An access control system includes a plurality of physical access control readers that form a reader network which utilizes a first communication protocol. The system includes a plurality of mobile communication devices each having a first communication interface and a second communication interface. The first communication interface enables the mobile communication devices to access a mobile communication network which utilizes a second communication protocol, and the second communication interface enables the mobile communication devices to communicate with the access control readers. The plurality of physical access control readers exchange status information for the plurality of physical access control readers and for the plurality of mobile communication devices over the reader network.