Bell Grove · Student accommodation · Zapture projects
Student accommodation brings security, convenience and connectivity together in one busy environment. Residents need straightforward access to their home and internet for studying, online lectures and everyday communication. Property managers need practical control over both.
At Bell Grove, Zapture completed two projects around these needs: an access control installation using an outdoor ZKTeco facial recognition terminal, and a Ruijie Wi-Fi installation with hotspot access, Quality of Service (QoS) and selected website restrictions. Each solution was tailored to the property and the way it is used.
Access control designed around the existing entrance
The access control project combined electronic verification with custom work at the entrance. We installed an outdoor ZKTeco face scanner and built a strike lock assembly and reader box to suit the site. This made the physical installation part of the solution from the start: the reader, housing and locking arrangement needed to work together.
Outdoor ZKTeco terminal and custom reader box.
Strike lock and exit arrangement at the entrance.
Facial recognition for everyday resident access
Facial access links verification to an enrolled person and reduces reliance on physical keys or access cards that can be lost, borrowed or passed around. For a student residence, that offers a convenient way for registered users to access the property while giving management a defined process for authorising users.
Time and attendance functionality
The installation included time and attendance functionality, providing timestamped verification records for registered users. These records give management a clearer basis for attendance administration and reviewing recorded activity.
Anti-passback for stronger access rules
Anti-passback adds control over repeated access attempts by checking the configured entry and exit sequence. It helps discourage repeated use outside the permitted sequence and adds accountability at the entrance. For student accommodation, this provides another useful layer in the property’s access management.
Custom strike lock work and a reader box
The custom fabrication was an important part of this project. We built the strike lock assembly around the existing entrance and made a box for the reader, addressing how the equipment would be mounted and how the locking components would meet. It is the kind of installation detail that makes a tailored solution valuable: the hardware has to suit the building as well as the required features.
Managed Ruijie Wi-Fi for student living
Part of the Ruijie wireless installation at Bell Grove.
Students rely on a shared network for learning platforms, research, assignment submissions, video calls and communication with family. With several residents and devices online at the same time, the way internet access and traffic are managed matters alongside the wireless installation.
Our Wi-Fi project at Bell Grove used Ruijie equipment with hotspot access, QoS and restrictions on selected websites. The access point photographs show part of the wireless installation; the hotspot and traffic controls sit within the network configuration.
Hotspot access management
Hotspot functionality gives the property a managed way to provide internet access to users. It supports a defined connection process and gives management a clearer framework for access to the shared network.
QoS for shared bandwidth
Quality of Service helps manage network traffic and bandwidth use. In a shared residence, these controls can help reduce the impact of heavy usage on other users and support a more balanced experience when demand is high. The configuration can be matched to the site’s internet connection and usage needs.
Selected website restrictions
We also configured blocking for selected websites. This gives the accommodation provider a way to apply its chosen usage rules to the managed network. The restrictions form part of the property’s network policy, alongside the hotspot and QoS configuration.
A practical approach to student accommodation
These two projects addressed different parts of life at Bell Grove. The access control installation supports authorised entry and recorded verification. The Wi-Fi installation provides connectivity with tools to manage user access, shared traffic and selected website access.
Our approach brings suitable equipment, custom installation work and configuration together around the client’s needs. We work closely with property managers to understand the entrances, users and network requirements before recommending a solution.
Planning access control or Wi-Fi for your property?
Zapture works with student accommodation providers, residential properties and businesses across Durban and KZN. Tell us about your building, entrances, resident numbers and connectivity requirements, and we will help plan a suitable installation. Design and pricing are tailored to your site and needs.
Access control in Durban and KZN · Wi-Fi installations · View more Zapture projects
