It’s been some time since we posted comparing sensor-based perimeter security to video-based outdoor intrusion detection systems. Has anything changed?

The security market is video-centric. We get it – CCTV is a good tool, and it keeps getting better. Every year hundreds of firms plow millions of dollars into CCTV R & D, and millions more are invested in mobile platforms such as drones and artificial intelligence and its integration with security systems. Video is visceral and better than “eyes on” assessment since systems may be capable of collecting and displaying information we cannot see (think thermal and IR imaging of the invisible). Storing information on a system featuring quick retrieval provides an even more compelling case for video.

If your system has been designed and installed right and everything’s working properly, video addresses what happened and when it happened. With improved internet connectivity you may have the means to see what’s happening now, and remotely intervene when a crime is taking place. Under ideal circumstances you may even identify a perpetrator.

Yet we’ve learned crime often doesn’t happen under ideal circumstances, whether by plan or accident. Factors such as weather and “operator error” can make a bad situation worse. Layered systems use tools such as intrusion detection, CCTV, communications, access control, and screening that together mitigate an enterprise’s vulnerabilities.

There’s no substitute for starting with a physical security risk assessment (RA) followed by a vulnerability assessment (VA). The RA outlines the threats, while a VA shows under what circumstances assets are at risk. The VA will also outline and perhaps quantify the potential impact.

DETECT DELAY RESPOND

Some situations add Deter, Deny, Assess, Communicate, and Intervene to address a particular vulnerability. We do so understanding ASIS International ESRM (Enterprise Security Risk Management) models and tools.

If you’ve determined it’s people you’re trying to find, consider the environment. Even the best lighted perimeters with low light/no light video technologies may be compromised if there’s blowing sand or snow, and/or fog. At a minimum you should be considering a layered “defense in depth” approach, with physical and electronic systems providing enhanced protection for the times when conditions are bad.

As outside reps for leading industry manufacturers, we have field experience with scores of sensors and systems.

It is with this insight that we repeat: many of our clients once felt that video was their best line of outdoor perimeter defense. Video was chosen to tell them how something happened, and who did it. It took one incident to tell them they need more than video alone can provide.

Many of our clients once felt that video was their best line of defense for outdoor perimeter security. Video was chosen to tell them how something happened, and who did it. It takes one incident to tell them they needed more.

After viewing thousands of blurry, obstructed, or otherwise disappointing camera snapshots and videos of security breaches, it’s clear that cameras don’t always work the way they’re intended.

Bright sun and darkness are still problems for video systems. A magnified but blurry picture may hold some clues for a detective, but it usually takes a lot of analysis and luck to recover stolen property. Even if your property is returned, it may not be in the same shape as when it was taken.

Does it make sense to have a system that can help intervene before your property is lost for good? Let’s have an in-depth conversation about perimeter security – soon!

If you’re an integrator that’s helped designed a project around Denning manufacturers, we should be talking.

We represent manufacturers that appreciate the commitment it takes to get larger infrastructure, transportation, institutional, and enterprise projects off of the ground. If you’ve invested time there may be a registration reward program for you.

We at Denning have provided surveillance and detection systems for buildings and structures throughout the US. Southwest Microwave is being used here to prevent bridges from closing on barges and ships as they travel on the Illinois river.

Vigitron provides secure high-performance security and communications networks.

The security market stands out, since edge devices may be in remote locations, far outside the range of standard Ethernet connections. By their nature, security and communication devices demand a secure connection in all weather and environmental extremes, so devices tend to have heaters, blowers, and illumination systems which consume more power.

Vigitron has network gear for sites where it does not make sense to have closely spaced IDFs. Imagine a parking lot or garage with Emergency Call stations. These may be spaced as much as 50 or 100 yards apart, so many stations may approach or exceed the 100-meter copper Ethernet limit. A warehouse with cameras trained on long aisles has the same challenges, as do high-rise elevators. While a Vigitron fiber solution is often a great choice for these applications, it may make economic sense to reuse existing cables.

Vigitron Product Page

SECO-LARM manufactures innovative security and surveillance equipment for commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities.

With 42 years of R & D experience and over 200 domestic and international patents, SECO-LARM stands out as an innovator. One of the greatest benefits of buying from SECO-LARM is simply the wide breadth of well-designed products.

Distributors and dealers and their clients in nearly 100 countries worldwide know they can count on SECO-LARM access control, physical security, CCTV, A/V, and wireless components and solutions. With such a broad line-up of CCTV cameras, electromagnetic locks, door strikes, card readers, keypads, intercoms, exit devices, RF wireless, and sensors, you’ll rarely need to go elsewhere to complete your projects on-time and under-budget.

Denning is eager to show you SECO-LARM products. Please call or email Steve Vivacue or Ken Wippich to schedule an appointment.

Vigitron solves Ethernet networking challenges for security and communication systems. The big four challenge are:

It’s nearly impossible or simply too expensive to get Ethernet cabling and power to where cameras, intercoms, access control readers, or SIP phones are needed.

Cable distance is too long for Cat 5/6 Ethernet, and there is no secure place for an IDF.

Our outdoor security devices (cameras, intercoms, sensors, lights) aren’t reliably powering-up or they fail when heaters or illuminators turn on.

There’s no convenient way to health monitor all of our security system components. Often the first we hear of a failure is when we most needed the system!

Vigitron has long provided physical tools to test edge devices and monitor networks. 2020 marked the beginning of NetObserver, the first in a family of software tool designed to provide real time network monitoring.

NetObserver is a next generation health monitoring Windows™ based software capable of receiving status messages from up to 240,000 ports using TCP, UCP, Syslog and SNMP communications. NetObserver recognizes network connected devices by means of Onvif, UPnP and also allows for manual entry. 

Why health monitoring? Large and small security systems with IP CCTV cameras, intercoms, and access control devices must be dependable. Unlike IP phones or other common devices powered by PoE, high power and high bandwidth PoE security devices often have different component states. Outdoor day/night cameras and LED lighting have power requirements that vary by day and by season, so a PoE switch with an inadequate power budget is prone to fail. NetObserver’s GUI with email notification traces the problem, making it easier to quickly respond.

A built-in mapping feature accounting for both IP-enabled network and edge devices ensures manageability, while custom messaging pinpoints trouble.

The Application Programming Interface used to manage the database is Microsoft’s SQL Server Compact 4.0, which is automatically included in the NetObserver installer.

In 2020 Vigitron introduced PoE Ethernet over untwisted conductors, and in 2021 – 2022 is introducing more switches and components aimed at the industrial market, hardened smart switches with ring topology ensuring high reliability, and more tools to ensure top performance from your security components and network.

Do you have a project? Whether you’re an end user, integrator, contractor, or security dealer, we’re here to tackle your network issues.

With over 50 years of experience and 70,000 installations worldwide, Southwest Microwave is the global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance outdoor electronic perimeter security systems meeting the demands of security-sensitive applications and harsh exterior environments.

Southwest Microwave’s field-proven perimeter protection systems and security management tools provide accurate, immediate detection of perimeter disturbances across wide ranging sectors – government, military, utilities, corrections, industrial, transportation and VIP residential – areas that by their intrinsic nature dictate high performance and unyielding reliability.

Product excellence is only one component of the Southwest Microwave customer commitment. A pledge to provide world-class customer care is backed by extensive technical service capabilities, including system planning and design assistance, commissioning services, comprehensive training programs and responsive tech support. By delivering proven technologies and broad-reaching value added services, Southwest Microwave offers a solid foundation for long term perimeter security solutions.

DSI turnstiles are synonymous with throughput, style, security, and reliability.

Clients come to us either when they’ve had a security breach, or when long security checkpoint lines are hurting productivity. Which of these apply to you?

Do you have a tailgating problem? Are you working with a tight space? Most barrier optical turnstile projects have a custom element, so this is routine for us. It may make sense to have a conversation. No obligation or cost.

For more information or a site visit, please contact Denning or visit DSI’s web site.

DSI website