Strengthening perimeter protection for critical infrastructure: LiDAR and DAS technologies
The current global situation once again highlights the vital importance of critical infrastructure for the normal functioning of a country. These essential networks, which include energy facilities, water treatment plants, transport and data centres, among others, provide essential services, and their security and operation are indispensable for a country's development. The world faces a landscape of threats where cyberattacks are accompanied by increasingly frequent physical sabotage and climate change exposes critical infrastructure to increasingly adverse weather conditions. Furthermore, their often remote locations, coupled with outdated security systems and tight budgets, mean that critical infrastructure faces major challenges. It is therefore essential to have advanced and complementary technologies that can create robust security systems, adapt to the specific needs and risks of each site, and proactively keep them secure.
Merging technologies into a single system
No single technology can address all situations and be immune to external factors. To avoid single points of failure, it is essential to have redundant systems that combine various technologies and multiple detection systems to achieve the right balance between highly accurate detection and a minimum of false alarms.
For example, for perimeter protection of critical infrastructure, we can find a configuration of fibre optic detection sensors mounted on fencing, complemented by LiDAR technology that creates a virtual laser wall, and supported by video surveillance for alarm verification, adding an additional layer of artificial intelligence to the system.
A key point in this fusion is integration into existing systems, which is essential for effective protection. For example, using detection sensors to activate cameras that visualise intruders, lock doors, activate security lighting or voice alerts, and dispatch security personnel as necessary.
In the case of camera devices—such as state-of-the-art LiDAR—compliance with open security standards such as Onvif is essential, as it allows integration across multiple platforms, enabling intuitive user guidance and compliance with security procedures.
The latest advances in LiDAR and DAS technology for perimeter security
Innovation in security technologies is constant, and in recent times several technologies are revolutionising the way we approach intrusion detection. These advanced solutions enable security teams to create highly reliable and accurate systems – to the point of detecting the exact position of an intruder within a large perimeter – and, in doing so, optimise resources and streamline the process of verifying and tracking any threat. Among these technologies is 2D LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), which has proven to be exceptionally effective, as well as revolutionary DAS (Distributed Acoustic Sensors).
Systems based on 2-dimensional (or 2D) LiDAR and fibre optics have a completely different detection method. While LiDAR operates in the non-visible near-infrared spectrum, DAS analyses disturbances in acoustic energy along an optical fibre. Both technologies provide very accurate and precise measurements and detections, including the location of events.
The use of these technologies helps to provide early detection of any intrusion from areas outside the perimeter fence. In fact, buried fibre optics can detect vibrations and unusual activities, such as people or vehicles approaching, loitering or even digging in the vicinity of the premises, making them ideal for ensuring early perimeter detection, especially in more exposed areas. 2D LiDAR sensors, meanwhile, form a virtual wall parallel to the outside of the fence and can help identify attempts to jump or cross it in advance. The recent launch of the first security LiDAR with an integrated camera and LED represents a major advance in the fusion of different technologies to offer a complete security solution in a single device, combining the precise detection of LiDAR with instant video verification from the camera.
In both cases, we are approaching an ideal security system that can be permanently monitored or activated, does not interfere with indoor activity, and provides early warning.
Another aspect to consider is the space required for detection, which is often limited, narrow, or obstructed. Both LiDAR and DAS sensors require minimal space, provide ultra-fast detection, while eliminating blind spots and protecting narrow or obstructed spaces that are often exposed.
A multi-layered approach with these innovative technologies also minimises dependencies and increases redundancy. In the case of the 2D or two-dimensional LiDAR sensor, we reduce dependence on external servers by adopting serverless solutions that process data autonomously. In addition, these systems continuously self-monitor to generate alerts for tampering or malfunction.
DAS systems that do require a server and base their detection on fibre optic cable remain operational even in the event of a cable break and allow the use of redundant processors. Likewise, the sensitive part of a DAS system consisting of fibre optics is immune to electromagnetic interference and corrosive and hostile environments.
External factors that could trigger false alarms or hinder the detection of real intrusions must also be considered, such as wildlife, poor or no lighting, or adverse weather conditions, such as strong winds, rain, or snow. The use of LiDAR or fibre optics minimises such false alarms while ensuring detection. DAS systems are not affected by factors such as fog or snow that do affect the visible and non-visible light spectrum, while the accuracy and speed of LiDAR take the balance between detection and the level of false alarms to a new level of excellence.
In addition, 2D LiDAR sensors installed horizontally can generate alerts for access to restricted areas in places such as high-voltage electricity generators or flammable material storage facilities, which can pose a danger to the safety of those who enter without authorisation.
Intrusion detection in large perimeters
Large perimeters pose a challenge in terms of the infrastructure required to deploy security systems and maintain them in good condition. DAS solutions provide up to 100 km of detection from a single alarm processing unit and offer a huge advantage in this regard, as they are installed on the fence itself or buried, and do not require any power supply for the fibre optics, thus minimising implementation and maintenance costs.
Another aspect is the need to locate the point of intrusion within a very large perimeter. DAS systems provide pinpoint detection of an intruder's location within a range of six metres.
These systems are used in combination with long-range PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras that allow visual verification of events and integrate with management systems such as VMS.
Conclusion
Critical infrastructure security is an ever-evolving challenge, with increasingly sophisticated threats. To effectively protect our nations, we must adopt multi-layered security solutions that combine various technologies.
The latest advances in LiDAR and fibre optic technology offer accurate and reliable security measures that can be tailored to the unique needs of each critical infrastructure site. By implementing these advanced technologies, we can improve the resilience and adaptability of our security systems.
