control units are not available.
I/O zones
An I/O zone is a zone entity in which the I/O linking can be spread across multiple Synergis™ units, while one unit acts as the master unit. All Synergis™ units involved in an I/O zone must be managed by the same Access Manager. The I/O zone works independently of the Access Manager, but ceases to function if the master unit is down. An I/O zone can be armed and disarmed from Security Desk as long as the master unit is online.
I/O zones are recommended when quick responses, offline operation, and I/O linking across multiple units are required.