Typically, a perimeter security system is the first line of defense for keeping intruders out of private properties and restricted sites. It is important to know the right security measures to put in place before purchasing and installing security systems for your perimeter boundary.
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Whether you want a flexible and temporary security solution or a maximum and permanent one for a high-security site, this quick guide will help you understand the factors to consider when deciding on an ideal security solution for your facility or business.
Perimeter intrusion detection system (PIDS) refers to the various technologies (including sensors and devices) designed to discover and warn about any unauthorized entry or attempted physical breach of a perimeter boundary or fence.
Perimeter security systems are available in four different technologies:
Although perimeter security systems a becoming more common on private properties and high-profile residences, they are a must-have in highly secure facilities. Perimeter intrusion detectors like the RBtec WallAlert Dual Zone Kit can alert property owners or managers about potential perimeter breaches in real-time.
It is easy to see why installing perimeter security for your facility is important, however, with various options to choose from, the hard part is deciding on the right access control and security system that adequately meets your needs. Thankfully, the next section makes the task a tad easier by highlighting the important factors to consider when shopping for the most effective PIDS for your facility.
There is no one-size-fits-all perimeter detection technique for all premises or businesses. Combining a few different PDIS technologies and tracking systems can result in a more holistic approach to security.
Consider the following factors before deciding which perimeter intrusion detection system is right for your location:
What potential threat or type of intrusion attempt are you trying to detect? Is your facility or premises at risk of intruders who may try to ram through your walls at high speeds, climb your perimeter walls, tamper with your video surveillance cameras, or attempt to cut through your wired fence?
You'll need to perform a security risk assessment of your facility to determine potential threats and the most suitable security systems to meet your needs.
Security levels differ for individual businesses as well as the type of industry. For example, a military base or government facility requires a different security level than a residential property. Highly sensitive and restricted premises with critical infrastructure need to install more robust security systems.
What physical deterrents do you currently have ' an existing fence or a wall? Consider the physical structure you have on the ground when choosing perimeter protection. For example, barrier-mounted security solutions, such as electrified fences, work well for fences, walls, and other physical barriers.
If you do not have physical barriers around your perimeter, a ground-based security system, such as optical fiber cable, radio frequency radiating field, or microphonic cable, can be deployed underground.
A free-standing security system is another PIDS option for facilities without physical barriers along their boundaries. The system includes devices such as active infrared or passive infrared detectors, Doppler microwave sensors, laser scanners, and video analytic components to detect an attempted intrusion. Ideally, the system works well for sterile areas (such as in airports) where people are inspected before access is granted.
No doubt, purchasing, installing, and setting up a comprehensive security network is anything but cheap. Choosing perimeter security that easily integrates into your current IT infrastructure and any artificial intelligence system will likely reduce overall costs.
When selecting a perimeter intrusion detection system, it is important to consider the communication between your IT department and the security personnel assigned to physically man security posts or those responsible for physical security.
Consider the terrain of your site when choosing a perimeter security system. Are there public walkways near your premises that may consistently trigger a false alarm? What's the prevailing weather condition in your area? Is there local wildlife around your facility that may be picked up by a sensor? Is your property close to a body of water? Is the ground prone to water saturation?
Answering these questions can help you determine the most suitable PIDS for your facility.
Do you want a permanent or temporary perimeter security system? A permanent (often more expensive) security solution that requires complex installation may not be the best choice for protecting a temporary site.
For example, running an optical-fiber cable system under the ground or installing any ground-based PIDS might be overkill for a flexible, temporary facility. A modular perimeter fence would be a better security system in this case.
On the other hand, you want to choose a fully integrated PIDS solution if you want maximum security service for your facility.
The initial equipment and installation cost is not the only thing to consider in terms of price. While some solutions can have a comparatively cheaper initial cost, they can eat into your budget over time due to ongoing upkeep and maintenance expenses.
Be sure about the overall maintenance costs of whatever PIDS you are eyeing for your facility. If there are any subscriptions involved, be sure to find out the details and see whether or not they are worth the expense.
Not all perimeter security systems are created equal. You want to look out for third-party accreditations and ratings to help you choose high-quality, reliable security systems for your gates, fences, barriers, and other perimeter structures.
While the market is packed with various security systems, it is usually a good idea to keep an eye out for accreditations from globally recognized third-party certification bodies, such as The Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB).
Lastly, it is important to factor in local laws and regulations that your perimeter intrusion detection system must adhere to. For example, the security system needs to comply with all local safety regulations and must not emit levels of electromagnetic energy that interfere with the environment. This requirement is known as the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Regulations.
If you are shopping for PIDS and related accessories, you will find premium products here at All Security Equipment. Look through our selection of products and choose what best suits your perimeter security needs.
If you have any questions about the systems we've discussed or would like more information, please don't hesitate to contact us. We value our customers and want to ensure they have the best possible experience with our products. Thanks for reading!
Detection of a potential or confirmed breach of the property perimeter provides time for police or guard forces to intercept a threat before the loss of property or harm to staff. Facilities with perimeter detection in place range from remote petrochemical or cellular sites to vehicle processing or storage facilities to critical infrastructure.
There are many things to consider when evaluating your current or new perimeter detection strategy.
KEY PRINCIPLES OF AN EFFECTIVE PERIMETER SECURITY PROGRAM
Deter: A fortified site is the optimal deterrent to attackers. Commonly, perimeter fences / barriers, plus other visible mechanisms such as perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDS), lighting and cameras serve as deterrents to a would-be attacker.
Detect: Implementation of detection sensors enhance the ability to identify intruders and stave off an attack. It is recommended to introduce at minimum a single layer of PIDS technology to detect intruders at the outer perimeter. Often, a dual-layer approach is called for to protect a facility with higher security requirements (i.e. potential theft or damage to higher value assets). Layering complementary technologies, such as fence sensors plus video analytics, allows reinforcement of the perimeter layer. For the highest security applications (i.e. where threat to critical infrastructure or human life is present), a multi-layered system incorporating a range of technologies further adds to the level of protection.
Delay: It's critical to maximize the time span from ingress to attackable asset, to allow the security team time to respond. Physical barriers at the perimeter, PIDS on and inside the perimeter fence, internal barriers (ideally with PIDS), and the distance between barriers and attackable asset are all delay mechanisms that slow an attacker.
Assess: Introduce an integrated system that includes alarm communication and CCTV/Video assessment of intrusions. Operators need to see what the system has detected.
Respond: Design scenarios and deployment of your response force to stop a threat / attack or intruder.
Intelligent System Characteristics
Key components of an intelligent perimeter detection system:
Design Considerations
Rigid and Decorative Fence Considerations
When deciding that it's time to add fence protection to a rigid or decorative fence, end users often think they have limited options. In the video below, Steve Pennington and Jeff Drews discuss strategies and solutions for these types of applications. Then, Brad Castillo and Tim Claus help Jeff test a rigid fence intrusion detection solution.
During the video, we get some excellent advice about fence intrusion detection system testing:
Creating short fence or buried cable detection zones increases your ability to identify a threat by using your video surveillance system more effectively.
Plus, the DORI concept is particularly critical for protecting perimeters. Be sure to consider your viewing expectations in terms of Detection, Observation, Recognition, Identifiation (DORI). More details on DORI here.
Lightning and Surge Protection
There's understandable concern in the security industry when it comes to protecting equipment from lightning and other power surges. And putting cables along a metal fence around an entire perimeter just adds to the complexity level. In the video below, Tom Fontana and Tim Claus discuss the threat of power surge and how systems can be designed to minimize the risk.
Integration Options for Perimeter Detection
Common ways to integrate 3rd party systems like video management and access control with perimeter detection systems includes the use of contact closures and programming using a Software Development Kit (SDK) .
Fence Sensor Cable Repair
There can be significant risk involved when a fence intrusion detection system is compromised by a broken or damaged sensor cable. Joe Barnhart and Tim Claus walk us through a cable splice in this video.
Worth noting:
If you want to learn more, please visit our website fiber optic intrusion detection system.
Stacked Microwave Detection Strategies
Using microwave detection to secure a perimeter is a strategy commonly used when a fence isn't an option or when multiple layers of security are required. Below, Tom Fontana and Tim Claus discuss the use of multiple microwave detection sensors and the technology involved that makes these strategies possible.
Helpful hints:
Armored Fence Sensor Cable Applications
To minimize the risk of suffering damage to a fence intrusion detection sensor cable, the use of armored cable is sometimes the best option. In this video, Tom Fontana and Tim Claus discuss the use of armored sensor cables and show us the difference.
In this video, we learn two primary applications for using armored cable:
Site Survey
A site survey is necessary in order to properly evaluate the perimeter. Below is a link to Site Survey: Perimeter Detection to get you started down the path to an effective perimeter detection solution. The site survey will provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to set their expectations and will narrow down the best solution for the application.
Various technologies can be used to detect organized motion, shock, vibration, and heat signature. These technologies include thermal imaging cameras, buried cable, fence mounted cable, infrared beam, stereo Doppler microwave, and radar in military or airport applications.
Thermal imaging cameras provide the opportunity to detect a human or other heat signature producing body at or before a perimeter. This technology allows monitoring stations to eliminate the possibility of cloaking by using shrubbery or camouflage clothing. Cameras that can see visible light are often used to verify a heat signature detected by a thermal camera since the resolution of a thermal imager is much lower than that of today's high definition visible imagers. In many cases, lights will be turned on at the alarm site. Another option to provide light for the visible camera imager is to utilize infrared illumination which allows the camera to see a monochrome image of the scene with no visible light present.
Thermal imaging cameras are available in many form factors. Most often a fixed camera is used, however, there are high end solutions which allow for pan tile zoom functionality. At the highest end of the camera capability range are thermal cameras with a second visible light sensor. This allows the operator to quickly switch between the thermal image and the visible image to quickly identify the potential threat.
Intelligent video analytics (IVA) are often deployed in conjunction with thermal camera sensors. The use of IVA allows for the facility owner to determine more specifically when a violation is occurring since the image from the sensor is not as detailed as that of a visible camera imager.
A fence detection system is used to detect cut or climb attempts by intruders attempting to gain site access. The detection cable, which is easily affixed to fence fabric or wire topper using cable ties, is connected to a processor module that analyzes vibration activity on the cable. A properly functioning fence detection system should alarm on intrusion attempts, but ignore environmental disturbances.
To ensure high probability of detection (Pd) and a low nuisance alarm rate (NAR), choose a fence detection system that may be calibrated in software on installation to account for variations in fence fabric or tension to ensure uniform detection sensitivity along the protected fence line. The system should also employ advanced digital signal processing capabilities that differentiate fence cut / climb attacks from harmless disturbances such as wind, rain or vehicle traffic, to successfully detect intrusions while preventing the nuisance alarms that plague other technologies. Insist on a system that precisely locates intrusion attempts to within 3m (10 ft) and that features software-controlled detection zone assignment (Free-Format Zoning') to keep hardware costs low and maximize flexibility as needs change.
Unique Fence Sensor Applications
More about fence detection systems here
A buried cable detection system provides volumetric (RF-based) detection of walking, running or crawling intruders. Designed for applications where covert protection is essential, cables are buried on the secure side of an existing physical barrier to prevent detection of animals or patrol officers, outside the barrier as an 'early warning' mechanism, or in place of a barrier if esthetics are of concern. RF energy couples between Tx and Rx cables to create an invisible RF-based detection field.
When evaluating buried technologies, select a system that requires minimal trenching for cable installation and no special ground preparation or graded cables that could result in increased cost or service time. Identify a system that may be calibrated in software on installation to properly address variations in ground composition or site conditions and achieve uniform detection along the protected area. Ensure that the system offers flexible, software-controlled detection zone assignment to cost-effectively address your site's unique requirements, to successfully detect intrusions while preventing the nuisance alarms that plague other technologies. Most critically, look for advanced Digital Signal Processing capabilities that enable precise location of intruders to within 3m (10ft) but prevent harmless disturbances caused by small animals or environmental factors such as wind, rain or snow.
More about buried cable here
Microwave sensors, also known as Radar, RF or Doppler sensors, detect walking, running or crawling human targets in an outdoor environment.
Microwave sensors generate an electromagnetic (RF) field between transmitter and receiver, creating an invisible volumetric detection zone. When an intruder enters the detection zone, changes to the field are registered and an alarm occurs.
Microwave sensors are often easy to install, provide high probability of detection, low nuisance alarms and resistance to rain, fog, wind, dust, falling snow and temperature extremes. Most operate at K-Band frequency, maximizing detection performance and minimizing interference from external radar sources.
More about microwave sensors here
Camera systems can be deployed that use the information they "see" to alert authorities of very specific behavior violations such as line crossing in a specific direction as well as dozens of additional behaviors.
In the video below, we discuss the use video analytics and other systems to detect an intrusion into a secure area during a partner demonstration.
Active infrared technology employs a two-column sensor for detection of intruders. The transmitter unit emits invisible active infrared beams. The receiver unit receives and analyses the beams and detects intruders passing between the two columns.
With passive infrared technology, intrusions are detected by sensing temperature (heat radiation) contrast between an intruder moving through the detection pattern and the background environment. Rugged construction, integrated heaters and self-adapting technology assure the reliable operation and constant detection capacity under changing environmental conditions or temperature extremes.
More on active infrared here
Dual technology motion sensors offer the unique combination of Doppler Microwave and passive infrared technology to provide volumetric protection for a variety of outdoor applications.
These sensors are configured for 'And Gate' operation; both technology elements must activate simultaneously for the sensor to alarm. The microwave portion must detect motion of an intruder, while the passive infrared portion must detect infrared (heat) radiation emitted by an intruder.
Dual technology sensors feature a 15 m x 12 m (50 ft x 40 ft) detection pattern, and are specified for the protection of specific assets, strategic areas or as a gap-filler in conjunction with other detection systems such as fence or buried cable perimeter intrusion detection system, microwave links, or transceivers.
More about dual-technology motion detection here