Understanding the Different Types of Keyless Entry Systems
Whether its your office, some electronic devices or most commonly, your car, a keyless entry system adds a layer of
convenience that is hard to live without once you experience it,
While they were initially developed to improve security in a number of different applications, it is in the
automotive industry where they have become almost ubiquitous. For modern production cars, keyless entry is the
standard for vehicle access , and it is easy to see why.
No need to find your key to get into your car, its just an easier way to interact with your vehicle.
However, keyless entry systems are not all the same, and there are two distinct types that you are most likely to
find, these are:
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Systems — These use a small transmitter you keep with you. Press the
button when you are a short distance from the vehicle, and it locks or unlocks as required. This is kind of
a half-way point between complete keyless entry and the old keyed systems, in that you still need to use a
device to open the vehicle, although you no longer need to be physically at the vehicle to do it.
Passive Keyless Entry (PKE) Systems — This takes keyless entry to the next level, requiring no
user input at all. As long as you have the key
fob with you, the system recognizes its presence when you are within a certain distance of the
vehicle, and automatically unlocks it for you. It is the most convenient way to operate locks and security
systems, all you do is walk to or away from the vehicle.
Both types of keyless entry use RFID technology to securely
communicate with the vehicle, each having advantages depending on the application.
Definition of Keyless Entry Systems
A keyless entry system is one that allows you to unlock your property, vehicle or digital device without needing to
physically interact with it. You can find more information about keyless entry and the advantages it brings in our
comprehensive blog post.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Systems vs. Passive Keyless Entry (PKE) Systems
While both are keyless systems using RFID technology, RKE and PKE systems are very different in practice. The
differences are most obvious in how we use them, however, in terms of security and more, they remain very different
under the skin too. If we look at each element in turn, we can see how they differ in more detail:
Operation — This is the most obvious way the two differ. With an RKE system, you must press a
button on a remote fob to lock or unlock the vehicle, so in essence it remains a manual solution, just with
remote access. However, with the PKE system, you just have to have the key fob with you, and the system will
lock and unlock the vehicle automatically as you walk towards or away from your car.
Convenience — PKE obviously offers a more convenient approach, one that mirrors the trend for
more automation in the automotive industry itself. While it is no hardship to just press a button to
activate the RKE solution, with no action required at all, PKE is better in all scenarios, but especially if
you are arriving at your car with hands full of shopping, or you are in a hurry.
Security — Like it or not, security is an essential consideration for our vehicles, and here
RKE has the advantage. Having to physically press the button to lock or unlock the vehicle gives users more
control. By introducing the proximity detection, PKE systems also introduce a potential vulnerability, with
relay attacks that intercept and amplify the signal from the fob being used to access vehicles.
Advantages of RKE:
Enhanced security due to the requirement of physical action to unlock/lock the vehicle.
The simplicity of design and operation, making it less susceptible to sophisticated attacks.
Advantages of PKE:
Maximum convenience with automatic vehicle access as the user approaches or leaves the vehicle.
Streamlined user experience, enhancing the vehicle's technological appeal.
Conclusion
If you want a clear look at how vehicle
technology has improved the ownership experience, moving from key to keyless
systems is one of the most effective demonstrations of this trend. Both RKE and PKE solutions deliver improved
convenience, with the PKE system in particular making entry so easy you can manage it with your hands full.
Both systems have their pros and cons, and which you prefer will depend on your situation and whether you prioritize
convenience over security. There is no doubt that as technology evolves, keyless entry systems will continue to
evolve and deliver improved user experiences.
Cloud Login
