Overview
The Standard LAN Access Module (SLAM) provides offline access capability through its built-in Card Cache. When the SLAM loses communication with the controller, it can continue to make access decisions for up to 2000 users using cached data stored in non-volatile memory (retained even during power loss).
When the SLAM is online, every access attempt updates the card cache with the controller’s grant/deny decision. When offline, the SLAM interrogates its cache to decide access for each credential presented.
Key features of the SLAM card cache:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cache capacity | 2000 users |
| Permanent users | Flagged users never purged from cache |
| Cache ageing | Configurable 4 hours to 4 months, or None |
| Denied removal | Denied users are automatically removed from cache |
| FIFO overflow | When full, newest user replaces oldest |
| Manual purge | DIP switch power-cycle procedure |
Platform note: On Inception controllers, card cache is always enabled, users are purged after 1 month, and Permanent Users are set via the “Permanently Add to SLAM Cache” checkbox.
Prerequisites
- SLAM module connected to an Integriti or Inception controller.
- Integriti System Designer (for Integriti) or Inception web interface (for Inception).
- SLAM doors configured and online.
Step-by-Step
Configure SLAM Cache Behaviour (Integriti)
Disable/Enable Cache
- In Integriti System Designer, click the Controllers tab and navigate to the SLAM reader module.
- Click Add New to create a new Reader Module, or double-click an existing one.
- Expand Door Access Control properties.
- To disable offline access: ensure Cache Enabled is unchecked (or if either door’s Lock Auxiliary is set to another module, caching is automatically disabled).
- To enable offline access: ensure the Lock Auxiliary for both doors is on the SLAM module itself.
Set Cache Ageing
- In the Reader Module properties, expand Offline Operation.
- Set Card Cache Time to the desired purge interval (range: 4 hours to 4 months).
- Set to None to never purge users (cache overflows via FIFO replacement when full).
Configure Permanent Cache Users (Integriti)
- Click the Users tab.
- Click Add New to create a new User, or double-click an existing one.
- Expand User Options.
- Tick the Permanent Cache option.
- Save.
Note: Permanent users must have been granted valid access at least once per SLAM door before they are stored in the cache.
Configure Offline Button Cache (Integriti)
- In the Reader Module properties, expand Offline Operation.
- Enable Button Cache to allow Request-to-Enter/Exit buttons to operate in offline mode.
- This feature works when cache is enabled and requires firmware V3.2.3 or later for always-on behaviour.
Inception-Specific Configuration
- On Inception controllers, card cache is always enabled — no configuration needed.
- Users are automatically purged after 1 month.
- To make a user permanent: in the Manage Users screen, tick Permanently Add to SLAM Cache.
Manually Purge the SLAM Cache
Use this procedure to erase the entire card cache:
- Power down the SLAM module.
- Note the current DIP switch configuration.
- Set all DIP switches (1–8) to the ON position.
- Power up the module and wait 60 seconds.
- Power down the module again.
- Restore the DIP switches to their normal addressed position.
- Power up the module and wait for SLAM synchronisation to complete.
Verification
- Ensure the SLAM is online and users are actively accessing doors.
- Check Integriti Review for normal access grant messages to confirm caching is occurring.
- Disconnect the SLAM from the controller (simulate communication loss).
- Present a credential of a recently granted user — verify access is granted.
- Present a credential of a user who has never accessed that SLAM door — verify access is denied (not in cache).
- Restore communication and verify the SLAM re-synchronises.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Resolution |
|---|---|
| Offline access denied for all users | Cache may be disabled. Check Door Access Control settings — ensure Lock Auxiliary is on the SLAM itself, not another module. |
| Specific user denied offline | User may not have been granted access while online, or may have been purged. Have them access the door while online first. Check if the user is a Permanent Cache user. |
| Cache not persisting through power cycle | Card cache is stored in non-volatile memory. If users are lost after power cycle, verify the SLAM firmware is up to date. |
| Cache full (2000 users) | New users will replace the oldest non-permanent entries. Add Permanent Cache flags for critical users. |
| Button not working offline | Enable Button Cache in Offline Operation. Requires firmware V3.2.3 or later for always-on behaviour. |
Related Pages
- Standard LAN Access Module (SLAM) — Hardware specifications and pinouts.
- Intelligent LAN Access Module (ILAM) — Higher-capacity alternative with offline capability.
- SLAM vs ILAM Selection Guide — Choosing the right LAN module.
- Controller Firmware Upgrade — Keeping SLAM firmware current.
- Integriti System Configuration — Reader module programming.