Hey there! As a supplier of optical turnstile gates, I've seen firsthand how crucial it is to prevent tailgating in various access control scenarios. Tailgating, where an unauthorized person follows an authorized individual through a turnstile gate without proper authentication, can pose significant security risks. In this blog, I'll share how our optical turnstile gates are designed to tackle this problem head - on.
Understanding Tailgating and Its Risks
Before we dive into how our gates prevent tailgating, let's quickly go over why it's such a big deal. Tailgating can lead to unauthorized access to restricted areas, which might include corporate offices, data centers, or public transportation stations. This unauthorized entry can result in theft, vandalism, or even more serious security breaches like industrial espionage or terrorist attacks.
How Optical Turnstile Gates Work
Optical turnstile gates use a series of infrared sensors to detect the presence and movement of people passing through. These sensors are placed strategically along the sides of the gate, creating a virtual curtain of light. When a person passes through the gate, the sensors detect the interruption of the light beams and relay this information to the gate's control system.
The control system then processes this data to determine whether the passage is authorized. If the person has a valid access credential, such as a proximity card, fingerprint, or facial recognition, the gate will open and allow the person to pass through. Once the person has fully cleared the gate, the sensors detect that the light beams are no longer interrupted, and the gate closes again.
Preventing Tailgating with Advanced Sensor Technology
One of the key features of our optical turnstile gates is their advanced sensor technology. The sensors are highly sensitive and can detect even the slightest movement within the gate area. This means that they can easily identify if more than one person is trying to pass through the gate at the same time.
For example, if an authorized person swipes their card and starts to enter the gate, but another person tries to follow closely behind without proper authorization, the sensors will detect the additional movement. The gate's control system will then recognize this as a tailgating attempt and immediately stop the gate from opening further or even close it if it has already started to open.
Our Smart Sliding Optical Turnstile Gate is equipped with state - of - the - art sensors that can accurately distinguish between a single person and multiple people. These sensors have a high refresh rate, which means they can quickly update the gate's control system with the latest movement information. This real - time monitoring is essential for preventing tailgating effectively.
Anti - Tailgating Algorithms
In addition to advanced sensors, our optical turnstile gates also use sophisticated anti - tailgating algorithms. These algorithms analyze the data collected by the sensors to determine the pattern of movement within the gate area.
For instance, the algorithm can calculate the speed at which a person is passing through the gate and compare it to a pre - set threshold. If the speed is too slow or if there are sudden stops and starts, it could indicate a tailgating attempt. The algorithm can also analyze the position of the person within the gate area. If a person is lingering near the entrance or exit of the gate, it might be a sign that they are trying to let someone else in without authorization.
Once the algorithm detects a potential tailgating attempt, it sends a signal to the gate's control system, which then takes appropriate action. This could include sounding an alarm, blocking the gate, or sending a notification to the security personnel.
Visual and Auditory Alerts
To further enhance the anti - tailgating capabilities of our optical turnstile gates, we've incorporated visual and auditory alerts. When a tailgating attempt is detected, the gate will emit a loud beep or siren to alert the unauthorized person and the surrounding security personnel. At the same time, a red light will flash on the gate, clearly indicating that the passage is not authorized.
These alerts not only deter the unauthorized person from trying to enter but also help security personnel quickly identify and respond to the situation. The visual and auditory alerts are customizable, so you can set them according to your specific security requirements.
Integration with Access Control Systems
Our optical turnstile gates can be easily integrated with various access control systems, such as card readers, biometric scanners, and security cameras. This integration allows for a more comprehensive approach to access control and tailgating prevention.
For example, when a person presents their access credential at the card reader, the access control system checks if the credential is valid. If it is, the system sends a signal to the turnstile gate to open. At the same time, the security cameras record the person's entry, providing an additional layer of security and accountability.
If a tailgating attempt is detected, the access control system can be configured to revoke the access privileges of the authorized person who was used as a "shield" for the unauthorized entry. This not only punishes the person who facilitated the tailgating but also serves as a deterrent for future attempts.


The Low - door Optical Speed Gate and Tailgating Prevention
Our Low - door Optical Speed Gate is another great option for preventing tailgating. This gate is designed with a low - profile door that provides a clear visual barrier while still allowing for a fast and efficient flow of people.
The low - door design makes it more difficult for an unauthorized person to sneak through behind an authorized individual. The sensors on the Low - door Optical Speed Gate are also optimized to detect any attempts to bypass the gate by climbing over or under the door.
Customizable Settings for Different Environments
We understand that different environments have different security requirements. That's why our optical turnstile gates come with customizable settings that allow you to adjust the sensitivity of the sensors, the response time of the anti - tailgating algorithms, and the intensity of the visual and auditory alerts.
For example, in a high - security environment like a government building or a military base, you might want to set the sensors to be more sensitive and the anti - tailgating algorithms to be more aggressive. On the other hand, in a less - secure environment like a shopping mall or a corporate lobby, you can adjust the settings to be more lenient to avoid unnecessary disruptions to the flow of people.
Conclusion
As you can see, our optical turnstile gates are equipped with a range of features and technologies that are specifically designed to prevent tailgating. From advanced sensors and anti - tailgating algorithms to visual and auditory alerts and integration with access control systems, we've got you covered.
If you're looking for a reliable and effective solution to prevent tailgating in your facility, don't hesitate to get in touch with us for a detailed discussion about your specific needs. We can help you choose the right optical turnstile gate model and customize it to fit your security requirements. Let's work together to enhance the security of your premises and keep unauthorized access at bay.
References
- "Access Control and Security Systems Handbook"
- "Security Best Practices for Turnstile Gates"






