Finding the right perimeter security system & solutions

Types of perimeter protection devices

To create strong perimeter protection systems, security teams need multi-layered solutions that deter intruders and provide the highest levels of situational awareness.

Perimeter security cameras

Strategically positioned video security cameras, such as IP cameras, enable security teams to observe vulnerable areas, analyze and record video footage and detect suspicious activity. The cameras should be positioned to provide the widest possible coverage of vulnerable areas with the fewest cameras. Businesses can also invest in panoramic security cameras that provide 360-degree coverage of their perimeter. 

A CCTV security system should also capture clear images in all lighting conditions. Clear images are essential, not just to detect activity but to capture evidence in the event of an incident. Perimeter security cameras are available in a wide range of resolutions, including the latest 7K, 30-megapixel models capable of capturing the highest levels of detail.

To overcome the challenges of poor visibility and low-light conditions, thermal cameras can provide clear images, even in complete darkness. Additionally, perimeter intrusion detection systems can be aided by analytics-enabled cameras that are configured to automatically detect concerning activity and malicious behavior.

Perimeter access control 

An access control system enables security teams to verify the identity of employees and visitors wishing to enter the site via perimeter doors or gates. Visitors might include contractors, service or maintenance staff, delivery drivers or people visiting on official business.

Employees gain access by presenting different credentials at an access control reader fitted to a perimeter door, gate or other type of barrier. The reader transmits credential details to a controller that validates them against a database of authorized users before issuing a door release signal to allow access or restrict entry.

Visitors can present credentials, such as temporary passes, or request access via an intercom system fitted to the door reader. Microphones and speakers allow visitors to talk to security officers or contacts on the site. Video-enabled systems provide further protection by allowing the contact to see the visitor.

Besides controlling who can enter a site through perimeter control, security personnel can view details of every access event for audit or investigation in the event of an incident with a perimeter access control system.

Modern access control systems are hosted in the cloud, which enables security teams to handle access requests and open entrances remotely from any internet-connected device, even if they are not on site.

Security perimeter sensors

Sensors located in key positions on or near entrances and fences detect movement and disturbances, warning security teams of potential intrusions and suspicious activities. 

Buried sensors can be installed on walls or fences, buried below ground (ground sensors) or fitted above ground in selected locations. Both indoor and outdoor perimeter security options are necessary. There are six main types of security perimeter sensors:

• Fiber optic detection system – This system detects changes or breaches in security walls or fences.

• Motion sensors – These sensors detect movement and send notifications when movement ​‘breaks’ infrared rays. They can be located in various places between perimeter barriers and buildings.

• Vibration sensors – These sensors (spot vibration sensors) are installed on perimeter windows, doors, gates and other entrances. They trigger alarms when vibration is detected.

• Microphone sensors – Fitting these sensors to perimeter walls or fences can alert security teams if the microphone detects sounds, such as an intruder climbing or damaging a fence.

• Radar systems – Radar systems can be installed in large open spaces that are difficult to monitor. They can detect the presence of intruders or vehicles at distances of up to 1500 meters.

• Seismic sensors – Similar to vibration sensors, these sensors are installed within specific vulnerable areas and detect vibrations caused by an attempted breach.

Perimeter sensors are a key component of perimeter intrusion detection systems, special networks of sensors, cameras and alarms configured to warn teams of attempted break-ins.

While standalone sensors can identify unusual activity, combining them with other security technologies provides a more complete and accurate view of potential threats.

This allows security teams to observe unauthorized movement across multiple points along the perimeter and respond more effectively to suspicious activity.

Perimeter alarm systems

Perimeter alarm systems use sensors installed around the property to trigger on-site alarms and send remote security notifications, warning security teams of unauthorized movements. 

These alarms can be integrated into wider perimeter detection systems to enhance the overall protection of high-risk sites. Data from cameras, sensors and access control readers can be used to trigger alarms in response to unusual activity, with different sounds and text notifications warning of specific threats like unknown vehicles and forced access attempts.

Physical barriers

Walls, fences, gates, doors and barriers, such as bollards, form a physical perimeter protection system that can deter intruders and ensure that only authorized personnel or approved visitors can enter via a perimeter access control system.

• Electric fences add further protection by sending notifications if an intruder attempts to scale or cut the fence. As they can also cause shocks, electrified fences may not be permitted in certain regions.

• Microwave barriers are perimeter security devices that create an ​‘invisible barrier’ using microwave emissions to detect movement.

Infrastructure for perimeter security systems

Perimeter security devices require a power supply and infrastructure to transmit, record and store data for review, response, audit and evidence.

Data transmission

Security cameras, sensors, alarms and access control data can be transmitted via dedicated cabling or a wide area network (WAN). If a network is used, it must have the speed and bandwidth to support fast and accurate two-way communication. Consider the following factors.

• Speed is essential for security teams to receive notifications quickly and respond rapidly to incidents.

• Network bandwidth must be sufficient to support the transmission of video images from perimeter security cameras or perimeter access control systems, which generate large file sizes.

• Image quality is vital. It makes analysis easier and provides usable evidence if an intruder’s case goes to court.

• Two-way communication supports the signaling required for intercom, perimeter access control and remote door or gate access control systems.

Power supply

Power for perimeter security devices can be supplied via dedicated cabling or connected from a network using Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology.

Data storage

Data from the various devices can be stored on-site in servers or the cloud. On-site storage has a finite capacity and has to be managed and maintained by an internal IT team.

Cloud storage capacity can be increased on demand and maintained, managed and updated by the hosting company. Cloud storage also provides greater flexibility for the security team. They can observe activity remotely from any location on any device with Internet connectivity.

Leveraging analytics for perimeter protection systems

Security professionals use various perimeter security tools to analyze data from perimeter cameras, security sensors and access control systems. When these devices are internet-enabled, teams can review data on dedicated monitors or mobile devices in real time.

To speed up and improve threat detection, security teams can use video analytics technology to identify and respond to suspicious activity. Incorporating artificial intelligence can enhance analysis and detection even further and provide a foundation for automated responses. Video analytics software and AI technology are becoming increasingly prominent in robust perimeter intrusion detection systems due to their ability to detect specific activities and stimuli indicative of an intrusion event.

Integrated perimeter security solutions

Each perimeter security device provides an important form of protection. However, when the devices are integrated, they provide a much higher level of situational awareness and give security teams a greater opportunity for reliable threat detection.

For example:

• Integrating perimeter access control systems with security cameras can increase awareness of both pedestrians and vehicles, regardless of whether they have valid credentials.
• Integrating outdoor PTZ cameras with sensors and alarms enables security teams to detect suspicious activity in areas not covered by cameras.
• Integrating intrusion detection systems with smart locks and cameras enables teams to automatically lock down sites and flag relevant footage in response to attempted break-ins.
• Integrating perimeter lights with intrusion detection systems, cameras and sensors enables teams to automatically illuminate areas in response to unauthorized movement, both to startle intruders and capture images in optimal lighting.

Together, these devices provide security professionals a complete, 360-degree view of perimeter activity on a single dashboard, supporting easier detection and faster responses.

How to build an effective perimeter protection strategy

An integrated perimeter security strategy integrates physical barriers with security technologies and the skills of security professionals. An effective strategy incorporates a number of key processes:

Deter – Together with perimeter access control systems, physical security measures like barriers, such as walls, fences and guard posts, help prevent unauthorized access and reduce the risk of subsequent threats. 

Detect– Perimeter security cameras, sensors and alarm systems, whether siloed or part of wider perimeter intrusion detection systems, warn security teams of potential intrusions and unusual activities so they can remain alert to threats at all times.

Assess – Video analytics and artificial intelligence enable security professionals to quickly and accurately identify potentially critical events.

Respond– The security team can respond by investigating an incident in person, contacting law enforcement agencies or initiating processes such as site lockdown or other emergency measures. 

Communicate– While responding to an incident, security teams should also communicate with employees or other people on site who might be at risk if the incident escalates. 

Record – The data relating to an incident should be recorded and stored for detailed analysis, management reporting and evidence. 

Analyze – Following an incident, security teams should analyze related data to identify any trends or weaknesses in the security system as a basis for strengthening perimeter protection systems and taking proactive measures to prevent a recurrence.

The benefits of a complete perimeter security solution

A comprehensive perimeter security solution provides a number of important benefits.

Reduction in intrusions – Unauthorized access events put people and property at risk and cause significant disruption. Perimeter security solutions show intruders that their actions will be identified and addressed, helping to deter criminal activity and help ensure only authorized persons can enter high-risk sites. 

Increased situational awareness – The larger a facility is, the harder it becomes to safely observe all access points, high-risk assets and potential attack surfaces. Integrating data from cameras, intrusion detection systems and alarms provides security teams a comprehensive picture of all activities and emerging threats across the entire facility, especially when presented in a unified dashboard. 

Faster response to incidents – The quicker incidents are brought to the attention of first responders, the more time they’ll have to prepare safe and appropriate responses. Accurate images, sensor data and notifications delivered quickly from perimeter security devices via high-speed network connections enable security teams to assess and respond rapidly. 

Greater resource efficiency – Security professionals have limited capacity to manage both day-to-day operations and unexpected threats. By enhancing perimeter security solutions, leaders can reduce the occurrence of unauthorized activity outside high-risk facilities, thereby lessening the workload carried by security staff and enabling them to divert more attention and resources to complex internal issues.

How perimeter security helps other industries

Perimeter security systems help professionals across wide-ranging industries to prevent and address unauthorized access events. By providing security staff comprehensive, continuous visibility over building perimeters, leaders can help teams to reliably action significant threats.

Commercial buildings

Commercial perimeter security systems help business owners across retail parks, corporate campuses and industrial estates to address security issues 24/7. 

Smart cameras and sensor systems can help identify suspicious individuals loitering around properties during the day to help combat organized retail crime, as well as deter vandals and trespassers after hours.

Critical infrastructure

Perimeter security for critical infrastructure is of utmost importance to help address targeted attacks against valuable equipment. 

Perimeter security systems help ensure that unmanned sites such as substations and solar farms, as well as manned facilities like power plants and transit hubs, are closely observed by security professionals.

Residential properties

Residential perimeter security systems help safeguard residents in apartment complexes, gated communities and housing developments from threats like property crime, trespassing and antisocial behavior. 

Property managers and community leaders can receive real-time alerts warning of suspicious activities and engage automated responses to common threats.

Logistics and warehousing

Perimeter protection systems are commonplace across logistics and warehousing facilities as security measures to help deter criminals from stealing valuable materials and damaging private property. 

Logistics facilities are particularly vulnerable to vandalism and cargo theft, threats that can be reliably identified and actioned with aid of perimeter security solutions

Schools and hospitals

School and hospital security directors rely on perimeter security systems to help ensure vulnerable persons are safeguarded against physical threats. 

Camera, sensor and alarm systems enable security staff to identify threats like trespassing, aggressive behaviors, and persons carrying contraband items before they come into contact with students and patients.

Planning a perimeter security system for your business

Perimeter security is essential to protect industrial plants, utilities, data centers, business parks, commercial campuses, retail parks, warehouses and logistics centers and sites housing critical infrastructure. 

However, there is no ​‘one-size-fits-all’ solution. Sites face distinct threats depending on the nature of their business, location, the size and layout of the perimeter and the volume of people and vehicles accessing the site. A storage facility security system and a large business complex system will have widely different considerations for perimeter security. 

The plan should begin with a physical security risk assessment to identify the types of threats and the areas and elements of the site that represent the greatest vulnerabilities.

A detailed survey of the site, its boundaries, access points and physical features will provide a basis for planning physical barriers such as fences and placement of perimeter security devices and supporting infrastructure. 

Equipment selection should be based on performance, reliability and protection against local environmental conditions. Perimeter security cameras should provide the widest coverage with a minimal number of cameras, and perimeter access control systems should combine convenience for employees and visitors with the highest levels of security.

Planning a comprehensive perimeter protection system can be complex. A professional security system specialist can provide expert advice on threat levels and equipment and carry out surveys and detailed planning.