A system of embedding access control logic into a network gear according to an embodiment includes a plurality of access control devices including corresponding lock mechanisms configured to control access through corresponding passageways, a headend access control system configured to manage access control data associated with the plurality of access control devices, and a network switch communicatively coupled to the headend access control system and comprising a smart communication manager, wherein the smart communication manager includes an application programming interface accessible by the headend access control system and translates commands received from the headend access control system into payloads readable by the plurality of access control devices.