The need for more a more multi-layered perimeter security approach is leading organizations to invest more in fence sensors, intelligent security lighting and more.
Perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDS) have gotten more advanced, adopting newer technological trends and integrating with other security systems. As technology for things like fence sensors and intelligent security lighting improve, they can become important additional tools in an overall perimeter security solution.
Fence sensors
Fence sensors of all types (e.g., fiberoptic, non-fiber, etc.) have become more available, cost effective and can incorporate increasingly sophisticated detection algorithms that continue to improve probability of detection and nuisance alarm rate performance. These sensors are able to report an intrusion when it is happening, as well as report the location of where it is happening to an accuracy of 3 or 4 meters, according to Stewart Dewar, Product Manager at Senstar.
“These sensors do not need additional hardware installed on the perimeter for zone demarcation, making them much easier to install and maintain and a more effective solution than older-generation non-locating systems,” he said.
Intelligent security lighting deters intruders
Perimeter security is often in the dark, literally. Unlike standard perimeter lighting options, intelligent security lighting can balance the problem of light pollution with the realities of monitoring a perimeter. It is dimmable and allows for the illumination of only the fence line. Since lighting functions to deter, detect and detain would-be intruders, deploying uniform, LED-based intelligent lighting along the perimeter not only acts as a deterrent, but also improves camera assessment capabilities — better lighting allows for better video quality, which results in better analysis.
“Adding intelligence to the perimeter enables a wide range of active deterrents, including luminaire strobing at the detection location, dynamically adjustable intensity levels and integration with video analytics and on-site security devices,” Dewar explained.
Integration with management systems
Dewar noted an increasing desire for software integration between the
perimeter security systems and the alarm-reporting “head-end”, whether that be classified as a video management system (
VMS), safety management system (SMS) or physical security information system (PSIM).
“Customers want a system that provides complete situational awareness of security considerations, and they want the integration to be deep — providing not only basic alarm information but supplemental information such as exact alarm location and equipment operational status,” he said.
Integrating PIDS with VMS and things like video analytics, gives security operators immediate access to more data for a faster, more effective response. This integration can allow operators to track people, objects and vehicles in and around the perimeter; help reduce nuisance alarm rates; and improve post-incident analysis.
Perimeters will get smarter
As of now, there doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of talk about artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) in perimeter security, but that could change. Video analytics is being deployed more often as part of a more secure perimeter protection solution. There are also already some companies that are using both AI and ML to offer intelligent perimeter intrusion detection systems, which will provide even more actionable insights to fight off intruders.