Since there is common confusion about the different perimeter detection technologies, where they are used and the cost associated with each of them RBtec team thought it would be a great tool to clarify the differences and advantages and cases you should choose one or the other.
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But let&#;s start first with the definition of what is a perimeter security system. By Wikipedia &#;A security alarm is a system designed to detect intrusion &#; unauthorized entry &#; into a building or other areas such as a home or school. Security alarms are used in residential, commercial, industrial, and military properties for protection against burglary (theft) or property damage, as well as personal protection against intruders.&#;
That means that our main goal when choosing a perimeter fence detection system is to remember the goal is to detect the intruder no matter what technology you chose! Now the next step is to understand what technology meets your needs, budget, and infrastructure.
Strain/vibration sensor cable mounted on a chain-link/welded mesh/barbed-wire fence.
Knowing if this is the right product for you is based on 3 categories:
Perimeter fence detection system vary in design but each is generally based on the detection of an intruder attempting to cut or climb over a fence. Depending on the version selected, it can be sensitive to different frequencies or levels of noise or vibration. The system is based on a coaxial sensor cable with the controller having the ability to differentiate between signals from the cable or fence being cut, an intruder climbing the fence, someone lifting the fence, or bad weather conditions.
The systems are designed to detect and analyze incoming electronic signals received from the sensor cable, and then to generate alarms from signals which exceed preset conditions. The systems have adjustable electronics to permit installers to change the sensitivity of the alarm detectors to suit specific environmental conditions. The tuning of the system is usually accomplished during the commissioning of the detection devices.
These are also called motion detectors, trip sensors, line-of-sight, or &#;laser&#; sensors. Though similar to the PIR motion sensors you may use inside your home or office, they&#;re designed for outdoors. Usually, there are two sensors aligned with one another to form a &#;gate&#; where If someone breaks the beam, the sensors trigger an alarm. Available in wire or wireless versions, sensors are typically installed inside the perimeter and require a clear path around the fence line to create a &#;no-go zone.&#; This means nothing can be parked or stored along the fence line.
Though this technology may sound like a great way to protect your facility it has drawbacks, the main issue is false alarms.
False alarms can be triggered when something disrupts the sensor &#;line of sight&#;. Since this sensor works similar to the human eye if the sensors can&#;t &#;see&#; they won&#;t be able to detect and trigger a false alarm. The false alarms can be caused when a physical object (vegetation, vehicles, dirt, animals, etc.) blocks the view or direct sunlight blinds the sensors. Even extreme temperature can affect detection distance and capability, as these are based on an infrared heat signature. Sensors also tend to require frequent maintenance. They&#;re usually cheaper in the short term but expensive in the long term since you need to add more and more layers to compensate for the false alarms.
HERE ARE FIVE REASONS WHY SECURITY CAMERAS ARE NOT ENOUGH:
1. Cameras are a forensic tool, in most cases, you will see the video AFTER the event already ended. It does not help you stop or prevent the break-in event.
2. Usually, cameras won&#;t cover 100% of the perimeter, in comparison to a fence alarm system you will always have blind spots where people can come in undetected.
3. Video analytics ability to detect is heavily relying on its ability to &#;see&#;, it&#;s a common mistake to think it will be able to monitor the perimeter 365/24/7. If weather conditions or objects (Vehicles, solar panels, containers) will block its line of sight the camera won&#;t able to detect an intrusion.
4. If you currently have no outdoor security the trespasser has an opportunity to plan their attack by surveying the area from the outside without being detected.
5. Indoor security does not protect the outside of your building, nor any items, property, or machinery left outside of the alarmed zone.
Physical perimeter security is a multifaceted approach encompassing various systems and technologies meticulously designed to safeguard individuals, assets, and properties within a defined area from unauthorized access and potential threats.
Managing entry to physical and digital environments through authentication, credentials, and additional security protocols is only a portion of access control. Particularly in large organizations with extensive security scopes, the capacity to identify potential risks and issue alerts plays an important role in averting or minimizing security breaches.
Physical Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) are security mechanisms implemented by organizations to detect and respond to physical threats entering restricted areas. These systems include video surveillance, motion detectors, doorstops, and glass break sensors. Typically, they are integrated with physical security intrusion prevention solutions like door entry systems equipped with lockdown capabilities.
PIDS can be deployed as standalone systems or as part of a broader security infrastructure, often called a Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS). In this setup, PIDS are integrated with other security measures like video surveillance and access control, forming a layered defense strategy against intrusions.
Many security setups employ a layered approach, spanning from the outer perimeter to inner zones, creating &#;Concentric Circles of Protection.&#; Each layer is fortified with specific security measures, working together to form a comprehensive defense strategy.
Organizations create a multi-layered defense strategy that enhances overall security resilience by deploying security measures across these concentric circles.
Additionally, cameras are strategically deployed across all concentric circles to provide continuous surveillance and context. They offer visual monitoring of each layer, aiding in threat detection, incident response, and post-event analysis.
This approach ensures early detection, effective containment, and rapid response to security incidents, bolstering the protection of assets and personnel within the secured environment.
This is the first line of defense and typically encompasses the perimeter of the secured area. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) are commonly positioned here. They continuously monitor the perimeter for any signs of unauthorized access or breaches, providing early detection and alerts.
Access control systems are typically situated in this layer. They regulate and manage entry into various spaces within the secured area. Controlling access permissions prevents unauthorized individuals from reaching sensitive or restricted areas.
Environmental sensors play a crucial role in this inner layer. These sensors detect changes in environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, or air quality, which could indicate potential security threats like fire or hazardous leaks. Their prompt detection helps in initiating timely responses to mitigate risks.
Due to their role in layered security approaches and their effectiveness in safeguarding digital and physical environments, Intrusion Detection Systems valued are primarily deployed in high-security sectors such as:
However, IDS usage has expanded significantly into commercial arenas. Operations teams in various industries &#; from water districts to warehouses &#; find them essential for securing their premises. Additionally, office buildings, industrial sites, and manufacturing plants increasingly rely on IDS for enhanced security measures.
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Goals of Advanced Perimeter Protection Systems
Deterrence is the cornerstone of perimeter security, aiming to dissuade potential intruders from contemplating unauthorized access. This proactive stance is achieved by strategically integrating cutting-edge video surveillance technology, complemented by robust perimeter alarms and sophisticated access control mechanisms. By seamlessly combining these elements, organizations attain real-time visibility into any anomalous or suspicious activities within the perimeter. This enhanced situational awareness is a powerful deterrent, compelling potential intruders to reconsider their illicit intentions. Additionally, deploying virtual guards or professional monitoring services ensures prompt remote verification of detected anomalies, further bolstering the deterrent effect.
Detection represents the proactive identification and swift interception of unauthorized intrusions within the perimeter. Leveraging state-of-the-art video surveillance technology, particularly high-resolution security cameras equipped with advanced analytics capabilities facilitates the accurate and timely identification of breaches. These sophisticated surveillance systems enable security personnel to promptly respond to potential threats by providing real-time alerts and visual confirmation of suspicious activities. Additionally, the ability to digitally or optically zoom in on specific areas of interest enhances the precision and effectiveness of intrusion detection efforts, thereby minimizing response times and mitigating potential risks.
The concept of denial revolves around fortifying the perimeter to effectively repel unauthorized access attempts while facilitating seamless entry for authorized personnel. This is typically achieved by deploying access control technologies at key entry points, such as biometric authentication systems or monitored security gates. By implementing these stringent access control measures, organizations can meticulously regulate ingress and egress, ensuring that only individuals with the requisite authorization are granted entry. Surveillance plays a pivotal role in this regard, providing visual verification of individuals seeking access and facilitating the seamless integration of video data with access control systems.
The delay segment of the perimeter is strategically designed to impede and disrupt active intrusion attempts, thereby buying precious time for an effective response. Within this segment, video security cameras serve as invaluable assets, providing continuous monitoring and situational awareness. By promptly detecting and documenting intrusion attempts, these surveillance systems enable security personnel to initiate appropriate response measures while simultaneously alerting law enforcement agencies. This delay in the intruder&#;s progress is a critical deterrent, increasing the likelihood of apprehension and minimizing the potential for loss or damage.
The defense perimeter constitutes the final line of defense against unauthorized intrusions, typically involving the active intervention of physical security personnel or professional monitoring services. Upon receiving intrusion alerts, security teams leverage surveillance data to assess the severity of the threat and formulate an effective response strategy. This may involve deploying on-site security personnel to investigate and neutralize the threat or coordinating with law enforcement agencies for immediate intervention. Surveillance data is important in this phase, providing real-time insights into the unfolding situation and facilitating informed decision-making to safeguard lives and assets effectively.
Given the sharp rise in breaches and planned intrusions in recent years, the IDS market is forecasted to grow by over 7% by .
When assessing current IDS technologies for your environments, here are key considerations:
Can the system remain operational and functional throughout the year, even during network or power outages and adverse weather conditions? Complex systems with advanced hardware like sensors, infrared, and fiber-optic wiring may face malfunctions or failures, posing security risks even with high uptime.
The precision of positional information, facial recognition, and other detection capabilities is vital for effectively securing physical perimeters. False alarms or positives not only compromise security but also waste resources.
Stay updated with the latest features, such as tracking, object classification, advanced footage retrieval, and environmental monitoring for optimal detection. Choose an IDS with future-proof software solutions that offer regular updates to tackle emerging threats.
Maintenance in intricate systems with diverse software and hardware components can be expensive. Opt for a low-maintenance system with proactive alerts to ensure proper functionality, accurate reporting, and minimal downtime, thus anticipating and preventing failures.
IDS now provides advanced sensor technology to swiftly and accurately locate intrusions. Features like Motion Plotting enable real-time pinpointing of motion across the coverage map.
IDS often comprise a layered security approach involving various technologies like readers, surveillance cameras, and environmental sensors. Choosing a solution that integrates with complementary technologies enhances overall security, making it more comprehensive, proactive, and scalable.
Although perimeter security is an incredibly important component of overall security planning, the majority of intrusion alarms that are reported to the police are actually false alarms. Given unprecedented labor shortages, it&#;s understandable that many police departments are exercising caution with their limited resources and now requiring alarm verification before responding to calls.
Recently, The Monitoring Association introduced TMA AVS-01, a standard for alarm verification scoring to provide consistent criteria to help emergency services prioritize incidents. Although the AVS-01 adoption is voluntary, most major central stations across the U.S. have already deployed it and it&#;s rapidly moving towards universal acceptance.
AVS-01 is a framework for alarm monitoring companies to assess and &#;score&#; alarm events. This scoring system enables dispatchers and police officers to allocate resources and prioritize responses effectively.
When a monitoring center receives a signal indicating that an alarm system has been triggered, a monitoring agent evaluates the available information and assigns the alarm a corresponding level. Initially, all alarms begin at Level 1, and the monitoring agent can adjust the level based on additional information as needed, either escalating or de-escalating the response accordingly.
AVS-01 acknowledges that while various types of evidence contribute to alarm verification, real-time video is the most effective for swiftly and accurately assessing alarms and escalating them if necessary. Other verification methods, such as audio-based or motion detection without additional context, typically lack the depth needed to escalate beyond a Level 2 alarm.
MCA&#;s perimeter security solutions integrate professional monitoring with video verification capabilities. Customers can utilize security cameras as alarm triggers through person detection analytics or combine traditional intrusion sensors with nearby cameras for visual context. This approach enables monitoring agents to grasp the context of all alarm events, regardless of the triggering device.
The different alarm levels under the AVS-01 framework are:
No emergency dispatch is requested, typically because the alarm was canceled or the agent confirms there is no threat.
The agent receives a signal but lacks additional information to determine if there is human presence or if the alarm is legitimate. Dispatch may be requested, but it will be assigned the lowest priority, and there might be no police response. This level is typically assigned to events like a motion sensor activation without further context.
There is evidence or a high probability, often from video, audio, or other data sources, indicating the presence of an intruder on the property, although their intent is unknown. Emergency dispatch is requested, and the event is communicated as a Level 2 alarm in progress.
With video, audio, or eyewitness evidence, the agent confirms a legitimate threat to property. Emergency dispatch is requested, and the event is communicated as a Level 3 alarm in progress.
Video, audio, or eyewitness evidence confirms an imminent threat to a person&#;s life. Emergency dispatch is requested with the highest prioritization, and the event is communicated as a Level 4 alarm in progress. Police will be dispatched urgently in this case.
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