Hybrid tunnel detection solutions are redefining fire control

by Louise Seager

Tunnels are among the most challenging environments for fire safety. Enclosed spaces, heavy traffic, complex airflow patterns, and critical evacuation procedures mean that even a small fire can escalate into a major incident within minutes. Traditional detection systems, while useful, often work in isolation: smoke detectors trigger alarms, flame cameras identify visible fire, and suppression systems deploy water or foam. The problem is that these standalone systems don’t always locate the source of the fire accurately or communicate effectively, and in environments where every second counts, that can make the difference between containment and catastrophe.

That’s why the industry is increasingly moving towards hybrid fire detection systems, integrated solutions that combine multiple technologies into a single, intelligent network. By merging the strengths of fiber optic linear heat detection (LHD), flame detection cameras, and AI-powered analytics, operators gain earlier warning, greater accuracy, and clearer situational awareness. The result is a faster, more coordinated response that saves both lives and infrastructure.

Why traditional systems are struggling

Point detectors and smoke sensors were designed for environments where air is relatively still and threats can be monitored from fixed positions. A tunnel is the exact opposite. Fans move air constantly, pushing smoke away from detectors. Curved designs break up lines of sight. Noise, dust, and temperature variations all create conditions where alarms can be either delayed or misleading.

This creates two critical problems. First, operators may not receive a warning until a fire has already spread beyond its point of origin, losing valuable seconds for evacuation and suppression. Second, when alarms are triggered too easily, operators lose confidence in the system. False activations can lead to tunnel closures, unnecessary water deployment, and a loss of public trust in safety procedures. A detection system that is too slow or too sensitive creates operational risk, which is why many operators are seeking alternatives that give them more reliable, real-time information.

Moving toward a hybrid solution

Hybrid fire detection systems address these challenges by combining different technologies, each one filling the gaps left by another. Fiber optic LHD provides continuous temperature monitoring along the full length of the tunnel. Instead of relying on sensors placed at intervals, a single fiber cable can detect abnormal rises in heat at any point, ensuring there are no blind spots.

Flame detection cameras add another layer, giving operators rapid visual confirmation of any incident. By integrating thermal imaging and analytics, these cameras can distinguish between genuine flames and harmless heat sources.

This creates a more intelligent platform that doesn’t just tell operators when a fire has already broken out but can identify precursors, such as electrical overheating, that signal risk in advance. In practice, this means fires are detected sooner, alarms are more accurate, and response strategies can be tailored to the exact location and severity of the incident.

Case in point, the Santa Lucia Tunnel

The Santa Lucia Tunnel presented a demanding brief. At 7.8 km long, one of the largest single-arch, three-lane tunnels in Europe, it required a fire detection solution that could provide complete, dependable coverage across its entire length while coping with heavy traffic, exhaust particulates and complex airflow. The owner, Autostrade per l’Italia, specified a high-performance system that would detect fires rapidly, tolerate tunnel contaminants, and integrate seamlessly with the tunnel’s automated fire-suppression logic.

To meet that brief, the project team chose a fiber-optic linear heat detection approach. The installation used Bandweaver’s FireLaser DTS paired with the FireFiber AT armoured sensing cable, installed at roof level (around 7.2 m) and fixed at regular intervals to give a continuous thermal profile with one-metre spatial resolution. Because the tunnel’s sprinkler system was already divided into many discrete zones, the detection design was mapped into 982 zones, so temperature readings and alarm logic aligned exactly with the suppression layout.

Redundancy and precision were central to the design. The scheme employed two detection cables along the tunnel roof and a multi-controller configuration that provided resilience against cable damage or controller faults. The FireLaser units are capable of EN54-22 compliant measurements every five seconds, a significant advantage over alternatives that take much longer per channel, and the FireLaser provided the accurate location data required to trigger only the specific sprinkler valve associated with the detected hotspot. The overall detection architecture was intentionally hybrid: fiber LHD provided the precise thermal location, while video flame detectors and optical beam smoke sensors formed part of the automated logic that controls suppression activation.

Commissioning and calibration were handled on site by RAET with oversight from the project engineers. The system took three weeks to commission; during installation the team encountered expected practicalities such as cable sag, which required zone recalibration. Because the FireLaser’s zones are software-configurable, RAET was able to re-reference the sensing cable to match the sprinkler zones using cold-spray reference points, and the final configuration was signed off by independent consultants. The project demonstrates how a distributed fiber solution can be engineered to meet exacting operational and integration requirements in the most challenging tunnel environments.

The outcome delivered what the operator asked for: faster, location-precise detection that is robust against dust, exhaust and moisture; continuous one-metre sampling along the tunnel; redundant architecture; and tight integration into the tunnel’s control and suppression systems. These attributes combine to reduce false activations, support targeted suppression, and provide operators with the confidence and clarity needed to act quickly when every second counts.

The future of tunnel fire safety

The Santa Lucia Tunnel is just one example of how hybrid detection is already proving its worth. As tunnels grow longer and traffic volumes increase, reliance on any single technology will no longer be sufficient. Future projects will continue to push for smarter, integrated systems that not only detect fires faster but also give operators the context they need to make the right decisions instantly.

At Bandweaver, we are helping operators move beyond traditional fire safety approaches with innovative hybrid solutions that combine fiber optic sensing, video analytics, and AI. These technologies are already transforming tunnel safety, and we’re ready to help you implement them.

If you’d like to learn more about how our solutions can support your next tunnel project, get in touch with our team today.

 

Bandweaver’s Linear Heat Detection (LHD) System Turin Metro Monitoring

by Louise Seager

Since commencing operations in 2006, the Turin Metro has established itself as Italy’s pioneering fully automated metro system and a benchmark for state-of-the-art urban mobility. It delivers driverless service, short headways, and energy-optimised performance with a fleet of Siemens-delivered VAL 208 trains designed to carry a maximum of 440 passengers. The trains operate at a top speed of 80 km/h on a 750 V DC supply and employ rubber wheels to achieve high acceleration with minimal vibration, with each wheel equipped with traction and electrical braking systems.

In underground metro systems, trains constitute a significant fire risk due to thermal stresses in braking systems during deceleration, mechanical wear from frequent stop-start operations, and the presence of high-voltage traction power supplies. These hazards are particularly relevant for Siemens VAL 208 trains, which employ IGBT-based traction converters and brushless DC motors. While these technologies deliver high efficiency and reliable performance, their high voltage switching and associated thermal loads under heavy operating conditions increase the potential for fire incidents, requiring careful monitoring.

Traditional point-based smoke or heat detectors in metro stations are not suitable for this type of fire monitoring, as they cannot provide complete coverage near the tracks, where fire risks are elevated due to braking systems, traction equipment, and frequent train movements. In late 2024, the Turin Metro end user identified the need to replace legacy third-party LHD systems that had been in service for over a decade. The project scope included evaluating alternative LHD solutions, reviewing system specifications, and deploying a reliable replacement to ensure continuous fire monitoring and uninterrupted operational continuity.

Read the full case study here.

FireLaser DTS, proven reliability with 28 million operational hours

by Louise Seager

At Bandweaver, reliability has always been central to the design of our Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) systems. To validate this, we recently completed a comprehensive update of reliability data for our FireLaser and T-Laser DTS solutions.

The results are compelling.

  • Telcordia SR232 Standard: Independent testing by Anbotek (2018) confirmed an MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) of over 255,000 hours, equivalent to 29 years.
  • Field Data: Drawing from more than 28 million operational hours across installed systems (2017–2025), real-world data shows a current MTBF of approximately 560,000 hours, an impressive 64 years.

These figures clearly demonstrate that FireLaser is not just designed for reliability but continues to outperform expectations in the field. With no moving parts, passive fiber optic cables, and robust system architecture, maintenance requirements remain exceptionally low.

For operators working in safety-critical environments such as tunnels, metros, and petrochemical facilities, this level of reliability provides reassurance that FireLaser is built to protect assets over the long term while minimising operational costs.

Take a look at the full results here.

New Webinar | Keeping Conveyors Moving: Next-Gen Fire Safety with Fiber Optic LHD

by Louise Seager

Conveyor systems are the beating heart of industries such as mining, power generation, ports, and manufacturing. They move thousands of tonnes of material every day and keep the global manufacturing, production and construction industries running. But with that critical role comes one of the highest fire risks in industrial operations. Friction, trapped materials, and electrical faults can all generate heat along a conveyor system. Left undetected, these hot spots can escalate rapidly, putting both safety and productivity at risk. Traditional detection methods often struggle to provide the speed, accuracy, and full coverage required to keep conveyors protected.

In this exclusive webinar, Bandweaver experts will demonstrate how our FireLaser Linear Heat Detection (LHD) system is redefining conveyor belt safety with real-life case studies. Unlike conventional approaches, FireLaser provides continuous, real-time monitoring across the entire conveyor length, pinpoint detection of overheating and friction before they become fires, and seamless integration with SCADA systems and fire panels to enable faster, automated responses. Built for harsh industrial environments, FireLaser delivers reliable performance that reduces both downtime and maintenance costs.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more and see how next-generation fiber optic LHD can transform conveyor safety.

REGISTER NOW:

Date: 30/9/2025

Time: 10am London time

Location: Zoom

About Bandweaver

With an installed base of over 80,000km and more than 9000 systems worldwide, Bandweaver’s vision is to be the first choice for integrated distributed fiber optic sensing solutions across the globe. Since 2002, Bandweaver has been committed to delivering reliable, innovative, client-centric, and value-added products and services, via a dedicated and talented team of people.

Bandweaver manufactures and distributes advanced fiber optic monitoring sensors and integrated technologies, enabling customers to monitor, secure and keep personnel and critical assets safe.

Bandweaver’s solutions have been utilised for multiple applications, including road and rail tunnels and spurs as well as facility buildings, power infrastructure, escalators, and stations.

Utilising the latest technologies, Bandweaver provides solutions for Security, Fire, Power, and Pipelines.

For further information please contact our global team at info@bandweaver.com

New Win: Enipeas PV Park

by Louise Seager

We’re excited to announce that New Alert has been awarded a contract to supply the Bandweaver Horizon DAS fiber optic perimeter intrusion detection system for one of Europe’s largest photovoltaic parks, the 560 MWp Enipeas Project. Upon completion, the project is expected to generate 0.90 TWh of electricity per year, powering 225,000 households and avoiding 379 kilotonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

Our trusted partner New Alert, a leading Greek security systems integrator with extensive experience in protecting critical energy infrastructure, will manage the installation and commissioning of the system.

By combining Bandweaver’s advanced fiber optic sensing technology with New Alert’s proven local expertise, this project will deliver world-class perimeter security to safeguard one of Europe’s flagship renewable energy assets.

About Bandweaver

With an installed base of over 80,000km and 9,000 systems worldwide, Bandweaver’s vision is to be the first choice for integrated distributed fiber optic sensing solutions across the globe. Since 2002, Bandweaver has been committed to delivering reliable, innovative, client-centric, and value-added products and services, via a dedicated and talented team of people.

Bandweaver manufactures and distributes advanced fiber optic monitoring sensors and integrated technologies, enabling customers to monitor, secure and keep personnel and critical assets safe.

Bandweaver’s solutions have been utilised for multiple applications, including road and rail tunnels and spurs as well as facility buildings, power infrastructure, escalators, and stations.

Utilising the latest technologies, Bandweaver provides solutions for Security, Fire, Power, and Pipelines.

For further information please contact our global team at info@bandweaver.com

Creating Smart Fences, Integrating PIDS with CCTV and Access Control

by Louise Seager

Perimeter security has evolved, it’s no longer enough to just set up physical barriers and install individual cameras or alarms. Threats have become more sophisticated and physical breaches more co-ordinated, meaning organisations can’t rely on systems that operate in isolation. When time is of the essence, manual surveillance and basic systems are slow to respond and prone to human error or delayed reactions.

The security challenges of today require systems that can detect events in real time as well as interpreting and acting on them instantly. This is a vital shift from passive detection to active, intelligent protection that we’ll explore in this blog post.

What is a smart fence?

The term ‘smart fence’ describes an integrated perimeter detection solution that goes beyond simple alerts. Combining fiber optic intrusion detection, CCTV, access control and automation, this new security approach provides complete situational awareness and automated responses.

For example, a smart fence could detect an intruder climbing a boundary fence, automatically alert security teams, cue nearby CCTV cameras to pan and zoom to the exact location and initiate pre-programmed responses such as deadlocking nearby gates or triggering floodlights. What sets smart fences apart from legacy solutions is the automated decision-making loop with no need for constant human monitoring or manual validation of alarms. Events are identified, interpreted, verified and escalated (or ignored) based on intelligent criteria and decision-making.

These systems also reduce downtime and operational costs while increasing accuracy and coverage, especially in large-scale or remote installations.

How Bandweaver’s PIDS makes it possible

At the heart of a smart fencing solution is a Distributed Temperature Sensing (DAS) Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS), like our Horizon, ZoneSentry and DualSentry systems. Unlike traditional sensors, DAS turns a standard optical fiber into thousands of sensitive detection points, covering long distances with high standards of accuracy and range.

Our DAS solutions use Rayleigh-based Coherent Optical Time Domain Reflectometry technology. Compared to Raman or Brillouin technology used in other fiber sensing systems, Rayleigh provides real-time response with kHz-level sensitivity. This makes it ideal for perimeter security where every second matters. By detecting and classifying minute vibrations, DAS can differentiate between different event classifications almost instantly, drastically reducing false alarms and enhancing response efficiency.

Combining DAS with smart thresholding algorithms enables different detection sensitivities across zones. For example, a high-risk section of perimeter near an entryway may trigger a lockdown with a low threshold, while remote fence lines may be tuned to ignore minor disturbances. All of this is done by intelligent processing that feeds actionable insights to the control systems such as accurate event location, event type classifications, all of which can be tailored to the site and threat profile.

Real-time detection, real-time action

The power of our DAS systems doesn’t stop at detection, through integration with the MaxView integrated monitoring platform DAS goes beyond detection to actual protection. MaxView acts as an operational hub where all sensor data, alarms, video feeds, and access control logs are visualised in real time. Events in the system are categorised and plotted dynamically on a site map enabling immediate situational awareness. Once a perimeter disturbance is detected MaxView can automatically cue PTZ cameras to focus on the breach location, activate visual and audio alarms, notify local teams or central command, interface with access control systems to trigger door locks or security gates.

Integration is the key to smart protection, MaxView communicates seamlessly with third-party systems such as PSIM, VMS and SMS to ensure smart fences become part of a unified, layered defence system. DAS systems generate large volumes of high-frequency data which MaxView is designed to handle efficiently, interpreting and storing data constantly to only surface what’s relevant to operators in real time.

The real-world applications

Smart fences are perfect for application in high-value and high-risk sectors such as critical national infrastructure (airports, utilities, energy sites), military facilities and border control zones where wide-area surveillance is essential, data centres and logistics hubs where intrusions cause operational or reputational damage. With several systems, placement of the fiber optic cable can be suited to each application whether that’s mounted, buried or integrated into fences, it’s highly adaptable to work for the infrastructure.

Future-proofing your perimeter security

The security threats of tomorrow, from drone-drops to coordinated physical breaches, will require even more responsive, data-driven systems. Our perimeter intrusion detection systems are built with open architecture and modular scalability to allow for easy integration of future technologies or AI-based video analytics.

With cloud-based access, a user-friendly interface, and minimal hardware requirements, MaxView is also designed to support multi-site deployments to ensure operators always have centralised visibility and control. The result is not just a fence, but an intelligent, proactive perimeter defence system that evolves with your operational and regulatory landscape.

Ready to take perimeter security to the next level?

Discover how Bandweaver’s intelligent fiber optic systems and integrated monitoring platforms can transform your site into a fully automated, proactive defence network, here.

Bandweaver’s Linear Heat Detection (LHD) System Photovoltaic (PV) Array Monitoring

by Louise Seager

In the past decade, solar energy has gained significant prominence worldwide as an emission-free and sustainable energy source. It has progressively become both economically viable and reliable. Nevertheless, faults in photovoltaic (PV) panels – such as faulty wiring, connector failures, combiner box malfunctions, and plugs prone to overheating or ignition – pose substantial fire risks to industrial facilities and commercial properties.

During 2023, an established technical solutions integrator sought a state-of-the-art fire detection and monitoring system to safeguard a high-value operational facility in the Netherlands. The principal goal was to reduce fire-related threats originating from rooftop solar PV modules, which posed a risk of undetected fire propagation potentially jeopardising the facility’s critical operations.

The end user required an advanced fire detection system capable of comprehensive monitoring across all areas susceptible to electrical overheating associated with the rooftop solar PV infrastructure. The system needed to accommodate the dispersed layout of the PV components distributed across the open rooftop surface. Due to this complex and spatially distributed configuration, conventional fire detection methods, such as point-type sensors, were deemed unsuitable.

SenseTek B.V., Bandweaver’s authorised distributor in the Netherlands, possessed prior collaboration experience with the technical solutions integrator and was engaged for this project. The proposed technical solution was required to demonstrate the capability to detect overheating behind PV cable wiring before receiving approval. SenseTek B.V. thoroughly analysed the end-user’s fire detection requirements and supplied Bandweaver’s fiber optic-based Linear Heat Detection (LHD) system, the FireLaser DTS.

Read the full case study here.

Linear Heat Detection (LHD) System Lithium-ion Battery Warehouse Monitoring

by Louise Seager

As demand for lithium-ion batteries grows, third-party logistics (3PL) providers face mounting pressure to store them safely. These volatile products present serious fire risks, especially in conventional warehouses where infrastructure isn’t designed to contain thermal runaway events.

In this case study, a leading 3PL in the Netherlands needed a solution to protect a dedicated lithium-ion storage zone within a large-scale warehouse. With new national fire safety regulations in place, the operator required precise, real-time heat detection across multi-level racking.

Bandweaver’s fiber optic linear heat detection system was chosen to deliver early warning, rapid spike detection, and targeted zone alerts, all without in-rack electronics. The result was a reliable, regulation-ready detection system for one of the industry’s most high-risk storage challenges.

Click here to read the full case study.

Can you really trust your fire detection system in extreme conditions?

by Louise Seager

Traditional fire detection systems weren’t built for the realities of tunnels, substations, chemical plants, or heavy industrial environments. In these settings, smoke and heat behave unpredictably, and when detection fails, the consequences are catastrophic. What follows is a dangerous cycle: missed alarms, loss of confidence in the system, and slower emergency responses.

It’s time to stop asking, “Does it work in the lab?” and start asking, “Does it work where it matters?” Fiber optic linear heat detection is redefining what’s possible in fire safety, proving it’s not only suitable for harsh environments but optimised for them. In this article, we’ll explore the critical role this technology plays in protecting the world’s toughest and most high-risk environments.

Why “ordinary” fire detection doesn’t cut it

Conventional smoke and thermal sensors are designed with stable, clean environments in mind, environments with clear air, minimal interference, and consistent conditions. But for many high-risk facilities, this couldn’t be further from reality.

In substations and transformer enclosures, electromagnetic interference can scramble readings or trigger false alarms. In more complex settings like chemical plants, tunnels, and enclosed industrial spaces, factors like dust, humidity, or airborne particulates can obscure or degrade standard sensors altogether.

This creates a serious risk for organisations operating in extreme environments with high-value assets and infrastructure. When sensors fail, or when false alarms erode confidence, operators hesitate. Responses are slow. Fires escalate.

Fiber optic heat detection: a built-in advantage

In volatile, unpredictable conditions, fiber optic linear heat detection offers a distinct advantage.

Using a passive sensing cable, with no in-field electronics, power supplies, or communication modules, it eliminates the typical points of failure found in traditional systems. The cable is immune to electromagnetic disturbance, corrosion, temperature extremes, and airborne contaminants.

What’s more, every metre of fiber optic cable acts as a continuous, highly accurate heat sensor, delivering precise thermal mapping across large distances. These systems integrate easily with CCTV, suppression equipment, and intelligent software, creating a comprehensive fire detection and prevention solution that enables not only timely reaction but also smarter, data-driven response strategies.

Where fiber optics shine in tough environments

Tunnels, subways and rail networks
Fiber optic cables can be run along entire tunnels or infrastructure layouts, detecting subtle temperature changes or fast-rising heat from cable faults or fires. This allows suppression or ventilation systems to activate at the precise point of risk, before the situation escalates.

Heavy industry and mining operations
These are among the most demanding environments, where early detection is critical. Fiber optic systems can identify overheating bearings, blocked chutes, or overloaded motors, often before any smoke or flames appear. This enables rapid intervention and helps avoid serious damage.

Oil and gas facilities
With zero electronics in hazardous zones, fiber optic detection is perfectly suited to environments containing flammable gases or volatile compounds. It allows continuous monitoring without increasing risk, something traditional systems can’t offer.

Energy infrastructure
In high-voltage substations and transmission areas, where conventional systems degrade quickly, fiber optics remain stable and reliable. They provide early warnings of cable overheating or transformer faults that could otherwise lead to catastrophic fires.

High-moisture or washdown areas
Environments like food processing facilities, where constant cleaning and high humidity are standard, can quickly corrode or compromise standard detectors. Fiber optic systems, by contrast, remain unaffected, providing consistent and long-term fire safety coverage.

Performance you can measure

When a fire or abnormal heat source emerges, fiber optic sensing cables can detect the event to within 1°C and 1 metre, often before flames are even visible. In one real-world example, a customer using our linear heat detection system on a conveyor belt was alerted to a heat spike near a bearing. The maintenance team responded swiftly, replaced the affected part, and prevented what could have been a serious fire.

Preventing just one incident like this can justify the cost of the system, saving thousands in asset damage, downtime, and emergency response. Over time, the benefits multiply. Unlike traditional systems, which are often subject to breakdown and expensive maintenance due to environmental wear, fiber optic systems operate for years with minimal intervention.

Crucially, fiber optics drastically reduce false alarms. In harsh environments, false alarms are more than a nuisance, they erode trust and dull the urgency of real emergency response. With fiber optic fire detection, you get greater specificity and accuracy, ensuring teams are only deployed when it truly matters.

Overcoming the awareness gap

Despite these clear advantages, many fire safety professionals still associate fiber optic systems with older, copper-based technologies, which are outdated, fragile, and expensive. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

Modern fiber optic systems are lighter, faster, smarter, and more cost-effective per metre than ever before. Yet awareness hasn’t caught up. In many regions, standards and regulations still lag behind the capabilities of this technology, creating a bottleneck to broader adoption.

That said, change is happening. In the Netherlands, for example, rigorous new testing and commissioning standards have been introduced, standards that fiber optic systems meet effortlessly. This growing recognition is setting the tone for wider industry adoption and elevating expectations around fire detection performance.

Laying the blueprint for resilient fire safety

It begins with rethinking fire detection, starting with a clear-eyed audit of your environment. What are the conditions really like? Are your current systems fit for purpose, or just convenient?

Forward-thinking partners are already reshaping their fire safety strategies. They’re implementing fiber optic detection across new sectors and integrating with other smart technologies to create a layered, responsive defence strategy.

Fiber optic linear heat detection isn’t just adequate; it’s engineered for the job. It’s time to stop settling for outdated systems and start investing in solutions designed for the environments you operate in.

Join the global movement transforming fire safety, one cable at a time: https://www.bandweaver.com/about-bandweaver/partners/

Watch on demand – Fighting fire with fiber: advanced fire detection for battery storage safety

by Louise Seager

As battery storage adoption grows, so does the fire risk, especially in warehouses storing lithium-ion batteries. In this session, we looked at why traditional detectors often fail in these challenging environments and how Bandweaver’s FireLaser linear heat detection system provides a faster, more reliable solution.

The webinar covered:

  • Real-world battery storage risk scenarios
  • Why conventional smoke and point detectors often fall short
  • How fiber optic sensing works and why it’s ideal for harsh conditions
  • System configurations, standards, and compliance insights

Whether you’re a facility manager, safety consultant, or systems installer, this is essential viewing for anyone working with fire risk in critical infrastructure.

 

What’s the weakest link in your perimeter security system?

by Louise Seager

There was a time when cameras, fences and motion sensors were the cutting edge of security, but as technology has advanced, so have intruders’ techniques to expose and exploit blind spots. Bandweaver are industry leaders in fiber optic technology, providing systems to secure infrastructure, utilising Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) to create productive and proactive Perimeter Intrusion Detection systems (PIDs).

Perimeter Intrusion Detection (PID) systems are changing the security landscape from legacy technology and a patrol-based approach to providing 365, 24/7 reliable monitoring through fiber optic sensing. Infrastructures such as airports, oil refineries and military bases are increasingly becoming vulnerable due to outdated systems, blind spots and poor integration leading to false alarms and lack of early detection, which is costing organisations time, resources and money.

Brandweaver’s objective is to reduce the probability of intruders, precisely those cutting, climbing and digging through blind spots in the perimeters. The fiber optic sensing cables developed by industry-led experts prevent the exposure of discrete sensing points in security. This technology will enable organisations to maximise response efficiency, tackling intruders and protecting resources.

Blind spots in security are being exposed as intruders expand their arsenal of weapons and methods that rely on taking advantage of outdated and slow-reacting security systems. CCTV and motion detectors often do not have complete coverage, but fiber optic Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) manages real-time responses along the entire length of the perimeter to improve and safeguard organisations and infrastructures. To bridge the gap between reactions and responses to intruders, it’s vital to explore the innovative systems that achieve that. This blog post dissects the different PID systems and highlights their efficiency in preventing intruders.

Fiber Optic Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS)

The development of fiber optic is revolutionising security systems to make a proactive change within an industry that can be quite conservative when it comes to investing in new technologies. Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology monitors acoustic signals, allowing operators to pinpoint intrusion events. Paired with innovative algorithms, the covert buried cable creates a personalised acoustic fingerprint for organisations to differentiate between personnel, vehicles and animals from suspicious or unexpected activity.

This development strengthens the protection against fence climbing, cutting and lifting, which are all detected while preventing unnecessary nuisance alarms that cause wasted time and resources. The durability of Bandweaver’s fiber optics allows adaptable wall mounting on perimeters and buildings, or it can be buried covertly inside or outside the perimeter.

Bandweaver’s fiber optic technology integrates with third-party systems (VMS, PSIM, BMS…) to provide a flexible and adaptable approach to systems management. The dynamic interface allows for smart mapping and diagrams, which can then be consulted, managed and exported through standard existing communication protocols.

Finding a Perimeter Intrusion Detection system that works for you

Bandweaver offers two industry-leading fiber optic security systems that optimise real-time perimeter awareness, supporting and benefiting infrastructures such as airports, oil refineries and military bases.

Zone-Based Detection (ZoneSentry)

ZoneSentry is a zonal-based PID system which optimises DAS technology and protects property, people and assets within smaller perimeters, creating an efficient system workflow in a cost-effective manner. This product provides:

  • Minimal set-up, configuration and maintenance
  • Simple integration within CCTV systems ranging from hardware to software
  • Minimises nuisance alarms with zone-specific tuning
  • Provides easy solutions with minimal costs

To prevent loss in the event of an intrusion, ZoneSentry’s rapid response is enhanced by smart alarms allowing for stronger, targeted security responses. ZoneSentry adapted a deployment reel which can be quickly deployed and connected, providing perfect solutions for temporary and mobile sites. These zones are configured to create personalised filters for alarms, thus creating reliable and upgraded security layers.

Location-Based Detection (DualSentry, FenceSentry, Horizon DAS)

Location-based systems are designed to extend coverage for high-security sites, enabling above- and below-ground detection from a singular cable and locating the intrusion event to within a few metres. This breaks through outdated practices, creating a proactive solution to prevent missed threats and system breakdowns. This product provides:

  • Groundbreaking solutions to security breaches
  • Rapid reaction times compared to traditional systems
  • Location to within a few metres
  • Intelligent AI-based algorithms that can minimise environmental interference

Security for the future

Securing the future of critical infrastructure is vital yet achievable with systems designed for longevity to optimise lifetime cost whilst minimising risk. The value of the system itself becomes incredibly clear when considering the financial benefit of the assets being protected compared to the financial devastation caused by an intrusion when using outdated, unreliable systems. Taking even small steps towards change develops a proactive approach to perimeter security, adapting in line with industry standards to enable long-term security.

Investing in the best system for your organisation promises high-quality responses to challenging and evolving threats. Protecting people and assets needs to be at the forefront, eliminating vulnerable blind spots to stay one step ahead.

Stand strong in the face of ever-evolving threats, explore the potential of fiber optic for protecting your critical assets and infrastructure. Trust in a system that truly works to protect what matters most, explore our perimeter security systems here.

New Webinar – Fighting Fire with Fiber: Advanced Fire Detection for Battery Storage Safety

by Louise Seager

With the growing adoption of battery storage across numerous industries, the increasing fire risk is becoming more significant, especially in warehouses housing lithium-ion batteries. These environments need fast and effective fire detection, yet traditional smoke and point heat detectors continuously respond too late or fail entirely.

Join us on Tuesday 24th June at 10am for an informative webinar exploring how Bandweaver’s FireLaser Linear Heat Detection system provides fast, precise and reliable fire detection specifically designed for challenging warehouse conditions. Analyse real-world risk scenarios, system configurations, standards compliance and most importantly; why fiber optic sensing is the new gold standard in early fire detection.

Don’t miss out, this session will equip you with the vital knowledge to protect your assets whether you’re a facility manager, safety officer, consultant, engineer/designer or system installer.

REGISTER NOW:

Date: 24/6/2025

Time: 10am UTC

Location: Zoom

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

About Bandweaver

With an installed base of over 60,000km and 7,500 systems worldwide, Bandweaver’s vision is to be the first choice for integrated distributed fiber optic sensing solutions across the globe. Since 2002, Bandweaver has been committed to delivering reliable, innovative, client-centric, and value-added products and services, via a dedicated and talented team of people.

Bandweaver manufactures and distributes advanced fiber optic monitoring sensors and integrated technologies, enabling customers to monitor, secure and keep personnel and critical assets safe.

Bandweaver’s solutions have been utilised for multiple applications, including road and rail tunnels and spurs as well as facility buildings, power infrastructure, escalators, and stations.

Utilising the latest technologies, Bandweaver provides solutions for Security, Fire, Power, and Pipelines.

For further information please contact our global team at info@bandweaver.com