Synergis Cloud Link Frequently Asked Questions

It is the software running within Synergis Cloud Link. The Softwire integration services run on a micro-server to have the decision processing unit closer to the edge, which increases the resilience to diverse types of failure such as network failures or server disruptions. Softwire is not necessarily bound to proprietary hardware, but it relies on peripherals not commonly found on general-purpose servers.

• It allows on-premises devices to securely connect to Genetec cloud services. It provides an asynchronous, encrypted, load-balanced and failover-savvy communication channel to the server
• It is an intelligent gateway that customers can deploy at all remote sites instead of an off-the-shelf server
• It is flexible as it allows users to leverage their current access control infrastructure and upgrade to an IP-based solution thanks to its open architecture
• P2P communications between multiple Synergis Cloud Link devices help ensure they always communicate and leverage Global Input/Output linking and Global Anti-passback (APB) across appliances, regardless of connectivity to the main server
• Genetec controls the logic running in Synergis Cloud Link and the associated software release. As the dependency on third parties slows down, we can deliver business outcomes to our customers and control the logic closer to the edge
• It uses strong encryption between remote and central sites through the advanced level of encryption between Synergis Cloud Link appliances and Synergis servers or third-party hardware

For small to mid-sized installations, the all-in-one Streamvault™ Series 300 appliance can do the job of Synergis Cloud Link. It maintains two levels in its architecture, all while benefiting from an ecosystem of access control hardware.

For larger scale or multi-site installations, Synergis Cloud Link adds a layer to your architecture and allows users to scale their access control system, locally or at remote sites. Larger sites can leverage a mix of popular access control hardware, including controllers from Mercury Security, and Axis Communications, as well as electronic locks from ASSA ABLOY, SimonsVoss and Allegion. Up to 2048 readers are supported per Synergis Access Manager server when paired with Synergis Cloud Link devices. Equipped with native IP and PoE capabilities and encrypted to provide high-secure network communications, the gateway can support up to 256 readers and electronic locks, as well as monitor hundreds of zones and alarm points.

Communications with HID Mercury LP controllers are handled through Softwire. For small to mid-sized installations, customers can deploy the all-in-one Streamvault Series 300 appliance with embedded Softwire firmware to communicate directly to HID Mercury LP controllers, without the need for a Synergis Cloud Link gateway.

For larger deployments, Synergis Cloud Link is better suited, as it allows organizations to easily scale across a single or multiple locations. Each Synergis Cloud Link supports up to 32 HID Mercury LP panels (or 256 readers).

This is what makes our architecture unique:

• Synergis Cloud Link is an integration entry that manages a variety of third-party intelligent controllers and sensors, allowing customers to mix and match different brands of access control hardware

• Synergis Cloud Link is a PoE-enabled IoT gateway, engineered to provide greater flexibility and security with the latest encryption standards

• Through peer-to-peer communications typically not found in traditional door controllers, Synergis Cloud Link ensures connectivity and communications between appliances without relying on Security Center

• Synergis Cloud Link supports native threat-level management capabilities through security clearances, allowing organizations to quickly restrict access or lock down an entire facility

• Many high-end controllers have arbitrary limitations such as only supporting a few card formats. As the cardholder population grows, companies may need additional card formats. Synergis Cloud Link is the perfect solution, as the most popular formats are programmed in the door controllers, and it makes the access decision for the other less popular formats.

Synergis architecture lowers the total cost of ownership by deploying Synergis Cloud Link gateway as opposed to off-the-shelf servers locally or at remote sites. Users benefit from the upfront savings and reduced server maintenance costs, and avoid the need for periodic operating system (OS), database updates, anti-virus, and other updates. 

Synergis Cloud Link is an embedded device that offers advanced functionality without the maintenance hassle and cost of a traditional server. Given its small size, there is no need for a server. The gateway is easily maintained through simple firmware updates that can be run in parallel and only take a few minutes.

Synergis Cloud Link ensures maximum uptime and security as it is not the only level in the access control architecture where the offline logic resides. When pairing the intelligent Synergis Cloud Link gateway with HID Mercury, Axis, or ASSA ABLOY IP lock hardware, the door logic, including cardholder (credentials), schedules, and access rights are synchronized with these third-party devices - so access control decisions can occur offline and will still be logged for reporting purposes.