As physical security requirements grow more complex, integrators and consultants are increasingly turning to multi-sensor systems to enhance perimeter protection.
A combination of video, thermal imaging, radar, and fiber-optic vibration sensing is providing new levels of accuracy, scalability, and reliability while addressing the longstanding challenge of false alarms.
According to Wenson Zhou, Product Marketing Director at Hikvision, the future of intrusion detection lies in sensor fusion.
“We take a multi-sensor fusion approach to perimeter protection. By integrating non-visible sensing technologies such as thermal imaging, radar, and fiber-optic vibration sensing, we create smarter systems that significantly enhance detection accuracy while minimizing false alarms,” he said.
Role of thermal imaging
Thermal imaging is emerging as a valuable component in perimeter security, particularly in environments where visibility is compromised.
Zhou explained, “Thermal imaging detects heat signatures, making it highly effective in environments with low or no visibility, such as at night, or during fog, smoke, or heavy rain. When combined with large-scale AI models, our thermal cameras can accurately identify human and vehicle targets.”
For integrators, thermal cameras extend system capabilities into scenarios where conventional video might fall short. Their ability to detect intrusions in adverse conditions ensures reliable coverage in critical infrastructure, border control, and remote sites where visibility is often unpredictable.
Expanding detection with radar
Radar technology has also become an integral part of modern perimeter systems. Its ability to track multiple objects simultaneously offers a clear advantage in wide, open areas.
“Radar technology plays a critical role in detecting movement across wide, open areas. It can simultaneously track multiple objects and provide real-time information on their location and speed,” Zhou said.
The value of radar increases when it is paired with video. “When paired with PTZ cameras, the system can automatically zoom in to visually verify the target and follow it in real time,” he added. This integration gives security operators both the situational awareness of radar and the evidentiary clarity of video.
Precision from fiber-optic sensing
Fiber-optic vibration sensing, based on Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), is increasingly deployed for linear intrusion detection along perimeters such as fences, pipelines, and railways.
“Fiber-optic vibration sensors, based on Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology, detect physical disturbances along the fiber cable with high precision, typically within ±5 meters. These systems can cover long distances, often tens of kilometers, and are ideal for remote or critical infrastructure sites where power and network connectivity are limited,” Zhou explained.
This makes fiber-optic sensing particularly relevant for large-scale installations, where running power and network connections across vast areas is impractical. Its resistance to environmental and electromagnetic interference ensures stable performance in harsh conditions.
Unified video platforms
A key enabler of multi-sensor effectiveness is integration into unified video platforms.
Zhou noted, “All of these sensor technologies are integrated into our video platforms. For example, when an intrusion is detected by a thermal or fiber-optic system, it can trigger alerts to a central alarm host, which retrieves and displays the relevant video for immediate verification. This layered design ensures comprehensive and reliable intrusion detection across a wide range of environments.”
For integrators, this means the various detection methods do not operate in isolation but instead work together to provide operators with actionable intelligence and faster response times.
Balancing cost, range, and reliability
Each sensing technology comes with trade-offs, and choosing the right mix is often site-dependent. Zhou pointed out that integrators must balance cost-effectiveness with coverage and reliability when designing perimeter solutions.
“Video security systems are generally cost-effective and easy to install, and are best suited for short- to mid-range applications. With the integration of large-scale AI, video security cameras can now filter out false alarms more accurately, such as those caused by moving shadows or small animals. This greatly improves reliability by allowing operators to focus on real threats,” he said.
Video surveillance has also evolved with new features such as 24/7 color imaging, active deterrence using lights and sound, and advanced video search tools, all of which contribute to operational efficiency.
Thermal systems, by contrast, offer strong performance across diverse conditions. “Thermal imaging systems offer greater environmental adaptability and work reliably across short to long ranges. While they offer a wide field of view at close range, long-range thermal detection typically comes with a narrower viewing angle,” Zhou explained.
Radar fills a different gap. “Radar provides excellent detection performance over medium to long distances and offers wide angle coverage. It performs well in all weather conditions and is ideal for large open spaces, although it doesn't provide visual evidence unless paired with a camera,” he said.
For linear detection, fiber-optic solutions remain unmatched in scalability.
“Fiber-optic vibration sensing is ideal for long-distance, linear detection, covering up to 100 kilometers per unit. It does not require power or a network at the detection site and is highly resistant to environmental and electromagnetic interference. It specializes in line-crossing detection and, when linked to video systems, can also provide visual verification,” Zhou said.
Matching technology to environment
The choice of sensors ultimately depends on the unique requirements of each site. A single-technology approach is rarely sufficient, especially for large or high-risk environments.
Zhou explained, “Ultimately, the best solution depends on the specific requirements of the site. For example, using only video cameras over a large perimeter would require significant infrastructure and maintenance, making technologies like radar or fiber-optic sensing more scalable and cost-effective in those cases.”
For consultants and integrators, this underscores the importance of careful site assessment. Understanding the environment, potential risks, and operational needs allows for designing hybrid solutions that optimize both performance and cost.
Implications for integrators
The growing sophistication of perimeter protection technologies presents both challenges and opportunities for the security channel. Integrators must stay informed about the capabilities and limitations of different sensors, as clients increasingly expect systems that combine detection accuracy with ease of management.
The demand is not only for technology that can detect intrusions but also for systems that can reduce nuisance alarms, integrate seamlessly into broader security platforms, and provide clear evidence for incident response.
Multi-sensor solutions also highlight the value of interoperability. By integrating radar, thermal, and fiber-optic systems with video platforms, security providers can deliver unified solutions that enhance situational awareness while reducing the workload on operators. This interoperability is becoming a key differentiator for integrators, as end users are often looking for single platforms that manage video, alarms, and analytics without requiring multiple logins or separate monitoring teams.
For security professionals, the key takeaway is that perimeter protection is no longer defined by a single technology. Instead, the future lies in combining complementary sensors that provide redundancy, adaptability, and accuracy across diverse environments. Consultants and integrators who can design layered solutions tailored to different site conditions, whether an airport perimeter, a power substation, or a logistics hub, will be positioned to deliver greater value.
Another factor is the growing use of AI and analytics to tie sensor data together. For integrators, this means ensuring that systems are not only deployed correctly but also tuned over time to match the evolving needs of the site. Training operators to interpret multi-sensor alerts effectively and maintaining ongoing service contracts can open new revenue streams. As technology becomes more advanced, the integrator’s role increasingly shifts from hardware installer to strategic partner, guiding end users through both deployment and long-term system optimization.