Design of an Arduino-Based Intelligent Access Control System with Priority Levels

Abstract

This paper presents the design and validation of an intelligent, low-cost access control system built on an Arduino Mega platform that enforces multi-factor authentication and priority-based policies for institutional environments. The solution integrates RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags, fingerprint verification, and PIN (Personal Identification Number) entry via a keypad, augmented with a PIR (Passive Infra-Red) sensor and audible/visual indicators for tamper feedback. A modular firmware architecture coordinates an authentication pipeline with configurable retry limits, lockout intervals, and role/priority rules that gate sensitive actions (e.g., password change, RFID enrollment) behind elevated privileges. Hardware interfacing is described for the RC522 RFID reader, optical fingerprint sensor, 4×4 keypad, relay/servo door actuator, and an I²C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), alongside the finite-state control logic and the data structures governing user records and policy enforcement. Experimental evaluation encompasses per-factor latency, success and false-reject rates, and robustness under fault scenarios (power loss, sensor mismatch, replay attempts). Results indicate sub-second on-device decisions, reliable operation across more than 1,000 transactions, and measurable security gains from combining factors with priority checks, while maintaining the bill of materials within an educational/SME (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) budget. The architecture thus constitutes a reproducible reference for secure, scalable access control in laboratories, classrooms, and administrative facilities.