Cards and Proximity
MIFARE DESFire Access Control
MIFARE DESFire is the recommended card for new issuance: it supports modern encryption and secure messaging, and it is the natural upgrade from MIFARE Classic. xSERVA readers read DESFire EV1, EV2 and EV3 cards.
Frequency 13.56 MHzStandard ISO 14443 Type A, Layer 4Range 0 to 5 cmSecurity High
Technical Facts
What You Need to Know
- Frequency
- 13.56 MHz contactless, ISO 14443 Type A, Layer 4
- Variants
- DESFire EV1, EV2 and EV3
- Typical use
- Staff cards, secure campuses, multi-application smart cards
- Security level
- High. Supports AES encryption and secure messaging, which makes copying far harder
- On xSERVA
- Read by UltraPASS readers. Whether a door uses the card UID or protected application data is confirmed in the site survey
Strengths and Limits
Where It Fits
Strengths
- Modern encryption and secure messaging
- Multiple applications on one card
- Natural upgrade from Classic
Limits
- Costs more per card
- Needs a short key-management plan
- Old readers elsewhere may not read it
Our Advice
How to Use It Well
Make DESFire your default for every new card. Use it with a PIN or biometric on the highest-value doors.
Other Card Technologies
Questions
MIFARE DESFire Questions
Does xSERVA support DESFire EV3?
xSERVA readers read DESFire EV1, EV2 and EV3 cards. Confirm the exact configuration for your cards during the site survey.
Why choose DESFire over Classic?
DESFire supports modern encryption, so a copied card is far harder to produce. It is the better choice for any new card issue.
Can DESFire and face recognition work together?
Yes. Pair card then face, or card then PIN, on any door that needs two factors.