Form Factor

Smart Card

  • Requires external reader
  • External reader can have a PIN pad
  • Service life of readers and cards is specified
  • Devices such as door locks can use smart cards
  • Readers typically connect via USB

USB Token

  • Does not require external reader
  • USB connector not necessarily designed for constant connection/disconnection
  • Many new PCs have USB ports on the front, many monitors include USB hub
  • USB extension cables provide an inexpensive replacable component
  • Some tokens now have integrated flash drive
  • Some tokens have biomentric readers.
  • Per-unit cost higher than a card (not counting the reader). Consider the cost of replacing a lost or damaged token though. The marginal cost of replacint a card is cheaper.
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