A physical access control (PAC) system comprises an authentication device that includes physical layer circuitry and processing circuitry. The physical layer circuitry transmits and receives radio frequency electrical signals over a radio access network. The processing circuitry is operatively coupled to the physical layer circuitry and includes an authentication engine. The authentication engine is configured to receive access credential information via the radio access network using a cloud-based messaging service; authenticate the access credential information using the authentication device; and initiate access to a physical access portal according to the access credential information.