A GSM Gate Opener: How It Works With Gate Entry

GSM gate openers are  popular security mechanisms for those who use electric gates. GSM stands for Global Systems for Mobile Communications and is essentially a standard to describe second-generation cellular networks used by mobile devices like phones and tablets. The technology is used in electric gates. The phone communicates with the gate system and tells it to open and close. So, are GSM gate openers still future forward? If you’re looking for a new electric gate opening system, here we’ll talk about GSM tech and how it can help you, along with other alternatives out there.

How Does GSM Technology Work

At its most basic state, GSM technology is a digital mobile network that has come to overtake analog predecessors such as AMPS (advanced mobile phone service). It’s the most widely used of the three digital telephony technologies, which are: CDMA, GSM, and TDMA. The GSM network is now used by over 70% of today’s digital wireless market.

So, how does a GSM gate opener work? Basically, when the GSM receiver receives a “call” from an approved number it tells the gate to open. Obviously, using the Nimbio Keyless Entry System, our customers can do this using the app.

So in short, GSM compresses and digitizes data before putting it with two other streams of data in its own time slot. It’s quite technical…but it makes for effective cellular gate opening technology. A lot of people refer to the tech as a GSM gate opener, but others might call it cellular gate access or a variation of one of the words. There are multiple GSM products available commercially. The trick is buying something that has good, long lasting functionality and support. Gate opening technology that interfaces with a mobile application is seen in the more future forward aspects of gate opener technology. 

Here’s our own example, we’ll talk you through how Nimbio works so you can get a better feel of the technology on offer.

GSM Gate Opener Technology – A Nimbio Cellular Example

Some prefer to use a direct wifi connection to open and close their electric gate. Let’s take Nimbio as an example and we’ll tell you why our experience points us to the conclusion that cellular has the edge. When we first started Nimbio we used WIFI.

However, we had a lot of feedback from people saying they couldn’t get wifi beyond their electric gate. House wifi doesn’t extend that far beyond the home. The same can certainly be said for gated communities and businesses. Think about it, when you leave your home your phone’s internet connection quickly swaps from WIFI to 4G or 5G.

As a result, we adapted and went cellular only. Now, our customers have a far better and reliable connection to their electric gates. We find it’s the most reliable gate opener technology out there at the moment, and our customers seem to think so too.

So, how exactly does Nimbio’s gate opening technology work:

• Nimbio user’s cell phone sends a signal to open the gate using the internet connection on the phone (wifi or cellular, whatever the phone is using)
• Nimbio server receives open command over the internet and checks to see if it is a valid open request
• Nimbio server sends signal to Nimbio hardware device over Cellular Internet
• Nimbio hardware initiates the open on the gate operator motherboard

That’s how most GSM gate opener technology works, but the explanation is usually rendered more effective with the aid of an example. Also, Nimbio uses a multi functional app to make sure things are more user friendly. We always try to make our products better using customer feedback which is why we stopped using wifi because of connection issues.

Other Kinds Of Gate Entry

Cellular gate opening technology is probably the most advanced at the moment. It has all the pros of older gate opening devices, but far less cons. In fact, as modern smartphones get better each year and their usability increases, cellular gate access controls will only get better. These are some of the alternatives

• Buzzer entry system
• Plate or Chip recognition gate entry system
• Pin code entry system (usually four digit)
• Weight activation
• Remote access
• Key Fob

Those are some but not all of the alternatives out there. Some are more applicable for businesses or gated communities rather than your home. There are examples where these can be better used, but we see them very rarely. 

An example we’ve seen is where a user cannot use a cell phone. They might have difficulties with their vision or might potentially be disabled. Again, we’ll use Nimbio as an example. The benefit here is that you can, if you want, upgrade to a cellular access system while retaining elements of your old access system. People who can’t use their phone for access can use what they always have, while you’ll be able to benefit from ease of use. It isn’t the best solution security wise, but if ease of access is your main concern it can make quite the difference.

Final Thoughts

GSM tech is usually thought to work with 2G and 3G technology, with it being replaced overtime due to advances in 4G and 5G technology. However, it still has its place and GSM gate openers are still being sold. Cellular gate entry technology is still advancing all the time which is why Nimbio uses an app for gate entrance.

If you want to find out more about Nimbio, have a look at our features page. You’ll see that there are multiple features focused on usability. Our blog is full of useful articles relating to electric gates and gated communities, along with other information on the GSM gate opener industry. If you are thinking about installing Nimbio, feel free to contact us. We’d be happy to talk you through the process and to provide better security and ease of access to your home, business, or gated community. Wondered what others thought about Nimbio post installation? Click through to our testimonials to see what they thought.