Access control reader hardware is a device used to control access to a secure area by allowing or denying entry to individuals based on their credentials. The reader hardware consists of several basic components:

1. Card reader: This is the primary component of an access control reader. It reads the credentials of an individual who wishes to gain entry to a secure area. The most common type of card reader is a magnetic stripe reader, but there are other types of readers available, such as proximity readers and smart card readers.
2. Control panel: This component is responsible for processing the data received from the card reader and determining whether to grant or deny access to an individual. The control panel is connected to the card reader and the locking mechanism of the secure area.
3. Locking mechanism: This component is responsible for securing the door or entry point of the secure area. The locking mechanism can be an electronic lock, a magnetic lock, or a mechanical lock.
4. Power supply: This component provides power to the card reader and control panel. The power supply can be an AC power adapter or a battery backup.
5. Communication interface: This component allows the access control reader to communicate with other devices, such as a computer or a security system.

These basic components can be combined in various ways to create different types of access control reader hardware that are suitable for different types of environments and applications. For example, a standalone access control reader may only consist of a card reader and control panel, while an enterprise-level access control reader may include multiple card readers, control panels, and locking mechanisms.