Development of a Security Authentication Office Cabinet System with Effective Wireless Communication Protocols

International Journal of Advanced Scientific and Technical Research ISSN 2249-9954 Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijst/index.html volume 15, No. 5, 2025 Original Article ©2025 RS Publication, [email protected] 177 Development of a Security Authentication Office Cabinet System with Effective Wireless Communication Protocols Nsikak John Affia Department Electrical /Electronic Engineering Technology, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Akwa Ibom State. PMB 1200 ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Paper ID: IJASTR68E03E6485C2F Received: 2025-09-02 Published: 2025-10-05 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/ 10.5281/zenodo.1733 0502 Page No: 177-191 In today’s digital-driven work environments, securing sensitive documents is one of the critical requirements that goes beyond the traditional lock-and-key solutions. This study presents the design and implementation of a Security Authentication Office Cabinet System with Effective Wireless Communication Protocols, developed to address the growing threats of unauthorized access and data breaches in organizational environments especially government own establishment. The system integrates a solenoid-based electromagnetic lock, microcontroller (ATMEGA328PU), wireless modules (ESP8266 Wi-Fi, SIM900 GSM), and a mobile application for real-time monitoring and alerts. To validate its design, extensive tests were carried out, focusing on authentication reliability, system response, alarm efficiency, wireless range, and power performance. Results obtained from the study demonstrated 100% rejection of unauthorized codes during initial access attempts and a 99% success rate in granting access to correct passwords, confirming strong authentication accuracy. The system achieved an average response time of under 2 seconds, ensuring swift authorization, while false alarms were limited to just 1.2%, highlighting its robustness in real-world scenarios. The battery analysis revealed the low energy consumption, with the unit operating at just 0.5W in standby mode and delivering reliable performance over extended use. The wireless testing showed a consistent success rate within a 30–50m range, ensuring dependable communication for alerts and notifications. Cost analysis over a 5-year period revealed that although upfront investment is dominated by app development, the system delivers long-term value, averaging 20–30% cost savings compared to conventional wired systems, while offering scalability for multioffice deployments. The combination of strong physical security with advanced digital authentication and wireless connectivity, presents a system that delivers a secure, energyefficient, and user-friendly solution that can aligns with modern office needs. Its successful validation demonstrates not only its technical reliability but also its potential to transform office security practices, reduce risks of document theft, and improve operational resilience in both small businesses and large enterprises. Keywords: Security Authentication, Office Cabinet, Wireless Communication, Access Control International Journal of Advanced Scientific and Technical Research Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijst/index.html ISSN 2249-9954 Cite This Paper : Nsikak John Affia (2025). " Development of a Security Authentication Office Cabinet System with Effective Wireless Communication Protocols ". INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCED SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL RESEARCH (IJASTR), vol. 15, no. 5, 2025, pp. 177-191. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17330502 International Journal of Advanced Scientific and Technical Research ISSN 2249-9954 Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijst/index.html volume 15, No. 5, 2025 Original Article ©2025 RS Publication, [email protected] 178 1. Introduction In an era of rapidly advancing technology and increasing concerns about data security, the development of sophisticated security systems for office environments has become paramount. The security authentication office cabinet system with effective wireless communication protocols represents a cutting-edge solution to the pervasive challenge of protecting sensitive documents and assets within organizational settings (Nag et al., 2024; Oladinni & Odumuwagun, 2025; Odumuwagun,2025; Rahimi et al.,2025). This innovative system integrates advanced authentication mechanisms with state-of-the-art wireless communication technologies to create a robust, user-friendly, and highly secure method of safeguarding confidential information (Saxena & Choi, 2015). The need for such a system arises from the growing threats to data security in modern offices. Traditional lock-and-key cabinets are no longer sufficient to protect against sophisticated breaches, insider threats, and the potential for human error (Tobias, 2024). Moreover, the shift towards digital transformation in workplace operations demands a security solution that can seamlessly integrate with existing IT infrastructure while providing enhanced protection for physical documents and assets Saeed et al., 2023). These authentication layers work in concert to ensure that only authorized personnel can access sensitive materials, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized entry and data theft. The system's wireless communication protocols play a crucial role in its effectiveness. By leveraging technologies such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, or other secure wireless standards, the system enables real-time monitoring, remote access control, and instant alert mechanisms. This wireless connectivity not only enhances the system's security features but also facilitates seamless integration with existing office networks and security infrastructures (Granjal et al (2015). Past researches conducted on this field have also address emerging challenges and development of robust security authentication office cabinet system with effective wireless communication protocols, to meet the evolving security office requirements. For example, Vaithiyanathan et al. (2024) presented a detailed design and implementation of a wireless anti-theft alarm system that incorporates mobile phones as a central component. The authors discussed the system architecture, hardware design, and software development, highlighting the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed solution. Nagaraja et al. (2009) proposed a GSM-based wireless anti-theft system specifically designed for vehicles. The study focused on the integration of mobile phones with the system to provide real-time notifications and control features. The paper also discussed the system's implementation, performance evaluation, and potential applications. Çavaş & Ahmad (2019) explored the integration of the wireless anti-theft alarm system with the Internet of Things (IoT) technology. The authors discussed the system's architecture, highlighting its ability to connect with various IoT devices for enhanced security and monitoring. The paper also presented experimental results and discussed the system's advantages and limitations. Agbonifo et al. (2021) focused on the design and implementation of a wireless anti-theft alarm system that incorporates location tracking using mobile phones. The authors discussed the system's hardware and software components, emphasizing the importance of accurate location tracking in preventing theft and aiding recovery. The paper also presented experimental results and discusses potential future enhancements. Mustacoglu et al. (2020) evaluated the security features and vulnerabilities of password-based office file cabinets. The study provided insights into the effectiveness of different password encryption algorithms and highlights potential weaknesses that need to be addressed for enhanced security. Scarfone & Souppaya (2009). explored the guide to enterprise password management. The authors discussed the challenges International Journal of Advanced Scientific and Technical Research ISSN 2249-9954 Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijst/index.html volume 15, No. 5, 2025 Original Article ©2025 RS Publication, [email protected] 179 faced during the implementation process, such as user acceptance, training requirements, and integration with existing systems. Haque et al. (2017) investigated the learning systemassigned passwords (up to 56 bits) in a single registration session with the methods of cognitive psychology. The authors explored the impact of password complexity requirements, user interface design, and password reset mechanisms on user satisfaction and productivity. The findings offered valuable insights for designing user-friendly file cabinet systems. Mohammed (2024) reviewed the security challenges and considerations associated with the protection of cloud service providers based on an efficient password-based authentication system. The potential risks of storing passwords in the cloud was examined and strategies to mitigate these risks were proposed. The study also highlighted the importance of secure password management practices. Alkhalifah (2024) explored the enhancement of password-based file cabinet security through the implementation of multi-factor authentication (MFA). The benefits of combining passwords with additional authentication factors, such as biometrics or smart cards were discussed. The development security authentication office cabinet system takes into account the need for scalability and adaptability in diverse office environments. Its modular design allows for easy expansion and customization to meet the specific security requirements of different organizations, from small businesses to large enterprises. The system incorporates energy-efficient components and protocols, aligning with modern green office initiatives and reducing operational costs. One of the key advantages of this security authentication office cabinet system is its ability to create comprehensive audit trails. Every access attempt, successful or not, is logged and can be analysed for security audits, compliance checks, and forensic investigations if necessary. This feature not only enhances security but also aids in regulatory compliance, which is increasingly important in many industries. The development of this security authentication office cabinet system marks a significant advancement in the field of office security. By combining robust physical security measures with advanced digital authentication and wireless communication technologies, it offers a comprehensive solution to the complex security challenges faced by modern organizations. This study explored the development, authentication technique employed, wireless communication protocols utilized, and the various features that differentiates the security office carbonate from conventional office security solutions. Moreover, the potential impacts of this technology on office security practices, user behaviour, and organizational data protection strategies. 2. Research Methodology The process flow diagram of the security authentication office cabinet system is presented in Figure 1. The direction of the arrows illustrates the operation principles of the system when the power switch is turned ON. When the switch is turned on, the power from the inbuilt battery flows to the micro controller, LCD screen and SIMCOM sim900 module. Power must flow to this three sections to enable the SIMCOM sim900 module search for network immediately. The micro controller must be booted to receive signal from the password keypad, the LCD screen must be powered for it to display when the micro controller has completed the booting process. International Journal of Advanced Scientific and Technical Research ISSN 2249-9954 Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijst/index.html volume 15, No. 5, 2025 Original Article ©2025 RS Publication, [email protected] 180 Figure 1: Process flow diagram of the security authentication office cabinet system When there is power in the micro controller (ATMEGA328PU), microcontroller loads the programmed information which is displayed on the LCD screen. The LCD screen displays the information status of the SIMCOM sim900 module when it has found network. The micro controller being the brain of the office file cabinet after loading waits for input signal (password) from the X keypad. When the password is typed, the micro controller scans the inputted password to see if it matches with the programmed password in the micro controller. If it matches the programmed password, the micro controller sends an output signal to turn on the transistor. The transistor activates the relay coils, when the relay coils are activated, the contact terminals of the relay are connected to the power supply, thereby, activating the solenoid lock for the office file cabinet to be unlocked. When a password is being typed, the micro controller scans the typed password to see if it matches with the programmed password. If it does not match the programmed password, the micro controller sends an output signal to the SIMCOM sim900 module to automatically send a phone call to the owner, notifying him or her that there is an intruder, while the office file cabinet still remain locked. Circuit diagram of the password-base office file cabinet with wireless anti-theft alarm system using mobile phone is shown in Figure 2. International Journal of Advanced Scientific and Technical Research ISSN 2249-9954 Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijst/index.html volume 15, No. 5, 2025 Original Article ©2025 RS Publication, [email protected] 181 Figure 2: Circuit diagram of the security authentication office cabinet Specifications of the security authentication office cabinet system with effective wireless communication protocols are presented in Table 1. However, circuit board of the system showing wire connection to other panels is illustrated in Figure 3. The construction of the system involved integration of various electronic components, including sensors, microcontrollers, wireless modules and rechargeable batteries. These components were carefully selected based on their reliability, compatibility, and power efficiency. The circuitry was designed to minimize power consumption, ensuring long battery life and reducing the need for frequent recharging. Figure 3 shows pictorial view of wire connection to the circuit board. Procedure for developing the system was carried out by trough the following steps. i. Acquisition of the required components ii. Testing the electronic components to be sure they are all working. iii. Soldering all the electronic components to the vero board according to the circuit diagram. iv. Ensuring that an IC socket was compatible to socket the programmable IC (ATMEGA 328PU). v. Inserting a registered SIM card to the SIMCOM SIM900 module. vi. Confirming all connections before inputting the power International Journal of Advanced Scientific and Technical Research ISSN 2249-9954 Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijst/index.html volume 15, No. 5, 2025 Original Article ©2025 RS Publication, [email protected] 182 Figure 3: Circuit board of the system showing wire connection to other panels Table 1: detailed specifications of the security authentication office cabinet system File Cabinet Specifications Electronic Locking Mechanism Microcontroller - Dimensions: 52" H x 36" W x 19" D - Material: Steel - Weight: 68 Kg - Number of drawers: 4 - Type: Solenoid-based electromagnetic lock - Operating voltage: 12V DC - Current draw when active: 300mA - Standby current: 10mA - Activation time: 0.5 seconds per lock/unlock cycle - Type: Arduino Nano - Operating voltage: 5V DC - Clock speed: 16 MHz - Active current consumption: 15mA - Sleep mode current consumption: 0.6mA Wireless Module Alarm System Sensors - Type: ESP8266 Wi-Fi module - Operating voltage: 3.3V DC - Transmit current: 170mA - Receive current: 50mA - Sleep current: 10µA - Active time per day: 5 minutes (for periodic checks and updates) - Siren type: Piezoelectric - Operating voltage: 12V DC - Current draw when active: 250mA - Standby current: 0mA (only activated when alarm is triggered) - Type: Magnetic reed switches (one per drawer) - Quantity: 4 - Operating voltage: 5V DC - Current draw when active: 10mA each - Standby current: 0mA (normally open) Display Power Suppl y Backup Battery - Type: 16x2 LCD - Operating voltage: 5V DC - Current consumption: 25mA - Type: AC to DC adapter - Input: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz - Output: 12V DC, 2A max - Efficiency: 85% - Type: Lithium-ion rechargeable - Capacity: 2000mAh - Voltage: 11.1V (3-cell configuration) Mobile Phone App Usage Scenario Energy Monitoring Equipment - Platform: Android and iOS - Estimated power consumption on mobile device: 5% of phone battery per day - Average number of lock/unlock cycles per day: 30 - Alarm activation duration: 5 minutes per event - System armed time: 14 hours per day (after office hours) - Power meter accuracy: ±0.5% of reading - Sampling rate: 1 sample per second - Monitoring duration: 7 days Standby Power Consumption: Peak Power Consumption Environmental Conditions - Estimated total standby power: 0.5W - Estimated peak power during alarm activation: 10W - Operating temperature range: 10°C to 40°C - Humidity range: 20% to 80% RH (non - condensing) International Journal of Advanced Scientific and Technical Research ISSN 2249-9954 Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijst/index.html volume 15, No. 5, 2025 Original Article ©2025 RS Publication, [email protected] 183 All the components were soldered into the Vero Board. Afterwards, a case/housing was fabricated where the entire circuit was mounted followed by other external components such as indicators, LCD, and switch. The first section of the office file cabinet is where the (keypad module, LCD screen, switch, LED indicator) was placed. Figure 4 shows the housing and framework of the fabricated security office cabinet system Figure 4: Framework of the fabricated security office cabinet system Having fabricated the casing/housing and having finished the construction of the sections of the system, the assembling were install the casing. The sections were properly laid out and assembled into the casing where the general coupling and linkages into the peripheral devices took place. The indicator was brought out to indicate when the system is powered. Power switch was brought out for powering the system, the keypad was brought out to input the password, LCD screen was also brought out of the casing. The finished security office cabinet system prior to installation is presented Figure 5. Figure 5: Finished security office cabinet system prior to installation International Journal of Advanced Scientific and Technical Research ISSN 2249-9954 Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijst/index.html volume 15, No. 5, 2025 Original Article ©2025 RS Publication, [email protected] 184 3. Results ad Discussions The first and second results obtained for access attempts on the security office cabinet (see Tables 2-3), system response time at each access attempt (see Figure), false alarm breakdown (see Figure), analysis of battery life with time (see Figure) as well as wireless range with respect to success rate (see Figure). Furthermore, results obtained for 5-year quantitative cost projections cross-platform compatibility are presented in Tables 4-5. Table 2: First results obtained from access attempts on the security office cabinet S/N First Attempt Remark Second Attempt Remark Code LCD Display Code LCD Display 1 3796 Access Denied Wrong code 4479 Access Denied Wrong code 2 4587 Access Denied Wrong code 6782 Access Denied Wrong code 3 9854 Access Denied Wrong code 4753 Access Denied Wrong code 4 8438 Access Denied Wrong code 1734 Access Denied Wrong code 5 0974 Access Denied Wrong code 0457 Access Denied Wrong code 6 7683 Access Denied Wrong code 3794 Access Denied Wrong code 7 9357 Access Denied Wrong code 2513 Access Denied Wrong code 8 2753 Access Denied Wrong code 6902 Access Denied Wrong code 9 1583 Access Denied Wrong code 8469 Access Denied Wrong code 10 9653 Access Denied Wrong code 3571 Access Denied Wrong code 11 7343 Access Denied Wrong code 9746 Access Denied Wrong code 12 3659 Access Denied Wrong code 7385 Access Denied Wrong code 13 6741 Access Denied Wrong code 5462 Access Denied Wrong code 14 2582 Access Denied Wrong code 6731 Access Denied Wrong code 15 4285 Access Denied Wrong code 8452 Access Denied Wrong code 16 5386 Access Denied Wrong code 6904 Access Denied Wrong code 17 8536 Access Denied Wrong code 4631 Access Denied Wrong code 18 3853 Access Denied Wrong code 2237 Access Denied Wrong code 19 7956 Access Denied Wrong code 6410 Access Denied Wrong code 20 4563 Access Denied Wrong code 0577 Access Denied Wrong code Table 3: Second results obtained from access attempts on the security office cabinet S/N First Attempt Remark Second Attempt Remark Code LCD Display Code LCD Display 1 6386 Access Denied Wrong code 4754 Access Granted Correct code 2 7548 Access Denied Wrong code 5843 Access Denied Wrong code 3 9064 Access Denied Wrong code 4754 Access Granted Correct code 4 3595 Access Denied Wrong code 3794 Access Denied Wrong code 5 0653 Access Denied Wrong code 4754 Access Granted Correct code 6 0085 Access Denied Wrong code 2941 Access Denied Wrong code 7 3695 Access Denied Wrong code 0358 Access Denied Wrong code 8 6842 Access Denied Wrong code 4976 Access Denied Wrong code 9 1505 Access Denied Wrong code 4754 Access Granted Correct code 10 8472 Access Denied Wrong code 6930 Access Denied Wrong code 11 7004 Access Denied Wrong code 1443 Access Denied Wrong code 12 3683 Access Denied Wrong code 4754 Access Granted Correct code 13 2584 Access Denied Wrong code 0947 Access Denied Wrong code 14 8583 Access Denied Wrong code 4754 Access Granted Correct code 15 9659 Access Denied Wrong code 6570 Access Denied Wrong code 16 2706 Access Denied Wrong code 3375 Access Denied Wrong code 17 3705 Access Denied Wrong code 4754 Access Granted Correct code 18 8489 Access Denied Wrong code 4763 Access Denied Wrong code 19 3526 Access Denied Wrong code 4754 Access Granted Correct code 20 0253 Access Denied Wrong code 4864 Access Denied Wrong code International Journal of Advanced Scientific and Technical Research ISSN 2249-9954 Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijst/index.html volume 15, No. 5, 2025 Original Article ©2025 RS Publication, [email protected] 185 3.1 Access Attempts on the Security Office Cabinet Table 2 presents the initial set of access trials conducted on the fabricated security authentication office cabinet system. In all 20 attempts, randomly generated codes were entered into the keypad. The outcomes consistently displayed “Access Denied,” with the LCD indicating a wrong code for each entry. This test was crucial in validating the cabinet’s resilience against brute-force or random guess attempts. The results demonstrate the system’s 100% effectiveness in rejecting unauthorized access codes during the first stage of trials. This implies that the embedded microcontroller (ATMEGA328PU), combined with the programmed password verification logic, can reliably filter out invalid entries without any lapses. From a security standpoint, the outcomes reinforce the robustness of the cabinet in rejecting non-registered codes and its suitability for environments where sensitive files require strong access control. On the hand, Table 3 illustrates a second round of trials, where correct authorization codes were intentionally introduced among other random entries. Unlike Table 2, the system granted access in six out of 20 cases when the correct code (4754) was supplied. The LCD displayed “Access Granted,” validating successful authentication. The results reflect a 99% authentication accuracy, as only legitimate codes were accepted while incorrect inputs were denied. Importantly, no unauthorized access was observed, highlighting that the system achieves the delicate balance of high selectivity (rejecting false codes) and accessibility (granting permission to valid users). This provides assurance that, in practical deployment, office staff will experience reliable access while intruders remain locked out. 3.2 System Response Time at Each Access Attempt Figure 6 shows the system’s response time for both successful and failed attempts. On average, the cabinet responded in less than 2 seconds, a critical factor in ensuring user convenience and real-time security. The graph illustrates minimal variations in response times across trials, indicating stable performance of the microcontroller and wireless communication modules. Quick response times mean users are not delayed in gaining legitimate access, while intruders are instantly denied, reducing opportunities for tampering. Figure 7 highlights the system’s false alarm analysis. Results showed that false alarm occurrence was limited to just 1.2% of cases, typically triggered by prolonged keypad tampering or network delays in the GSM module. This low false alarm rate demonstrates the system’s reliability and user-friendliness. Many conventional alarm systems suffer from excessive false triggers, which reduce trust and increase operational costs. By minimizing false alarms, this design enhances confidence and operational efficiency in office settings.