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:

FeatureDetail
Cache capacity2000 users
Permanent usersFlagged users never purged from cache
Cache ageingConfigurable 4 hours to 4 months, or None
Denied removalDenied users are automatically removed from cache
FIFO overflowWhen full, newest user replaces oldest
Manual purgeDIP 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

  1. In Integriti System Designer, click the Controllers tab and navigate to the SLAM reader module.
  2. Click Add New to create a new Reader Module, or double-click an existing one.
  3. Expand Door Access Control properties.
  4. 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).
  5. To enable offline access: ensure the Lock Auxiliary for both doors is on the SLAM module itself.

Set Cache Ageing

  1. In the Reader Module properties, expand Offline Operation.
  2. Set Card Cache Time to the desired purge interval (range: 4 hours to 4 months).
  3. Set to None to never purge users (cache overflows via FIFO replacement when full).

Configure Permanent Cache Users (Integriti)

  1. Click the Users tab.
  2. Click Add New to create a new User, or double-click an existing one.
  3. Expand User Options.
  4. Tick the Permanent Cache option.
  5. 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)

  1. In the Reader Module properties, expand Offline Operation.
  2. Enable Button Cache to allow Request-to-Enter/Exit buttons to operate in offline mode.
  3. This feature works when cache is enabled and requires firmware V3.2.3 or later for always-on behaviour.

Inception-Specific Configuration

  1. On Inception controllers, card cache is always enabled — no configuration needed.
  2. Users are automatically purged after 1 month.
  3. 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:

  1. Power down the SLAM module.
  2. Note the current DIP switch configuration.
  3. Set all DIP switches (1–8) to the ON position.
  4. Power up the module and wait 60 seconds.
  5. Power down the module again.
  6. Restore the DIP switches to their normal addressed position.
  7. Power up the module and wait for SLAM synchronisation to complete.

Verification

  1. Ensure the SLAM is online and users are actively accessing doors.
  2. Check Integriti Review for normal access grant messages to confirm caching is occurring.
  3. Disconnect the SLAM from the controller (simulate communication loss).
  4. Present a credential of a recently granted user — verify access is granted.
  5. Present a credential of a user who has never accessed that SLAM door — verify access is denied (not in cache).
  6. Restore communication and verify the SLAM re-synchronises.

Troubleshooting

SymptomResolution
Offline access denied for all usersCache may be disabled. Check Door Access Control settings — ensure Lock Auxiliary is on the SLAM itself, not another module.
Specific user denied offlineUser 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 cycleCard 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 offlineEnable Button Cache in Offline Operation. Requires firmware V3.2.3 or later for always-on behaviour.