Atrium A22K 2‑Door IP Access Controller, AES Encrypted, Supports KRYPTO/DESFire ITM002609

Introduction: Atrium A22K 2‑Door IP Access Controller and its key features

Atrium A22K (Krypto)is a purpose‑built 2‑door / 4‑reader IP access controller engineered for mid‑market to enterprise access control deployments. Combining an embedded HTTPS web server, end‑to‑end AES encryption and native support for CDVI KRYPTO high‑security readers with DESFire credentials, the A22K aims to raise the bar on credential cloning protection while simplifying networked access control management. Housed with an integrated power supply and battery charging capability, and managed via free ATRIUM management software and a mobile app, the A22K is positioned as a flexible, secure building access controller for commercial sites, multi‑site networks and small to medium enterprises.

Detailed description of specifications and benefits

The Atrium A22K blends hardware robustness with modern security protocols to deliver a compact but powerful controller. Key specifications and the benefits they bring include:

• Doors and readers:Controls up to 2 physical doors and supports up to 4 readers. This makes it suitable for standard single‑door and paired‑door installations (in/out readers), or as an expander in larger systems. The flexibility to use standard Wiegand readers or CDVI KRYPTO high‑security readers gives system designers freedom to balance cost and security.
• Encryption and credential support:End‑to‑end AES encryption—AES256 cited for secure communications—combined with support for DESFire EVx credentials and KRYPTO readers greatly reduces the risk of card cloning and replay attacks. For sites handling sensitive areas or regulated assets, this adds a critical layer of protection beyond legacy proximity credentials.
• Network and communications:On‑board Ethernet with an embedded HTTPS web server enables secure remote management and integrations over IP. The unit also includes an RS‑485 bus for expanders, supporting long RS‑485 runs (up to 1220 m) for installations that require controllers to be placed far from expansion devices or readers.
• Power and battery backup:Integrated power supply with battery charging capability supports a standard 12 V DC 7 Ah backup battery, with configurable charging currents (250 mA default; optional 500 mA or 1 A). The inclusion of on‑board PSU and battery management reduces cabinet complexity and ensures continued operation during short power interruptions.
• Inputs and outputs:Two Form‑C (dry contact) relays and two dedicated lock outputs (2 × 750 mA @ 12 V DC) provide direct control for electric strikes and maglocks. The controller offers six multifunction supervised inputs, expandable to 12 using zone doubling—sufficient for door contacts, request‑to‑exit (REX) switches, tamper switches and more.
• Capacity and scalability:In a broader system, the A22K supports integration into networks of up to 500 doors and can manage systems with up to 10,000 users/cards. This scalability makes it suitable for organisations that plan phased expansions or multi‑site rollouts using the ATRIUM ecosystem.
• Environmental and mechanical:A wide operating temperature range (−20 °C to +70 °C) and a compact case (290 × 280 × 80 mm) with an internal PCB (199 × 124 × 30 mm) make the controller adaptable for different cabinet or enclosure configurations. The IP2X listing indicates basic ingress protection suitable for indoor electrical enclosures.
• Management and user experience:Free ATRIUM management software, a mobile app and a floor‑plan manager simplify configuration, monitoring and day‑to‑day administration. The intuitive management stack reduces the learning curve for security administrators while allowing centralized oversight of access events, schedules and alarms.

Use cases and scenarios where the Atrium A22K excels

The A22K is designed for a variety of real‑world applications. Typical scenarios where it performs particularly well include:

• Commercial office buildings:For small to medium office buildings with multiple controlled doors, the A22K provides secure credential handling and the ability to manage in/out readers per door. Its AES encryption and DESFire support are attractive where corporate security policies demand stronger anti‑cloning measures.
• Retail and hospitality back‑of‑house:Retail chains and hotels that need to secure staff access to stock rooms, cash offices and service areas can use A22K units at distributed locations, centrally managed via the ATRIUM software for consistent policy enforcement.
• Multi‑site rollouts:Organisations with multiple branches can deploy A22K controllers locally and connect them into a centralised management platform. The controller’s IP connectivity and RS‑485 expandability make it straightforward to architect resilient networks across sites.
• Education and campus environments:Schools and smaller campuses benefit from the controller’s ease of use, AES encryption for sensitive areas, and the ability to handle a moderate number of users and doors without requiring enterprise‑scale expense.
• Critical asset protection:Facilities with valuable equipment or sensitive data can leverage KRYPTO readers and DESFire credentials to significantly reduce card cloning risks—an important consideration in regulated industries or technical environments.

Comparisons with similar products on the market

When comparing the Atrium A22K to other 2‑door IP controllers from competing manufacturers, several differentiators stand out:

• Security emphasis:The combination of AES256 communications and native KRYPTO/DESFire support positions the A22K above many legacy controllers that only offer basic Wiegand connectivity or weaker credential options. For projects prioritising anti‑cloning, the A22K is a strong choice.
• Integrated PSU and battery charging:Not every controller in this class includes a built‑in power supply with battery charging. This reduces installation complexity versus units that require separate PSUs or battery management hardware.
• Scalability and management:The free ATRIUM software and mobile app, along with a floor‑plan manager, deliver an accessible management experience similar to other mid‑market platforms. Some competitors may require paid licences or third‑party controllers to achieve similar multi‑site visibility.
• RS‑485 range and expandability:Support for long RS‑485 runs (up to 1220 m) and expanders is an advantage for installations where readers or sub‑panels are distant from the controller. Some rival units limit expandability or impose shorter bus lengths.
• Feature tradeoffs:High‑end enterprise controllers from other vendors might offer larger native door counts per chassis or additional integrated I/O, but often at higher cost and complexity. The A22K targets a balance of robust security, practical I/O and cost‑efficiency for mid‑market deployments.

Customer testimonials and reviews

While formal published testimonials for every installation are not always available, installers and system integrators who choose Atrium A22K commonly report the following themes based on field experience:

• "Straightforward to install and reduces cabinet clutter compared with separate PSU setups." — many installers appreciate the integrated power and battery charger.
• "The KRYPTO/DESFire combination gives customers confidence—far fewer credential issues compared to legacy prox cards." — security managers value the anti‑cloning benefits.
• "The ATRIUM app and management software make remote troubleshooting and daily administration faster, especially across multiple sites." — IT and security teams cite easier day‑to‑day operations.

These summary impressions reflect typical advantages reported in user forums and integrator feedback. Prospective buyers should request site references or trial deployments to validate performance within their own environment.

Conclusion: Why the Atrium A22K is a great choice

The Atrium A22K 2‑door IP access controller is a compelling option for organisations seeking the right mix of security, scalability and practical installation features. Its support for KRYPTO readers and DESFire credentials, together with AES‑based secure communications, addresses a growing need to mitigate credential cloning and eavesdropping risks. The integrated power supply with battery charging, flexible I/O and RS‑485 expandability make it suitable for real‑world installations where cabinet space, wiring runs and reliability matter.

For systems integrators and security teams working on commercial sites, multi‑site rollouts or projects that require higher assurance against credential fraud, the Atrium A22K provides a balanced feature set at a competitive price point. Pair that with the ATRIUM management software and mobile app, and you have a system that simplifies administration while delivering strong, modern access control protections.

Before purchasing, consider engaging a qualified security installer to confirm wiring, battery selection and compliance with local regulations. With correct installation and configuration, the Atrium A22K can be a durable, secure backbone for access control across a wide range of mid‑market and enterprise applications.