HID R31210349-1 OMNIKEY 3121 USB Contact Smart Card Reader - Two-tone Gray - Cable - USB 2. 0 - TAA Compliant
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Product Features
Technical Overview
The OMNIKEY 3121 operates as a contact smart card reader, supporting standard contact-based media for secure data exchange. It connects via a fixed cable using USB 2.0 technology, offering plug-and-play compatibility with modern operating systems without requiring external power adapters. The reader handles standard smart card protocols, ensuring interoperability with a wide range of card types and security applications commonly used in corporate and government sectors.
Built with a focus on reliability, the reader features a solid-state design with no moving parts in the card interface, reducing wear and extending operational life. Its electronics are optimized for low power consumption, drawing minimal current from the USB bus, which supports stable performance in continuous-use scenarios. The device includes built-in error handling and data integrity checks to maintain secure transactions during card reads and writes.
Key Product Advantages
The OMNIKEY 3121 combines essential smart card functionality with user-friendly design, offering distinct advantages for secure authentication workflows. Its compact footprint and lightweight construction allow flexible placement on desks, kiosks, or mounted setups, minimizing workspace disruption while ensuring easy card insertion and removal.
Compliance Ready
TAA compliance ensures this reader meets stringent government procurement standards, making it suitable for federal, state, and educational contracts where regulatory adherence is mandatory.
- Meets Trade Agreements Act requirements
- Supports regulated industry deployments
Sustainable Design
Environmentally friendly materials and manufacturing processes reduce ecological impact, aligning with corporate sustainability goals and green IT certifications.
- Eco-conscious construction
- Supports environmental initiatives
Deployment / Use Cases
The HID OMNIKEY 3121 is ideal for environments requiring secure, physical authentication to protect sensitive data and systems. In corporate offices, it enables employees to use smart cards for network logins, encrypted email access, and secure document signing, enhancing overall IT security posture without sacrificing convenience.
Government agencies and contractors deploy this reader for CAC/PIV card authentication, ensuring compliance with federal identity standards while streamlining access to secure facilities and classified systems. Educational institutions utilize it for student and staff ID cards, managing library access, lab permissions, and administrative functions with a unified credential system.
Enterprise Security
Integrates with existing PKI infrastructures and directory services to enforce multi-factor authentication, reducing password-related vulnerabilities and audit risks.
- Network access control
- Digital signature applications
Healthcare & Finance
Supports HIPAA and financial compliance by authenticating personnel accessing patient records or transaction systems, ensuring audit trails and data protection.
- Regulatory compliance
- Secure data access
Physical Profile
The reader measures 1.10" (28 mm) in height, 2.64" (67 mm) in width, and 3.15" (80 mm) in depth, creating a compact form factor that fits easily on crowded desks or integrated into kiosk enclosures. Its two-tone gray color scheme provides a neutral, professional appearance that complements standard office equipment, while the textured surface offers a secure grip during card handling.
- Width
- 2.64" (67 mm)
- Depth
- 3.15" (80 mm)
- Height
- 1.10" (28 mm)
- Weight
- 4.97 oz (141 g)
Highlights
- Contact smart card reader for secure authentication
- USB 2.0 host interface with cable connectivity
- Two-tone gray color for professional aesthetics
- TAA compliant for government and regulated procurement
- Environmentally friendly design and materials
- Compact dimensions: 1.10" H x 2.64" W x 3.15" D
- Lightweight at 4.97 oz (141 g) for portable setups
- Plug-and-play operation with standard operating systems
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | ASSA ABLOY |
| Manufacturer Part Number | R31210349-1 |
| Brand Name | HID |
| Product Line | OMNIKEY |
| Product Model | 3121 |
| Product Name | OMNIKEY 3121 USB Card Reader |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 |
| Product Type | Smart Card Reader |
| Technical Information | |
| Connectivity Technology | Cable |
| Media Supported | Contact |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Host Interface | USB 2.0 |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Color Family | Gray |
| Product Color | Two-tone Gray |
| Height | 1.10" (28 mm) |
| Width | 2.64" (67 mm) |
| Depth | 3.15" (80 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 4.97 oz (141 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| TAA Compliant | Yes |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
FAQ
What type of smart cards does the OMNIKEY 3121 support?
The OMNIKEY 3121 supports contact-based smart cards, which require physical insertion into the reader for data exchange. It is compatible with standard contact card protocols used for authentication, encryption, and digital signatures in enterprise and government applications, such as CAC, PIV, and various commercial smart card types.
Is this reader TAA compliant, and why does that matter?
Yes, the OMNIKEY 3121 is TAA compliant, meaning it meets the Trade Agreements Act requirements for procurement by U.S. federal government agencies and certain regulated industries. This compliance ensures the reader is eligible for government contracts and projects where sourcing from designated countries is mandated, providing a clear procurement path for public sector and contractor deployments.
What connectivity options does the reader use?
The reader uses a fixed cable for connectivity, terminating in a USB 2.0 interface. This setup provides a direct, reliable connection to computers and workstations without wireless dependencies, ensuring consistent performance for authentication tasks. The USB 2.0 standard offers sufficient bandwidth for smart card data transfers while maintaining broad compatibility with modern hardware.
Can the OMNIKEY 3121 be used in environmentally conscious IT setups?
Yes, the reader is designed with environmentally friendly materials and manufacturing processes, aligning with green IT initiatives. Its construction reduces ecological impact, making it suitable for organizations pursuing sustainability certifications or aiming to lower their carbon footprint through responsible technology purchases.
What are the physical dimensions and weight of this reader?
The reader measures 1.10 inches (28 mm) in height, 2.64 inches (67 mm) in width, and 3.15 inches (80 mm) in depth, with an approximate weight of 4.97 ounces (141 grams). These compact dimensions allow flexible placement on desks, in kiosks, or mounted setups, while the lightweight design facilitates easy portability for temporary deployments or shared use scenarios.
How does this reader integrate with existing security systems?
The OMNIKEY 3121 integrates seamlessly with existing security systems through standard USB connectivity and driver support for common operating systems. It works with middleware and software applications for smart card authentication, enabling integration into PKI infrastructures, directory services, and access control systems without requiring custom hardware modifications or complex configuration steps.