At Scale – Effectively securing large perimeters
Securing large perimeters is a complex task that demands sophisticated solutions. One of the primary difficulties lies in the sheer size and diversity of the area that need to be protected. Perimeters spanning several kilometres often encompass varied terrains, from urban environments to rugged or inaccessible landscapes. This variability makes achieving comprehensive surveillance and monitoring coverage both challenging and costly. Blind spots and line-of-sight (LOS) issues further complicate matters, creating vulnerabilities that intruders can exploit.
The need for real-time monitoring across such large spaces presents another challenge. Delays in identifying and responding to threats can significantly increase the impact of breaches, potentially leading to costly disruptions or compromised safety. Unfortunately, implementing reliable, high-quality surveillance often proves unfeasible due to physical and financial constraints.
Infrastructure limitations exacerbate the problem, particularly in remote sections of large perimeters. A lack of power and networking infrastructure makes deploying and maintaining security equipment challenging. Installing new cabling to support these systems can drive up costs, both upfront and operationally. Equipment not designed for long-term deployment in extreme environmental conditions adds further strain, increasing maintenance requirements and costs. An additional challenge is the integration with daily operations to avoid becoming overly burdensome. Systems that are too complex or disruptive can lead to non-compliance with processes and protocols, undermining the very security they aim to enhance.
The benefits of full fibre
When it comes to perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDS), fibre optic technologies offer unprecedented detection capabilities. Fibre optic systems are resilient to harsh weather conditions and eliminate the need for power distribution along the perimeter, as the fibre optic cable requires no external power source. This characteristic significantly reduces both installation complexity and ongoing maintenance requirements. Fibre optic perimeter intrusion detection systems can be deployed on welded mesh, chain link, palisade, anti-climb, and other fence types. They can also be deployed on all kinds of walls, as well as grates protecting pipes. They can be installed on, and in some cases inside, these barriers. The latest systems can also be buried underground or installed in a hybrid approach.
Depending on requirements, OPTEX offers several fibre-optic solutions for large perimeters, here are our highlights:
The EchoPoint DAS system: Capable of protecting up to 100km of perimeter in a single deployment (models for 10km also available within this series), adaptable to multiple configurations - fence-mounted, wall-mounted, and/ or buried underground. Can identify and localise potential intrusion attempts with exceptional precision (+/- 6m) and provides real-time acoustic analysis across the entire protected area.
FD332: Two zone fibre-optic perimeter security sensor with detection zones up to 5km. Enhanced digital signal processing (DSP) capabilities are included to filter out sensor cable signals from non-threat events such as wind, weather and wildlife, as well as immunity to EMI, lightning, magnetic fields and radio frequency transmissions.
- REDSCAN Pro: Highly accurate perimeter intrusion detection system with our longest and most customisable detection range yet, covering up to 50x100m. REDSCAN Pro sensors are ONVIF compliant and features a built-in panoramic camera system for easier configuration. The camera footage can also be used for post-event analysis.
- REDSCAN mini-Pro: Highly accurate and ultra-fast short-range detection. The sensors can create virtual laser walls or planes with a range of 20x20m. ONVIF compliant, the RLS-2020V model includes a built-in camera for instant verification of alarms.
- REDSCAN mini: Ideal for protecting gates and entrances, the sensors can create a virtual laser wall to detect any unauthorised intrusions, with a range of 20x20m.
These technologies address several critical security pain points when it comes to protecting large perimeters. They overcome challenges like limited infrastructure in remote locations, the need to reduce the number of false alarms, and the requirement to maintain operational efficiency without disrupting daily activities. Most importantly, they provide reliable detection of intrusions and intelligence to enable a robust security system where automation enhances human decision-making. The combination of fibre optic sensing and LiDAR detection as part of a large perimeter surveillance system creates an efficient and effective system, where security personnel can shift from lengthy routine monitoring to strategic threat assessment and response.
