Cassi-Rusco Card Format & Readers
Understanding the Cassi-Rusco Card Format
The Cassi-Rusco card format is a proprietary access control credential format commonly used in legacy security systems. It was developed to provide secure and reliable authentication for entry systems in commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings. The format is widely recognized for its specific bit structure, making it distinct from standard card formats like Wiegand.
Although newer access control technologies such as MIFARE and DESFire have gained popularity, many organizations still use Cassi-Rusco cards due to their compatibility with older access control readers and established security protocols.
A Brief History of Cassi-Rusco
The Cassi-Rusco format originated as a proprietary access control technology designed to offer a more secure and controlled credential format than traditional magnetic stripe cards. It was widely adopted in commercial and government facilities where secure authentication was a priority. Over time, the 40-bit format became a recognizable standard within older security systems, making Cassi-Rusco a trusted name in access control.
As security needs evolved, the limitations of Cassi-Rusco—such as the lack of encryption and vulnerability to duplication—led to the development of more advanced credential technologies. However, due to the widespread installation of Cassi-Rusco-compatible systems, the format continues to be used in many legacy environments today.
Why the Cassi-Rusco Format is Important
The Cassi-Rusco card format remains relevant in the access control industry due to several factors:
- Legacy System Compatibility → Many older access control systems were designed to work exclusively with Cassi-Rusco cards.
- Unique Bit Structure → The Cassi-Rusco format uses a specific number of bits that differentiate it from other credential formats, enhancing system security.
- Reliable Performance → Offers stable and proven operation in high-security environments.
- Restricted Duplication → Unlike open-format cards, Cassi-Rusco cards have proprietary encoding, making unauthorized duplication more difficult.
Technical Specifications of Cassi-Rusco Cards
Cassi-Rusco cards have a specific bit structure that determines how credential data is stored and transmitted to a reader. While variations exist, the most common specifications include:
Cassi-Rusco 40-Bit Format Structure
| Bit Position | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Leading Parity Bit - Ensures data integrity in the first half of the bitstream |
| 2 - 20 | Facility Code - Identifies the organization or site using the card |
| 21 - 39 | Card Number - Unique identifier assigned to each cardholder |
| 40 | Trailing Parity Bit - Ensures data integrity in the second half of the bitstream |
Each card is encoded with a facility code and a unique card number, which the access control system uses to grant or deny access.
How Cassi-Rusco Readers Decode Cards
Cassi-Rusco card readers function by using radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to retrieve data from a card when presented to the reader. The decoding process follows these steps:
- Card Detection → The reader activates and sends a signal when a card is placed within its proximity.
- Data Transmission → The card's embedded chip transmits its 40-bit encoded data wirelessly.
- Bitwise Manipulation & Error Checking → The system performs bitwise operations to decode the encoded data verify data integrity using parity bits, ensuring the extracted information is correct.
- Bit Parsing → The reader extracts and separates the facility code, card number, and parity bits.
- Data Conversion → Some readers may convert the raw Cassi-Rusco format into Wiegand or another standardized format for compatibility with access control panels.
- Access Decision → The extracted card number and facility code are compared against the access control database to determine if entry is permitted.
By performing bitwise operations, the system ensures that errors or data corruption do not affect access decisions. The reader processes the facility code, card number, and parity bits before relaying the validated data to the access control panel, where permissions are checked and access is granted or denied.
Cassi-Rusco Card Readers
Cassi-Rusco card readers are specifically designed to process Cassi-Rusco card formats. These readers interpret the 40-bit data and transmit it to the access control panel for authentication.
Key Features of Cassi-Rusco Card Readers
- Proprietary Format Support → Designed to read Cassi-Rusco bit structures, ensuring compatibility with legacy systems.
- Wiegand Output → Many Cassi-Rusco readers output data in Wiegand format, allowing integration with modern access control panels.
- Durability → Typically built for indoor and outdoor environments, with resistance to dust, moisture, and tampering.
- Limited Compatibility → While Cassi-Rusco readers excel in supporting their proprietary format, they may not be compatible with other card technologies without a system upgrade.
Migration Considerations
As access control technology evolves, many organizations are considering migration away from Cassi-Rusco cards and readers due to security vulnerabilities and limited scalability. Key reasons for upgrading include:
- Enhanced Security → Modern smart cards (such as MIFARE DESFire and HID iCLASS) offer encryption and authentication protocols that Cassi-Rusco lacks.
- Wider Compatibility → Newer systems support multiple credential types, including mobile access and biometrics.
- Future-Proofing → Upgrading to a modern access control system reduces reliance on aging proprietary technology.
Organizations transitioning from Cassi-Rusco often choose multi-technology readers that support both legacy cards and modern credentials to allow a gradual migration without immediate disruption to security operations.
Final Thoughts
The Cassi-Rusco card format has played a significant role in access control systems but is gradually being phased out in favor of more advanced technologies. While it remains a viable solution for legacy systems, organizations should consider:
✅ Evaluating system security risks associated with older card formats.
✅ Exploring modern access control solutions for improved security.
✅ Using multi-format readers to facilitate a smooth migration.
For facilities still using Cassi-Rusco technology, proper maintenance and security best practices are essential to ensure continued effectiveness while planning for future upgrades.