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Grandstream GDS Accessories – FAQ

This document clarifies compatibility, usage, and differences between accessories used with GDS372x series and GDS371x/GDS370x series IP Door Systems to avoid confusion when selecting mounting kits, credentials, NFC/RFID cards, and power accessories.

Cards & Key Fobs Information

Grandstream GDS devices support:

  • 125 kHz RFID credentials keyfobs/cards (legacy)
  • 13.56 MHz NFC credentials keyfobs/cards (newer, higher security)

Each technology is tied to specific GDS model families and is not interchangeable.

GDS3725/GDS3726/GDS3727 devices support:

  • NFC Card (G-AC1)
  • NFC Card (G-AD2)
  • NFC Key Fob (G-AC1)
  • NFC Key Fob (G-AD2)

These operate at 13.56 MHz NFC frequency.

GDS371x devices (GDS3710/GDS3705) support:

  • RFID Cards (125 kHz)
  • RFID Key Fobs (125 kHz)

These operate at 125 KHz RFID frequency.

  • G-AC1: MiFare Classic NFC card (standard security)
  • G-AD2: MiFare DesFire EV3 NFC card with AES-128 encryption for enhanced security

They are functionally identical.
The difference is only the physical format:

  • Cards: Wallet-size
  • Key fobs: Compact keychain form

Yes.
Both use the same NFC technology and can be enrolled and used identically on supported GDS372x devices.

No.
RFID cards use 125 kHz, while NFC cards use 13.56 MHz and often include encryption.
They are not cross-compatible.

These models only support 125 kHz RFID credentials, not 13.56 MHz NFC cards.

No.
Both are passive credentials powered by radio energy emitted from the door station reader.

There are three main card types:

  • RFID 125 kHz Cards – Legacy proximity cards (EM4100 type).
  • NFC Cards (G-AC1) – 13.56 MHz MiFare-based NFC cards.
  • NFC Cards (G-AD2) – 13.56 MHz MiFare DesFire EV3 cards with AES-128 security.

Each type operates on a different frequency and is not interchangeable.

The following older GDS models support 125 kHz RFID cards:

  • GDS3710
  • GDS3705
  • GDS3725
  • GDS3726
  • GDS3727

These models use legacy RFID technology and are compatible with EM4100-type cards.

The GDS372x series (newer NFC-capable models) support:

  • G-AC1 NFC Cards (MiFare)
  • G-AD2 NFC Cards (MiFare DesFire EV3 – AES-128)

The cards operate at 13.56 MHz and require NFC-enabled readers.

Yes.

The GDS325/GDS3726/GDS3727 models support RFID 125 kHz Cards/key fobs; they are backward compatible.

No.

The Older GDS models do not support scanning NFC-based cards, such as the newest G-AC1 and G-AD2; they also do not support the newer models of key fobs, which are the NFC Key Fob (G-AC1) and NFC Key Fob (G-AD2).

You can differentiate them by:

Labeling:

  • “RFID 125 kHz” → legacy RFID card
  • “NFC 13.56 MHz / MiFare / DesFire” → NFC card

Model association:

  • Older GDS371x/0x → RFID 125 kHz
  • Newer GDS372x series → NFC cards (G-AC1 / G-AD2)

Card Readers, Enrollment & Compatibility

The USB RFID Card Reader is used with the GDS371x/GDS370x series to:

  • Enroll RFID cards/key fobs
  • Manage credentials centrally through GDS Manager software

It connects via USB to a computer.

The USB RFID reader supports only:

  • 125 kHz RFID cards (EM4100 type)

No.
It cannot read NFC cards because they operate on a different frequency and use encryption mechanisms such as MiFare.

The blue LED confirms the reader is powered and functioning.
If the card is not detected, it is likely a 13.56 MHz NFC card, which is incompatible with the 125 kHz reader.

NFC cards / key fobs should be enrolled using:

  • The GDS372x device directly, or
  • The supported SecureAccess mobile application

Yes.
The GDS372x devices can read both newer NFC-enabled cards and key fobs, as well as legacy RFID cards and key fobs.

No.
GDS371x series only supports basic 125 kHz RFID technology and cannot process NFC encryption.

The USB RFID Card Reader works only at 125 kHz and supports:

  • EM4100 RFID cards

It cannot read NFC 13.56 MHz cards or keyfobs (G-AC1 / G-AD2) because they use a different radio frequency and encryption technology.

A blue LED on the reader indicates the reader is powered and functional, but it will not detect NFC cards due to a frequency mismatch.

Mounting & Installation Accessories

Available mounting accessories include:

  • In-Wall Mounting Box (GDS3725/GDS3726)
  • Rain Cover
  • L-Shaped Bracket

These improve installation flexibility, durability, and aesthetics.

It allows the device to be mounted flush within a wall for a clean and secure installation.
Supports solid walls, studs, and drywall environments.

Install the device with the bottom positioned approximately 50–52 inches above the ground for optimal camera view and usability.

The rain cover protects the device from:

  • Rain
  • Snow
  • Harsh outdoor conditions
    This helps maintain stable audio/video performance.

The stainless-steel L-shaped bracket reinforces structural stability during flush mounting, especially when installing on wall studs.

GDS371x accessories include:

  • In-Wall Mounting Kit
  • Interface Board (indoor wiring simplification)

The Interface Board simplifies indoor wiring by allowing a direct RJ45 cable connection instead of individual wire termination, reducing wiring complexity and installation errors.

Power & Accessory Compatibility

Supported injectors:

  • GS-POE15W-MG
  • GS-POE30W-MG

They comply with IEEE 802.3af/at/bt and provide plug-and-play power delivery.

Important

The Grandstream PoE injectors (GS-POE15W-MG/ GS-POE30W-MG) are for indoor use only.

Use a PoE injector when:

  • The network switch does not supply PoE
  • Only one PoE device needs to be powered
  • A simple plug-and-play power solution is preferred

Yes.
They provide 2.5Gbps LAN IN and LAN OUT ports, supporting both high-speed data and PoE power simultaneously.

Not always.
Key differences:

  • GDS372x → NFC-based accessories
  • GDS371x/GDS370x → RFID-based accessories

Credential accessories are not interchangeable between these product families.

No, the accessories must always match the specific GDS model series.

Always match:

  • GDS372x series → NFC credentials (13.56 MHz) / RFID credentials (125 kHz)
  • GDS371x/GDS370x series → RFID credentials (125 kHz)

Using mismatched credential types is the most common cause of access card recognition issues.

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