Electronic Door Lock – Definition, Types and Online vs. Offline
An electronic door lock replaces the mechanical key with an electronic identifier – with a critical difference between offline and online-ready systems.
How it works and lock types
An electronic door lock replaces the mechanical key with an electronic credential. Access media include RFID cards, transponders, PIN codes, QR codes or smartphone apps. Permissions are managed centrally and can be revoked instantly.
A key distinction is offline locks (permissions stored in the lock or on the medium) versus online locks (server connection, real-time management).
Offline vs. online
- Offline: cheaper, autonomous, delayed revocation
- Online: more expensive, wired or wireless, immediate revocation
- Hybrid: virtual networking using cards as data carriers
- Check compatibility with existing locking systems
Frequently Asked Questions
Can existing doors be retrofitted?
In most cases yes. Electronic cylinders replace standard profile cylinders without construction work.
What happens during a power outage?
Battery-powered locks keep working. Online systems fall back to local permissions.
How secure are these systems?
Modern systems use AES-encrypted wireless standards; security clearly exceeds mechanical cylinders.