Understanding Access Control Vestibules: How It Works

Access control vestibules are small entryways designed to prevent unauthorized access by using interlocking doors and verifying credentials before granting access. They create a regulated environment where only one person can enter the facility at a time, reducing risks like tailgating and piggybacking.

Commonly used in financial institutions, data centers, offices, and high-security facilities, these vestibules ensure that only authorized people gain entry, improving overall security. Understanding how these security vestibules work is paramount for strengthening defenses, safeguarding sensitive areas, and complying with security protocols.

This guide explains everything you should know about vestibules—how they work, their benefits, and why they’re essential for securing high-risk facilities like data centers, commercial buildings, and government buildings.

What is an Access Control Vestibule?

An access control vestibule, also known as a security vestibule, is a small, confined structure near a building’s entryway that acts as the first security checkpoint. 

Only authorized persons can access this enclosed space—thanks to its double-set of interlocking doors that regulate entry and exit.

How Does It Work in Commercial Security?

In commercial security, access control vestibules work as an essential part of a physical access control system. They are designed to monitor access to a facility and are effective for strengthening security. 

These security vestibules only allow one individual to enter a building at a time, usually through a series of interlocking doors. Meanwhile, they are heavily equipped with bullet-resistant and forced entry-resistant security glazing.

This glazing functions as the first line of defense against unauthorized access and acts as a solid buffer zone between the exterior and interior of a building.

How Do Access Control Vestibules Prevent Unauthorized Access?

Access control vestibules prevent unauthorized access by taking an individual through various security checks before letting them enter a premises. It improves security by following these processes:

Access Request: You request entry access and are scrutinized by security personnel or an automated access control system.

First Door Entry Protocol: After this scrutiny, you are granted access into the vestibule through the first door. Immediately you enter, the first door must lock; otherwise, the second door will not open. This happens to avoid unauthorized entry or tailgating.

Authentication: You will be detained briefly within the vestibule and must confirm verifications using a code, biometrics, or keycard access. If your authentication is successful, the second door will open. You can then enter the facility.

Monitoring and Communication: Many access control vestibules are equipped with intercoms and surveillance systems, which enables security teams to keep an eye on any individual inside and speak with them if needed.

Note: Adding security glazing into the structure of vestibules significantly improves the effectiveness of this process. Even though someone tries to slip through the first door, they'll encounter the barrier of the security glazing surrounding the vestibule, which is even more difficult to breach.

This multi-layered security approach deters criminals and unwanted entry into a facility.

Benefits of Access Control Vestibules

Vestibules can significantly improve the security of a facility, building, or organization by providing a robust defense against potential threats and unwanted entry. Here are a few reasons you should adopt this setup.

Improving Commercial Security

The standout benefit of an access control vestibule is its robust commercial security level. They provide an extra layer of security to restrict unauthorized entry and protect valuable assets in a commercial setting. 

The multi-door system ensures that every individual passes the authentication check before proceeding to the interior, significantly increasing overall building safety.

Creating a Buffer Zone

A security vestibule serves as a protective obstacle between the outer environment and the secured inner facility. This setup isolates entrants in a confined space where their identities must be verified before granted full access.

The buffer zone guarantees minimal risk of unauthorized persons entering sensitive places. At the same time, it maintains the facility’s internal climate by reducing the influx of external air.

Facilitating Effective Access Control

Security vestibules facilitate effective access control by managing who enters specific areas so that only authorized persons are permitted to enter a particular place with an access control system. This is very critical in environments where various places have various levels of security clearance. 

For example, in a corporate office, employees may be allowed entry into general office spaces but areas with valuable equipment or sensitive information may be restricted to select employees. By customizing permissions, vestibules help enhance operational efficiency and security in organizations.

Reducing Tailgating Risks

Tailgating refers to unauthorized individuals sneaking in or following authorized ones into a protected area. This poses a huge security threat, and access control vestibules combat this issue effectively. 

A survey by Boon Edam found that over 70% of respondents believe their organizations are susceptible to security breaches due to tailgating. Hence, solutions like vestibules are a necessity for high-risk facilities.

The interlocking doors setup, which allows only one door to open at a time, minimizes this risk by making it difficult for multiple people to slip through undetected. 

Types of Access Control Used in Vestibules

The different types of access control are used in vestibules to regulate entry and strengthen security. And the choice of access control depends on user convenience, security needs, and integration with existing surveillance infrastructure. This section covers a breakdown of the various systems.

Keycard Access

A Keycard access is an e-card with microchips that give authorized users access. It works by swiping it or tapping it on a reader. Once this is done, the system authenticates your credentials and grants you entry if authorized. While it is easy and convenient to use, keycard access can be configured with different access levels. Plus, it can be deactivated if stolen or lost.

Biometric Authentication

Biometric authentication verifies your identity using fingerprints, iris scans, or facial recognition to grant or deny entry. Because this access control system is very secure, it strictly restricts access to authorized persons whose information is registered in the system. 

For a more solid security, biometric authentication can be used alongside other access control types.

PIN-based Entry

The PIN-based entry access control type demands that users enter a unique numeric code (PIN) on a keypad before the doors can unlock. This method is considered convenient since you don't need to move about with a key or physical card. 

However, your PIN must be kept safe and not shared with anyone. For additional verification, you can also combine PINs with other access control types.

Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)

As the name implies, multi-factor authentication demands that users present multiple forms of verification before gaining access to the secured place. This typically involves a combination of any of these: a keycard, security token, PIN, password, or biometric data. 

According to Microsoft, MFA can prevent 99.9% of automated cyberattacks, demonstrating its efficacy in physical and digital security applications. Thus, compromising MFA is more difficult for potential intruders, making it an effective access control for reducing intrusion.

Why Access Control Vestibules Serve as a Critical Layer of Security?

Access control vestibules create a buffer zone that enhances surveillance, detects potential threats, and enforces authentication before granting entry. This additional layer intensifies the entire building's security, reducing the risk of tailgating.

• For Businesses

Access control vestibules guarantee that only employees and authorized visitors can enter restricted or sensitive areas. These could be areas with intellectual property, valuable equipment, and confidential business information. 

Businesses can use this system to prevent unauthorized individuals from gaining entry into places like server rooms, executive offices, and research and development departments. In addition to enhancing security, it encourages a safe working environment for employees.

• For Data Centers

Safeguarding important infrastructure is paramount in data centers. So, security vestibules control access by allowing only authorized IT personnel to gain entry to areas housing sensitive equipment. 

This regulated access protects data and maintains the data center’s integrity and operational efficiency.

• For Government Facilities

Restricted zones and classified information are common in government facilities, necessitating increased security. Vestibules provide an extra layer of protection by creating a regulated entry point to these sensitive zones. 

This configuration provides heightened security so that only those with proper clearance can enter these places.

• For Financial Institutions

Financial institutions like banks handle sensitive financial data and huge amounts of money. Therefore access control vestibules are critical for preventing unauthorized access to protected areas, such as safes, vaults, data storage rooms, and other sensitive places. 

This safeguards customer information and financial assets.

FAQs

What is a security vestibule?

A security vestibule is a protective structure at your facility’s entrance that provides an additional degree of access control. It comprises two sets of interlocking doors which strengthen security by allowing only authorized entry.

Can access control vestibules be integrated with existing security systems?

Yes, access control vestibules can be integrated with existing security systems, such as intercom systems, alarms, and surveillance cameras. This integration encourages a more comprehensive security solution, where various systems cooperate to grant only authorized entry.

Are access control vestibules required by building codes?

No. Typically, access control vestibules are not required by building codes or standard code regulations. However, they may be necessary, subject to security requirements, the type of building, and local jurisdiction.

In this case, the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) would need to review them as part of the design process.

How much does it cost to install an access control vestibule?

The cost of installing an access control vestibule ranges from $25,000 to $45,000. However, this amount varies depending on the system’s complexity, the security features needed, and the construction required to incorporate it into your existing structure.

What is the difference between a security vestibule and a mantrap?

A security vestibule is a small, restricted entryway that serves as a buffer zone between the external and protected area of a building while a mantrap is a particular type of security vestibule that grants entry to only one person at a time through interlocking doors.

These interlocking doors detain the individual briefly to authenticate their credentials before granting them access to the protected area. Generally, a mantrap is a security vestibule with improved access control features.

Conclusion

Access control vestibules provide an essential security layer for high-risk facilities, creating a safe environment. They effectively deter common security vulnerabilities in traditional access control systems. Furthermore, their integration with surveillance systems enhances monitoring and threat detection.

Businesses, data centers, government facilities, and financial institutions benefit significantly from vestibules, allowing only authorized employees or visitors to access sensitive areas. While installation costs vary, the long-term benefits of robust security outweigh the investment.

As security threats increase, deploying security vestibules remains a smart solution for protecting assets, employees, and sensitive data.