Perimeter security, which refers to systems and technologies that mitigate risk by deterring, delaying and detecting unauthorized intrusion breaches is a crucial part of any security solution built to protect people and property. Modern perimeter intruder detection (PID) solutions have come a long way from their initial days, leveraging the power of video surveillance with AI and video analytics.asmag.com conducted a reader survey earlier this year to better understand the perimeter security market landscape and determine what users prioritize in terms of features. A total of 133 respondents (security industry channel players) completed the perimeter detection portion of the poll.The survey posed three open-ended questions:

Survey methodology and demographics>>

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,

,

,

asmag.com reader survey:
Top 5 perimeter intrusion brands

Hikvision Digital Technology 21% Axis Communications 18% Dahua Technology 16% Bosch Security 13% Senstar 12%

 

With growing perimeter security threats, demand for multi-layered perimeter protection has increased. We can see that the top names on the list pretty much encompasses companies that offer integrated technologies from video surveillance, PID, alarms, access control, video analytics to intelligent video management solutions. Out of the brands named, it seems only two are primarily focused on perimeter security &#; Senstar, an established industry name in perimeter intrusion detection products and Digital Security Controls (DSC), a Canadian intrusion brand under the Tyco International banner that offers IP alarm monitoring products and wireless panels.

Top 5 perimeter security brand product portfolio:

Question 2 &#; Key product features for perimeter intrusion

With growing perimeter security threats, demand for multi-layered perimeter protection has increased. We can see that the top names on the list pretty much encompasses companies that offer integrated technologies from video surveillance, PID, alarms, access control, video analytics to intelligent video management solutions. Out of the brands named, it seems only two are primarily focused on perimeter security &#; Senstar, an established industry name in perimeter intrusion detection products and Digital Security Controls (DSC), a Canadian intrusion brand under the Tyco International banner that offers IP alarm monitoring products and wireless panels.

Top 5 priorities for readers: Accuracy > Features > Quality > User-friendly interface > Integration

Surprise, surprise (or maybe not), &#;price&#; didn&#;t make the top of the list. The top reason cited by respondents (17%) for ranking the above companies as their top brands was &#;detection accuracy.&#;

• &#;Low false alarms.&#;
• &#;Great detection accuracy.&#;
• &#;Able to accurately determine animals vs. humans. Great detection ability and coverage range.&#;
• &#;Dahua distinguishes between vehicles and people very well and uses it even in the lowest segment product.&#;

Surprise, surprise (or maybe not),didn&#;t make the top of the list. The top reason cited by respondents (17%) for ranking the above companies as their top brands was &#;detection accuracy.&#;

Key product features for readers include software and analytics, zoning and LiDAR.

Using AI-based software, smart searches and video analytics for perimeter security can be beneficial for detecting intrusion, loitering as well as outdoor-optimized object tracking.

• &#;The analytics for the detection of person & vehicles. Avigilon was the first one.
• &#;Automatically detects, classifies, geolocates, tracks and alarms only on objects of interest.&#;

Easy &#;integration&#; with VMS, other platforms or open software and being &#;hardware agnostic&#; was another important consideration for survey respondents.
 
The ability to configure different zones with different detection rules and accurate real-time notification of perimeter security breaches are seen as huge benefits for end users and operators.

• &#;Zoning, 2D plane detection.&#;
• &#;Ease of setting areas up and giving the end-user monitoring ability.&#;
• &#;Sounds alert immediately and sends a signal across to secure channels.&#;
• &#;Alarm forwarding feature to any control room.&#;

One of the most popular technologies for perimeter security in , LiDAR use has grown in popularity with users taking advantage of

• &#;LiDAR is most impressive to me.&#;
• &#;&#;&#;Industry proven solution and interesting new technology using LiDAR sensors.&#;

Also of interest are comments citing improved performance in low-light conditions and bad weathers as considerations for the ranking.

• &#;Hikvision and FLIR are incorporated in thermal cameras to perform better in low-light environments.&#;
• &#;Works in all lighting condition on colour and thermal cameras.&#;

Question 3: Most wanted features for perimeter intrusion

Using AI-based software, smart searches and video analytics for perimeter security can be beneficial for detecting intrusion, loitering as well as outdoor-optimized object tracking.Easywith VMS, other platforms or open software and being &#;hardware agnostic&#; was another important consideration for survey respondents.The ability to configure different zones with different detection rules and accurate real-time notification of perimeter security breaches are seen as huge benefits for end users and operators.One of the most popular technologies for perimeter security in , LiDAR use has grown in popularity with users taking advantage of

its edge (in certain aspects)

over cameras, radar and sensors.Also of interest are comments citing improved performance in low-light conditions and bad weathers as considerations for the ranking.

Readers are asking for improvements in: Features > Accuracy > Price > Integration > AI

As some of you might have guessed, &#;price&#; did rank highly here &#; albeit behind calls for features and better accuracy. Respondents are asking for &#;Costos mas acsesibles&#; (more affordable costs) as they continue to contend with rising perimeter intrusion system costs &#; hardware, installation, infrastructure (power and communications), accessories (poles, brackets, etc.), security management software, and maintenance.
 
When it came to most wished-for perimeter security feature improvements, feedback ranged from improved object detection accuracy at greater distances&#;

• &#;Longer detection range.&#;
• &#;Stronger sensor.&#;
• &#;WDR and low light sensitivity + resolution.&#;
• &#;Better perimeter protection, animal detection. No false alarm even during bad weather.&#;
• &#;Better situational awareness, better &#;case management.&#;&#;

&#;to features that would support real-time monitoring of remote sites.

• &#;The ability to trigger alarms from your mobile and improved range. Also, two-way communication for intrusion deterrence.&#;
• &#;Mobile notification in perimeter intrusion, face detection, all integrated to provide alerts.&#;

Another strong feedback from the asmag.com reader survey are requests for better integration with third-party perimeter intrusion detection systems: an open platform approach for a more robust, secure solution.

• &#;High-level integration architecture with 3rd party products.&#;
• &#;Integration with more CCTV companies and XML transaction.&#;

With regards to technology, respondents are keen to explore &#; using video analytics to help lower false alarm occurrence and verify suspicious behavior.

• &#;More AI behavior analysis.&#;
• &#;I would like them to switch to artificial intelligence cameras or sensors.&#;
• &#;AI analytics.&#;

There were also a number of mentions for connectivity as an area for improvement. As one respondent said, &#;In perimeter detection, connectivity and energy are always issues.&#; Ideas from them include:

• &#;Development of wireless transmission systems powered by solar cells.&#;
• &#;Ability to be powered by POE, perhaps.&#;

Conclusion

Hikvision&#;s presence in the market continues to remain strong, but other companies are close. This is a segment that could see more development in the use of AI-based technology, and going forward, companies may attempt to take more advantage of intelligent algorithms.

Enabling better performance in varying weather and outdoor conditions may be one of the most important factors to focus on. Better integration and connectivity with mobile applications would also be necessary. Finally, given the outdoor nature of these solutions, providing an option to use solar energy could go a long way in making things easier for customers.

As some of you might have guessed, &#;did rank highly here &#; albeit behind calls for features and better accuracy. Respondents are asking for &#;Costos mas acsesibles&#; (more affordable costs) as they continue to contend with rising perimeter intrusion system costs &#; hardware, installation, infrastructure (power and communications), accessories (poles, brackets, etc.), security management software, and maintenance.When it came to most wished-for perimeter security, feedback ranged from improved object detection accuracy at greater distances&#;&#;to features that would support real-time monitoring of remote sites.Another strong feedback from the asmag.com reader survey are requests for betterwith third-party perimeter intrusion detection systems: an open platform approach for a more robust, secure solution.With regards to technology, respondents are keen to explore&#; using video analytics to help lower false alarm occurrence and verify suspicious behavior.There were also a number of mentions foras an area for improvement. As one respondent said, &#;In perimeter detection, connectivity and energy are always issues.&#; Ideas from them include:Hikvision&#;s presence in the market continues to remain strong, but other companies are close. This is a segment that could see more development in the use of AI-based technology, and going forward, companies may attempt to take more advantage of intelligent algorithms.Enabling better performance in varying weather and outdoor conditions may be one of the most important factors to focus on. Better integration and connectivity with mobile applications would also be necessary. Finally, given the outdoor nature of these solutions, providing an option to use solar energy could go a long way in making things easier for customers.

Infrared or Microwave: Which is Best for Your Perimeter Security?

Choosing to install perimeter security is an easy decision. The hard part is deciding what kind of security system is best for you. While there are many factors to take into account, if yours is a high-security environment like a power plant, correctional facility, factory, or warehouse, you may be considering infrared or microwave technology as part of your solution.

As a provider of advanced perimeter intrusion detection systems, we at Senstar are familiar with high security customer challenges and wanted to share our knowledge of both technologies. Here&#;s what you need to consider with each solution and how they differ.

Active IR: A Virtual Barrier

High-security or industrial-grade IR solutions (called active IR or IR beam) are significantly different from their hardware store counterparts (passive IR), which are more sensitive to spurious alerts, have narrower operating temperatures, and can be easier to defeat. An active IR system uses two components &#; one transmitting an IR beam and one receiving it &#; that work together to protect a path, gate, or building entrance. An object that is large enough to interrupt the beam will trigger an alarm.

Most products generate several IR beams, mixing both sending and receiving functions on the same unit to provide better system redundancy or to assist with sensor alignment. They also often send a continuous train of rapid pulses rather than an always-on IR laser, allowing them to use less power.

These systems usually have a range of anywhere between 15 and 150 m (or 50 to 500 ft) and work well for creating a virtual barrier to protect areas of ingress or ingress/egress. Think of an IR system as an invisible fence; in other words, don&#;t use it to protect a volume of space but rather protect against persons crossing a line between two points.

Microwave Sensors: Movement Within an Area

High-security microwave sensors also consist of two components &#; a transmitter and a receiver &#; that act to form a detection barrier. However, rather than a beam, microwave radiation measures the spatial changes between the sensors. This volumetric detection makes them more sensitive, which can be more difficult to defeat than an IR system. (Commercial systems differ from their consumer counterparts in that they often include advanced signal processing to turn the technology&#;s sensitivity into an advantage.)

Microwave systems have similar, although slightly broader ranges when compared to IR: somewhere between 5 and 200 m (or 15 to 600 ft). Because they detect movement within a volume, they can be useful for monitoring large areas and paths, spaces between fences, and open areas as well as barrier-type applications. While IR systems can sometimes have slight cost advantages, microwave-based technology has technical features that make them more versatile and reliable.

Cost and Power vs Harsh Environments and Large Areas

There are advantages and disadvantages to each solution. What sorts of things should be considered before deploying IR technology versus a microwave solution? Where do they each shine when it comes to high-security perimeter detection and where do they fall short? Here&#;s what we know.

Animals and False Alarms

IR. False alarms can be a problem with active IR systems as they are generally activated with small mammals or birds that are only one beam-width tall. This is because a crawling person can have a similarly small cross-section. It&#;s sometimes possible to work around this sensitivity with beam cycle duration settings biased towards detecting slower-moving humans or with a system that requires more than one beam to be broken simultaneously.

Microwave. Microwave solutions don&#;t detect with an on/off beam interruption but rather with a measurable field interference. This means they can be tuned more easily to react to a creature of minimal size before triggering, reducing the number of false alarms compared to an IR system.

The Big Challenge of Weather

IR. Probably the biggest challenge faced by any IR system is weather. IR beams may require internal heating systems to avoid condensation or frost build-up on lenses in colder climates. And because fog, rain, dust, and snow can block infrared light, these weather conditions can also cause IR sensors to generate false alarms.

Microwave. Operating properly under all weather conditions is a big advantage of microwave-based solutions since microwaves are mostly impervious to the rain, fog, or snow conditions that can be troublesome for IR sensors. In fact, they have no weather-related or temperature-related worries.

Monitoring Tall Heights

IR. Because active IR beams between two adjacently mounted units may interfere with each other, you need a product designed to permit stacking units to monitor heights taller than a typical fence. Stacked systems will either multiplex the beams or use independent frequencies on adjacently stacked units that don&#;t interfere with each other.

Microwave. Microwave systems are just like IR systems when it comes to handling especially tall heights. If you want a tall monitoring column, find microwave systems that are designed to stack. These systems typically have individually selectable frequencies to prevent interference.

Differing Power Requirements

IR. IR systems generally have lower power requirements. If you have a consistently warm and sunny climate, you may be able to find an active IR solution that charges via solar power during the day and monitors via battery at night. This can avoid the installation of power cables that would be needed otherwise.

Microwave. Microwave solutions draw more power than their IR counterparts and so will always require hard-wired power and networking cables &#; they can&#;t operate on solar panels alone.

Vegetation &#; A Problem All Around

IR. Beam-breaking vegetation like stray branches or nearby ground cover swaying in the wind can be a problem for IR systems. The best solution is to cut back vegetation from around the monitoring area.

Microwave. Same goes for microwave systems. Even though microwave systems can better screen out moving trees or shrubs, our advice is to keep vegetation trimmed back to prevent false alarms, regardless of technology.

Installation and Alignment

IR. Active IR systems require precise alignment to work properly. The mounting location for each unit must be stable so that they don&#;t shift or torque in the wind, even slightly. Units usually need to be installed a minimal distance away from a fence, so the fence won&#;t interfere. However, because IR systems use a narrow beam, they are a better fit for monitoring a tight or confined space than a microwave-based solution, which covers a wider area.

Microwave. Microwave systems aren&#;t as sensitive to precise alignment, so can be easier to install. They are often a better choice if sensor mounting locations are prone to vibration or slight movements. However, because their detection area is larger, they need to be offset further from a fence or gate than an IR system.

Summary

Both IR and microwave solutions can provide great security perimeter detection. IR systems can sometimes have slight cost and power advantages, although microwave systems tend to operate better in harsh environments or when large areas are involved. While both types of system can generate false alarms under certain circumstances, they have different approaches to handling triggers. Microwave technology intelligently processes sensor data to allow the system to screen for human intruders versus other types of disturbance while IR systems tend to manage this through configuration options and beam timing to fit different applications.

At Senstar, we have a wealth of experience in developing and installing high-security perimeter solutions and we&#;d be happy to share our knowledge about either technology if you have any questions. For more information about microwave intrusion detection, check out Senstar&#;s UltraWave, a volumetric fully digital, bi-static microwave sensor.

Additional resources:
Difference between Diode and Rectifier
Large Touch Screen Monitor: Everything You Need to Know
Bridge Rectifier China Manufacturers & Suppliers & Factory

Survey methodology and demographics>>

,

,

,

,

asmag.com reader survey:
Top 5 perimeter intrusion brands

Hikvision Digital Technology 21% Axis Communications 18% Dahua Technology 16% Bosch Security 13% Senstar 12%

 

With growing perimeter security threats, demand for multi-layered perimeter protection has increased. We can see that the top names on the list pretty much encompasses companies that offer integrated technologies from video surveillance, PID, alarms, access control, video analytics to intelligent video management solutions. Out of the brands named, it seems only two are primarily focused on perimeter security &#; Senstar, an established industry name in perimeter intrusion detection products and Digital Security Controls (DSC), a Canadian intrusion brand under the Tyco International banner that offers IP alarm monitoring products and wireless panels.

Top 5 perimeter security brand product portfolio:

Question 2 &#; Key product features for perimeter intrusion

With growing perimeter security threats, demand for multi-layered perimeter protection has increased. We can see that the top names on the list pretty much encompasses companies that offer integrated technologies from video surveillance, PID, alarms, access control, video analytics to intelligent video management solutions. Out of the brands named, it seems only two are primarily focused on perimeter security &#; Senstar, an established industry name in perimeter intrusion detection products and Digital Security Controls (DSC), a Canadian intrusion brand under the Tyco International banner that offers IP alarm monitoring products and wireless panels.

Top 5 priorities for readers: Accuracy > Features > Quality > User-friendly interface > Integration

Surprise, surprise (or maybe not), &#;price&#; didn&#;t make the top of the list. The top reason cited by respondents (17%) for ranking the above companies as their top brands was &#;detection accuracy.&#;

• &#;Low false alarms.&#;
• &#;Great detection accuracy.&#;
• &#;Able to accurately determine animals vs. humans. Great detection ability and coverage range.&#;
• &#;Dahua distinguishes between vehicles and people very well and uses it even in the lowest segment product.&#;

Surprise, surprise (or maybe not),didn&#;t make the top of the list. The top reason cited by respondents (17%) for ranking the above companies as their top brands was &#;detection accuracy.&#;

Key product features for readers include software and analytics, zoning and LiDAR.

Using AI-based software, smart searches and video analytics for perimeter security can be beneficial for detecting intrusion, loitering as well as outdoor-optimized object tracking.

• &#;The analytics for the detection of person & vehicles. Avigilon was the first one.
• &#;Automatically detects, classifies, geolocates, tracks and alarms only on objects of interest.&#;

Easy &#;integration&#; with VMS, other platforms or open software and being &#;hardware agnostic&#; was another important consideration for survey respondents.
 
The ability to configure different zones with different detection rules and accurate real-time notification of perimeter security breaches are seen as huge benefits for end users and operators.

• &#;Zoning, 2D plane detection.&#;
• &#;Ease of setting areas up and giving the end-user monitoring ability.&#;
• &#;Sounds alert immediately and sends a signal across to secure channels.&#;
• &#;Alarm forwarding feature to any control room.&#;

One of the most popular technologies for perimeter security in , LiDAR use has grown in popularity with users taking advantage of

• &#;LiDAR is most impressive to me.&#;
• &#;&#;&#;Industry proven solution and interesting new technology using LiDAR sensors.&#;

Also of interest are comments citing improved performance in low-light conditions and bad weathers as considerations for the ranking.

• &#;Hikvision and FLIR are incorporated in thermal cameras to perform better in low-light environments.&#;
• &#;Works in all lighting condition on colour and thermal cameras.&#;

Question 3: Most wanted features for perimeter intrusion

Using AI-based software, smart searches and video analytics for perimeter security can be beneficial for detecting intrusion, loitering as well as outdoor-optimized object tracking.Easywith VMS, other platforms or open software and being &#;hardware agnostic&#; was another important consideration for survey respondents.The ability to configure different zones with different detection rules and accurate real-time notification of perimeter security breaches are seen as huge benefits for end users and operators.One of the most popular technologies for perimeter security in , LiDAR use has grown in popularity with users taking advantage of

its edge (in certain aspects)

over cameras, radar and sensors.Also of interest are comments citing improved performance in low-light conditions and bad weathers as considerations for the ranking.

Readers are asking for improvements in: Features > Accuracy > Price > Integration > AI

As some of you might have guessed, &#;price&#; did rank highly here &#; albeit behind calls for features and better accuracy. Respondents are asking for &#;Costos mas acsesibles&#; (more affordable costs) as they continue to contend with rising perimeter intrusion system costs &#; hardware, installation, infrastructure (power and communications), accessories (poles, brackets, etc.), security management software, and maintenance.
 
When it came to most wished-for perimeter security feature improvements, feedback ranged from improved object detection accuracy at greater distances&#;

• &#;Longer detection range.&#;
• &#;Stronger sensor.&#;
• &#;WDR and low light sensitivity + resolution.&#;
• &#;Better perimeter protection, animal detection. No false alarm even during bad weather.&#;
• &#;Better situational awareness, better &#;case management.&#;&#;

&#;to features that would support real-time monitoring of remote sites.

• &#;The ability to trigger alarms from your mobile and improved range. Also, two-way communication for intrusion deterrence.&#;
• &#;Mobile notification in perimeter intrusion, face detection, all integrated to provide alerts.&#;

Another strong feedback from the asmag.com reader survey are requests for better integration with third-party perimeter intrusion detection systems: an open platform approach for a more robust, secure solution.

• &#;High-level integration architecture with 3rd party products.&#;
• &#;Integration with more CCTV companies and XML transaction.&#;

With regards to technology, respondents are keen to explore &#; using video analytics to help lower false alarm occurrence and verify suspicious behavior.

• &#;More AI behavior analysis.&#;
• &#;I would like them to switch to artificial intelligence cameras or sensors.&#;
• &#;AI analytics.&#;

There were also a number of mentions for connectivity as an area for improvement. As one respondent said, &#;In perimeter detection, connectivity and energy are always issues.&#; Ideas from them include:

• &#;Development of wireless transmission systems powered by solar cells.&#;
• &#;Ability to be powered by POE, perhaps.&#;

Conclusion

Hikvision&#;s presence in the market continues to remain strong, but other companies are close. This is a segment that could see more development in the use of AI-based technology, and going forward, companies may attempt to take more advantage of intelligent algorithms.

Enabling better performance in varying weather and outdoor conditions may be one of the most important factors to focus on. Better integration and connectivity with mobile applications would also be necessary. Finally, given the outdoor nature of these solutions, providing an option to use solar energy could go a long way in making things easier for customers.

As some of you might have guessed, &#;did rank highly here &#; albeit behind calls for features and better accuracy. Respondents are asking for &#;Costos mas acsesibles&#; (more affordable costs) as they continue to contend with rising perimeter intrusion system costs &#; hardware, installation, infrastructure (power and communications), accessories (poles, brackets, etc.), security management software, and maintenance.When it came to most wished-for perimeter security, feedback ranged from improved object detection accuracy at greater distances&#;&#;to features that would support real-time monitoring of remote sites.Another strong feedback from the asmag.com reader survey are requests for betterwith third-party perimeter intrusion detection systems: an open platform approach for a more robust, secure solution.With regards to technology, respondents are keen to explore&#; using video analytics to help lower false alarm occurrence and verify suspicious behavior.There were also a number of mentions foras an area for improvement. As one respondent said, &#;In perimeter detection, connectivity and energy are always issues.&#; Ideas from them include:Hikvision&#;s presence in the market continues to remain strong, but other companies are close. This is a segment that could see more development in the use of AI-based technology, and going forward, companies may attempt to take more advantage of intelligent algorithms.Enabling better performance in varying weather and outdoor conditions may be one of the most important factors to focus on. Better integration and connectivity with mobile applications would also be necessary. Finally, given the outdoor nature of these solutions, providing an option to use solar energy could go a long way in making things easier for customers.

Infrared or Microwave: Which is Best for Your Perimeter Security?

Choosing to install perimeter security is an easy decision. The hard part is deciding what kind of security system is best for you. While there are many factors to take into account, if yours is a high-security environment like a power plant, correctional facility, factory, or warehouse, you may be considering infrared or microwave technology as part of your solution.

As a provider of advanced perimeter intrusion detection systems, we at Senstar are familiar with high security customer challenges and wanted to share our knowledge of both technologies. Here&#;s what you need to consider with each solution and how they differ.

Active IR: A Virtual Barrier

High-security or industrial-grade IR solutions (called active IR or IR beam) are significantly different from their hardware store counterparts (passive IR), which are more sensitive to spurious alerts, have narrower operating temperatures, and can be easier to defeat. An active IR system uses two components &#; one transmitting an IR beam and one receiving it &#; that work together to protect a path, gate, or building entrance. An object that is large enough to interrupt the beam will trigger an alarm.

The company is the world’s best RF970 Fiber Optic Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Most products generate several IR beams, mixing both sending and receiving functions on the same unit to provide better system redundancy or to assist with sensor alignment. They also often send a continuous train of rapid pulses rather than an always-on IR laser, allowing them to use less power.

These systems usually have a range of anywhere between 15 and 150 m (or 50 to 500 ft) and work well for creating a virtual barrier to protect areas of ingress or ingress/egress. Think of an IR system as an invisible fence; in other words, don&#;t use it to protect a volume of space but rather protect against persons crossing a line between two points.

Microwave Sensors: Movement Within an Area

High-security microwave sensors also consist of two components &#; a transmitter and a receiver &#; that act to form a detection barrier. However, rather than a beam, microwave radiation measures the spatial changes between the sensors. This volumetric detection makes them more sensitive, which can be more difficult to defeat than an IR system. (Commercial systems differ from their consumer counterparts in that they often include advanced signal processing to turn the technology&#;s sensitivity into an advantage.)

Microwave systems have similar, although slightly broader ranges when compared to IR: somewhere between 5 and 200 m (or 15 to 600 ft). Because they detect movement within a volume, they can be useful for monitoring large areas and paths, spaces between fences, and open areas as well as barrier-type applications. While IR systems can sometimes have slight cost advantages, microwave-based technology has technical features that make them more versatile and reliable.

Cost and Power vs Harsh Environments and Large Areas

There are advantages and disadvantages to each solution. What sorts of things should be considered before deploying IR technology versus a microwave solution? Where do they each shine when it comes to high-security perimeter detection and where do they fall short? Here&#;s what we know.

Animals and False Alarms

IR. False alarms can be a problem with active IR systems as they are generally activated with small mammals or birds that are only one beam-width tall. This is because a crawling person can have a similarly small cross-section. It&#;s sometimes possible to work around this sensitivity with beam cycle duration settings biased towards detecting slower-moving humans or with a system that requires more than one beam to be broken simultaneously.

Microwave. Microwave solutions don&#;t detect with an on/off beam interruption but rather with a measurable field interference. This means they can be tuned more easily to react to a creature of minimal size before triggering, reducing the number of false alarms compared to an IR system.

The Big Challenge of Weather

IR. Probably the biggest challenge faced by any IR system is weather. IR beams may require internal heating systems to avoid condensation or frost build-up on lenses in colder climates. And because fog, rain, dust, and snow can block infrared light, these weather conditions can also cause IR sensors to generate false alarms.

Microwave. Operating properly under all weather conditions is a big advantage of microwave-based solutions since microwaves are mostly impervious to the rain, fog, or snow conditions that can be troublesome for IR sensors. In fact, they have no weather-related or temperature-related worries.

Monitoring Tall Heights

IR. Because active IR beams between two adjacently mounted units may interfere with each other, you need a product designed to permit stacking units to monitor heights taller than a typical fence. Stacked systems will either multiplex the beams or use independent frequencies on adjacently stacked units that don&#;t interfere with each other.

Microwave. Microwave systems are just like IR systems when it comes to handling especially tall heights. If you want a tall monitoring column, find microwave systems that are designed to stack. These systems typically have individually selectable frequencies to prevent interference.

Differing Power Requirements

IR. IR systems generally have lower power requirements. If you have a consistently warm and sunny climate, you may be able to find an active IR solution that charges via solar power during the day and monitors via battery at night. This can avoid the installation of power cables that would be needed otherwise.

Microwave. Microwave solutions draw more power than their IR counterparts and so will always require hard-wired power and networking cables &#; they can&#;t operate on solar panels alone.

Vegetation &#; A Problem All Around

IR. Beam-breaking vegetation like stray branches or nearby ground cover swaying in the wind can be a problem for IR systems. The best solution is to cut back vegetation from around the monitoring area.

Microwave. Same goes for microwave systems. Even though microwave systems can better screen out moving trees or shrubs, our advice is to keep vegetation trimmed back to prevent false alarms, regardless of technology.

Installation and Alignment

IR. Active IR systems require precise alignment to work properly. The mounting location for each unit must be stable so that they don&#;t shift or torque in the wind, even slightly. Units usually need to be installed a minimal distance away from a fence, so the fence won&#;t interfere. However, because IR systems use a narrow beam, they are a better fit for monitoring a tight or confined space than a microwave-based solution, which covers a wider area.

Microwave. Microwave systems aren&#;t as sensitive to precise alignment, so can be easier to install. They are often a better choice if sensor mounting locations are prone to vibration or slight movements. However, because their detection area is larger, they need to be offset further from a fence or gate than an IR system.

Summary

Both IR and microwave solutions can provide great security perimeter detection. IR systems can sometimes have slight cost and power advantages, although microwave systems tend to operate better in harsh environments or when large areas are involved. While both types of system can generate false alarms under certain circumstances, they have different approaches to handling triggers. Microwave technology intelligently processes sensor data to allow the system to screen for human intruders versus other types of disturbance while IR systems tend to manage this through configuration options and beam timing to fit different applications.

At Senstar, we have a wealth of experience in developing and installing high-security perimeter solutions and we&#;d be happy to share our knowledge about either technology if you have any questions. For more information about microwave intrusion detection, check out Senstar&#;s UltraWave, a volumetric fully digital, bi-static microwave sensor.

For more RF970 fiber-optic intrusion detection systeminformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.