2023 - Multilayered Residential - Approach

Approach or in-field security describes the zone between the perimeter and the immediate building and is an area that can often be overlooked when designing a security system. If an intruder manages to breach the perimeter they will still have to cross this zone which is why it is vital to detect and track the intruder as they are moving towards the building with the intention to break-in or cause damage.

A common vulnerability in the vicinity of the house is often vegetation, which can hide the attacker's approach. If there is garden furniture, areas with sports equipment or a children's playground, these should also be taken into account to protect the space adequately and reduce unguarded gaps. Swimming pools, playgrounds or garages, if any, should be considered separate areas to protect against intrusion.

Passive Infrared

Outdoor intrusion detectors have been specifically designed to expand the security coverage beyond the confines of a building and to warn of anyone approaching as early as possible. Our passive infrared sensors (PIR) create detection areas of different sizes, depending on the space, and detect changes in temperature in their environment. They come with a bespoke logic called Super Multi-Dimensional Analysis (SMDA) that combines digital detection analytics with temperature compensation to maintain performance and prevent false alarms. This combination of technologies ensures that OPTEX PIRs have advanced sensitivity and precision, creating an ‘intelligent detection’ that recognizes the sensor environment and distinguishes genuine intrusions.

Our VXS, VXI, WXS and WXI all have our SMDA logic and are extremely pet tolerant meaning they won't cause false alarms as your pets or any wildlife enter the detection area, but will only alert to humans approaching. It's also important to many customers that their security sensors don't damage the aesthetic of their property which is why our PIR portfolio boasts wireless models so no wiring spoils your view, and many have the option to customize the colour.

Check out our full range of PIR sensors for protecting your approach zone here.

AIR BEAMS

Active Infrared beams (AIR) provide a detection line that can be used as a virtual wall to further secure the approach zone. As an intruder approaches and crosses the invisible infrared beams, an detection would be triggered, allowing you to respond well before they have reached the house. We have a variety of infrared beams ranging from the AX series for shorter distance and the SL series for long distances of up to 100m.

LiDAR

OPTEX's multi-award winning REDSCAN Pro offers approach detection when installed in horizontal mode. The LiDAR solution creates a wide detection area of up to 100x50m and has event filtering algorithms allowing for alerts to be further configured to meet specific detection criteria or logic. Alarms can be raised based on the sequence of zone detection or based on multi-zone detection, for instance someone walking towards the property.