special feature: PERIMETER SECURITY / technology & solutions Beam towers secure perimeter for VIP residences Optex IP connected beam towers have been successfully deployed in a number of villas and VIP residences in the Middle east to provide virtual perimeter protection. A custom-made solution makes sure the sunshine is not affecting the performance of the IR beams. Unlike thermal detection, active infrared technology does not rely on the difference between human body and ambient temperature to detect – a huge advantage in the Gulf according to Optex, where for a couple of months of the year the outside temperature ranges from 36 to 38 degrees Celsius. “The combination of sensing technologies is well suited to warm climates and seamless integration with Video Management Software platforms made Optex towers the ideal solution”, says Gaurav Mahajan, Divisional Manager for Optex in the Middle East. Three layers To avoid the scorching sun affecting the performance of IR beams, Optex has developed three layers of protection that include a strong UV resistant housing, an additional filter in the photodiodes to ignore sunlight but receive the infrared light emitted by the transmitting beam, and for some models a ‘double modulation’ pulse pattern. Gaurav Mahajan says: “With a detection range up to 200 metres and the ability to be stacked in towers, the beams provide a cost-effective option for perimeter protection “The combination of sensing technologies is well suited to warm climates and seamless integration with Video Management Software platforms made Optex towers the ideal solution”. around large properties; they create a first layer of intrusion detection and are part of an overall security system.” Integrated with VMS To facilitate the integration with an IP CCTV system, Optex’s IR beams have the option to use an IP module (PiE-1) and generate alarm events which have successfully been integrated with Video Management Software and PSIM platforms. “Using the benefits of this connectivity, Optex’s two-metre pre-built towers have proven to be an effective intruder system at several villas and VIP residences”, says Gaurav Mahajan. Robust connectivity is crucial for perimeter solutions Typical components of a reliable and efficiently designed perimeter detection system include infrared photoelectric beams, microwave detection, thermal cameras, video analytics, lighting and physical fencing solutions. “Creating robust connectivity to all the physical security devices is a design requirement to optimise an integrated solution”, says Luis Angulo, Commercial Director, KBC Networks. While indoor security is widely used thanks to video surveillance, intrusion alarms, access control and other IoT systems; outdoor perimeter intrusion detection is also providing further protection to critical sites such as substations and power utilities, distribution centres, seaports, airports, construction sites, major events, public spaces and many others. KBC Networks and Bunker Seguridad, a manufacturer of perimeter intrusion protection systems, have partnered together to establish a warehouse in Spain to provide fast delivery of quality products for Europe and Africa. enabling communication The strategic combination and integration of components like security cameras, thermal cameras, lighting and physical fencing solutions and more, provide a customised security solution for each unique application. KBC Networks specialises in enabling communication between video, access and perimeter systems with industrialised network products that are suitable for outdoor installation and use. Luis Angulo says: “From a large selection of PoE switches and fibre media converters to wireless transmission and power products, KBC Networks provides reliable, secure data transmission to IP and SCADA devices. KBC also supports communications from unmanned sites, like power subKBC Networks specialises in enabling communication between video, access and perimeter systems with industrialised network products that are suitable for outdoor installation and use. stations, by providing encrypted WAN connectivity to off-site control centres.” Provide power to sensors Luis Angulo also stresses that Thrulink, an industrial hardware VPN, provides the ability to display real-time video, audio and data using 4G/LTE in addition to DSL and fibre. Thrulink enables management systems like PSIM, BMS or VMS to communicate with multiple remote sites providing real-time status. KBC Networks wind and solar systems on construction sites provide power to sensors and networking gear to open, close and activate power gates or entrances. The autonomous power systems available support applications without local infrastructure and are mobile to be deployed quickly throughout the site according to KBC Networks. “KBC Networks works transparently integrating devices from different physical security manufacturers independent of how large or small the application may be”, says Luis Angulo. 32 • d etektor internati onal