Critical Perimeter Security for the UK’s Infrastructure

Perimeter security for critical infrastructure can be a minefield considering the often harsh external environments, the logistical challenge of installing new solutions, the array of technologies and different manufacturers to choose from. Then add in the challenge of civil works such as fencing, lighting and construction and you have a highly complex project on your hands.

Perimeter technology

A perimeter security system isn’t just about surveillance cameras but also video monitoring, video collection, storage and analytics, access and motion detection, access control systems and electronic gates and barriers as well as fencing. Then there is the challenge of transmitting data from these systems over large distances usually to a central control room, where it can be managed using a physical security information management system. A thorough risk assessment is essential to ascertain where and how these solutions should cost effectively be deployed.

Solutions

More security systems are now being deployed on Ethernet IP networks so it’s important to look for an integrator with core IT skills and the necessary network accreditations. Ethernet’s virtually unlimited bandwidth, ruggedness, scalability, and cost effective systems components make it a natural for the new generation of perimeter security and other outdoor applications. The IP network means only one network for your entire security infrastructure enabling integration of products from different vendors, easy access to information, flexibility to add new products as required as well as possible integration with other IT applications. PoE products should also be considered since it will save time and money installing any electrical cabling across large areas. As with all IT networks the necessary firewalls, authentications and encryptions should be applied

Performance and reliability

An essential ingredient of any critical perimeter system is reliability ensuring uninterrupted network and device communication. It is crucial that networks and hardware are resilient to their environments and redundancy is built into the system while software is designed for continuous uptime. Different traffic types can be prioritised across the network providing the preferred data transfer performance.

Experience

Reliance High-Tech has proven experience designing, installing and maintaining perimeter solutions in harsh and extremely high security environments.

Reliance High-Tech is currently installing a perimeter solution at the UK’s largest water company. Reliance has designed various layers of protection including an outer fence incorporating video and power fence systems to provide an effective visual deterrent coupled with a high probability of detection and delay features, a second sterile zone layer uses microwave technology and a third has further video systems and infrared detection.

Reliance High-Tech also recently completed 2.5km perimeter solution for one the world’s leading defence organisations. The solution comprised a dedicated IP network for the electronic security system including, anti-tunnelling fencing with full CCTV coverage, lighting, vehicle gates and barriers, intercom and civil works. The systems is integrated and managed through an event and alarm management system at a central control centre.

None of the UK’s infrastructure is more sensitive than our top jails however. Reliance High-Tech has completed perimeter security upgrades on 5 of the highest security prisons utilising a range of innovative technologies to vastly reduce the risk of inmates escaping.

• We continually work with world-leading vendors to find the most appropriate technologies to meet our customers’ requirements and are accredited to the highest standards. Our installation and project management teams are multi-disciplined to manage all civil and construction work and our technical services team are fully accredited network engineers. Whatever the requirement, Reliance High-Tech provides proven solutions utilising products and systems to provide a robust, flexible and reliable solution.

www.reliancesecurity.co.uk/rss/electronic-security/

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