How SALTO KS and SALTO Space Handle Connectivity Disruptions

Modern access control systems need to deliver more than security at the door. Businesses increasingly rely on connected technology for remote management, real-time visibility and efficient day-to-day operations — but what happens when the internet connection, network or building power is disrupted?

For organisations considering SALTO access control, understanding how different systems operate during connectivity interruptions is an important part of choosing the right solution.

Two of SALTO’s leading platforms — SALTO Space and SALTO KS — are both designed with operational continuity in mind, but they achieve this in different ways.

As a SALTO Platinum Partner, Loktec can supply, install, configure and support both SALTO Space and SALTO KS systems throughout the UK.

What Happens if Connectivity Is Interrupted?

The answer depends on the architecture of the access control system.

In a SALTO environment, a system being “offline” can mean that communication between a lock and an IQ or Gateway is temporarily unavailable, or that part of the system has lost access to its network or cloud connection.

Crucially, this does not necessarily mean that users can no longer access their doors.

Both SALTO Space and SALTO KS provide ways of maintaining access during communication disruptions, although the technology behind them is different.

SALTO Space: Designed for Offline Resilience

SALTO Space uses SALTO Virtual Network (SVN) technology and its innovative Data-on-Card architecture.

Rather than relying on a permanent network connection to every door, SALTO Space allows access rights to be carried securely on the user's credential.

When a credential is presented to a SALTO lock, the lock can make the access decision locally.

This means that the door does not need a continuous connection to the server or network to determine whether access should be granted.

How SALTO Space Continues Operating

SALTO Space's architecture provides several important advantages during network or power interruptions:

• Battery-powered electronic locks – SALTO wireless locks do not depend on mains power at each door.

• Local access decisions – locks validate the encrypted access rights held on the user's credential.

• No continuous network connection required – stand-alone locks can continue operating independently.

• SALTO Virtual Network (SVN) – credentials help distribute access information and return audit data through the system.

• Data-on-Card technology – access permissions and system information can be securely transported by users as they move around a site.

Because access decisions are made locally, SALTO Space is particularly well suited to organisations where business continuity and offline resilience are critical requirements.

What Happens to SALTO Space During a Power Cut?

SALTO Space's stand-alone wireless locks are battery powered, meaning a building-wide mains power failure does not automatically prevent the doors from operating.

Users can continue presenting valid credentials and the locks can continue making access decisions locally.

This decentralised architecture is one of the major benefits of SALTO Space.

It can be particularly valuable for universities, hospitals, hotels, commercial buildings, industrial sites, critical infrastructure and other large estates where maintaining access during network interruptions is essential.

SALTO KS: Cloud Management with Local Continuity

SALTO KS – Keys as a Service takes a different approach.

KS is SALTO's cloud-based access control platform, providing organisations with convenient remote management, centralised visibility and the ability to manage access across multiple locations.

However, cloud-based management does not mean that every access decision depends entirely on a live internet connection.

SALTO KS incorporates several mechanisms designed to maintain continuity when communications are interrupted.

Offline Access

Supported SALTO KS locks can be configured for Offline Access.

When configured appropriately, the lock retains access permissions locally. If communication between the lock and the SALTO IQ is temporarily unavailable, authorised users can therefore continue to gain access using locally stored permissions.

The availability and behaviour of Offline Access depends on factors including the lock type, firmware, credential type and system configuration.

What if the IQ Loses Its Internet Connection?

The SALTO IQ provides communication between the site's SALTO hardware and the cloud platform.

If the IQ remains powered but temporarily loses its cloud connection, doors can continue operating using encrypted credential information already stored locally on the IQ.

During the interruption, however, certain cloud-dependent functions — such as new access-rule changes and real-time events — will not be available until communication is restored.

Once connectivity returns, normal communication and synchronisation can resume.

What Happens to SALTO KS During a Power Cut?

SALTO KS wireless locks themselves are battery powered, so they are not directly affected by a building power outage.

The SALTO IQ, however, requires power.

If the IQ loses mains power and there is no UPS or alternative power supply, it will go offline.

In this situation, locks that have been appropriately configured for Offline Access can continue granting access using permissions stored locally.

For organisations requiring greater resilience, system design can also incorporate measures such as UPS protection and cellular backup connectivity, depending on the site's requirements.

SALTO Space vs SALTO KS During Connectivity Disruptions

Although both platforms can provide operational continuity, their underlying approaches are different.

SALTO Space

SALTO Space is based around SVN and Data-on-Card technology.

Access decisions are made locally at the lock, without requiring continuous communication with a central server.

It offers:

• Strong offline independence

• Battery-powered wireless locks

• Local access decisions

• Data-on-Card credential technology

• SALTO Virtual Network functionality

• Centralised administration without requiring every door to remain permanently online

This makes SALTO Space an excellent choice where offline resilience and continuity are major priorities.

SALTO KS

SALTO KS combines cloud-based access control with local continuity capabilities.

It offers:

• Cloud-based administration

• Remote access management

• Multi-site scalability

• Centralised visibility

• Offline Access on supported and appropriately configured locks

• Credential information stored locally on the IQ

• Optional additional connectivity resilience

SALTO KS can therefore be particularly attractive to organisations wanting the flexibility and convenience of cloud access control across one or multiple locations.

Which SALTO System Is Right for Your Organisation?

There isn't a single answer that suits every building or organisation.

If maximum offline independence and a decentralised Data-on-Card architecture are priorities, SALTO Space may be the preferred solution.

If your organisation values cloud-based administration, remote management, scalability and multi-site visibility, SALTO KS could provide the better fit.

The important factor is designing the access control system around the operational and security requirements of the organisation rather than simply choosing individual pieces of hardware.

Design Your SALTO System with Loktec Direct

Loktec is a SALTO Platinum Partner, with extensive experience in SALTO electronic locking and access control technology.

Through Loktec Direct, customers can access SALTO hardware and solutions backed by the knowledge and technical experience of a specialist SALTO partner.

Whether you're considering SALTO KS, SALTO Space, SALTO electronic handle sets, cylinders, wall readers, controllers or associated access control hardware, our team can help identify the most appropriate solution.

From individual doors to complex multi-site installations, we can help you build a SALTO access control solution designed around security, resilience and operational continuity.

Looking to upgrade or specify a SALTO access control system?

Contact Loktec Direct today to discuss SALTO KS, SALTO Space and the wider range of SALTO smart access control solutions.