Security

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.

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.

Industrial sectors such as energy, security, transportation, and infrastructure depend on monitoring systems to maintain efficiency, safety, and uptime. But as these operations scale in size and complexity, so too does the volume and variety of data they produce. Operators are increasingly faced with the challenge of managing multiple, disconnected systems, each generating fragmented streams of information.

This fragmentation can lead to critical blind spots. Delayed responses to threats, undetected equipment failures, and missed environmental risks become more likely when situational awareness is compromised. The result? Increased operational inefficiencies, higher safety risks, and significant financial consequences.

The solution lies in integration. By consolidating data from various monitoring technologies into a single, unified platform, operators can gain a real-time, comprehensive view of their infrastructure and respond faster and more effectively. In this blog post, we’ll explore how integrated monitoring solutions, such as Bandweaver’s MaxView software, are transforming industrial decision-making.

Managing complex operations with disparate monitoring systems

In many industrial settings, operators rely on a combination of standalone monitoring systems – such as temperature sensing for fire prevention, security surveillance for perimeter protection, leak detection for pipeline integrity, and SCADA systems for process control. While each of these tools plays a critical role, they often operate in isolation. This lack of integration makes it difficult to get a complete picture of operations and introduces several challenges.

Operators are often forced to manually gather and interpret data from multiple platforms, slowing down decision-making during critical moments. Disconnected systems can also produce inconsistent or conflicting alerts, leading to confusion, false alarms, or even missed threats. Without a centralised interface, it becomes harder to see how events in one area may affect another, limiting situational awareness. Additionally, managing multiple systems increases operational costs, requiring more resources for training, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

For example, a pipeline operator using separate systems for distributed temperature sensing, leak detection, and surveillance may struggle to correlate a pressure drop with unauthorised activity like digging. This can delay response time and raise the risk of environmental damage or safety incidents. Integrated monitoring eliminates these barriers, allowing for faster, clearer, and more informed decision-making.

Integrated monitoring with Bandweaver’s MaxView

MaxView is Bandweaver’s Integrated Monitoring Software Platform, purpose-built to provide a single, centralised interface for managing a wide range of monitoring systems in real time. It enhances situational awareness by aggregating, analysing, and visualising data from various sources, enabling operators to make faster, more informed decisions based on clear, consolidated insights.

The platform brings together data from multiple technologies, including fiber optic sensing systems like DTS (Distributed Temperature Sensing) and DAS (Distributed Acoustic Sensing), which detect temperature changes, pressure variations, and acoustic signals along critical infrastructure. It also integrates seamlessly with SCADA systems for process automation and control, CCTV feeds for visual verification and security, and third-party sensors, ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure without the need for expensive replacements.

MaxView presents this data through a centralised dashboard featuring interactive GIS mapping, which pinpoints the exact location of incidents in real time. It also allows operators to configure alerts based on severity and priority while offering historical data analysis tools to identify patterns, recurring issues, or system vulnerabilities.

Beyond visualisation, MaxView helps automate decision-making by correlating data from different systems to detect anomalies with greater accuracy. It reduces false alarms by filtering out background noise and irrelevant triggers, and it offers predictive insights to support proactive maintenance – minimising downtime and preventing failures before they occur.

How MaxView enhances decision-making

In oil and gas and pipeline monitoring, operational reliability is constantly threatened by leaks, structural degradation, and unauthorised activity. MaxView addresses these challenges by enabling early detection of pressure anomalies and temperature fluctuations, which can signal the onset of a leak or a potential failure. By integrating with fiber optic sensing technologies like DTS and DAS, the platform provides continuous, real-time data along the pipeline. Operators receive immediate alerts for suspicious activity, such as third-party interference or unauthorised digging, allowing them to intervene before the situation escalates. This rapid response capability not only reduces environmental and financial damage but also helps companies avoid regulatory penalties tied to compliance and safety breaches.

For perimeter security and critical infrastructure, MaxView offers robust protection for high-value sites like power plants, substations, and government facilities. These locations demand constant vigilance, and MaxView delivers by combining Distributed Acoustic Sensing with CCTV footage, access control, and motion detection systems. The platform intelligently filters and prioritises alerts, distinguishing between genuine threats and environmental noise or weather disturbances. This automation significantly reduces false positives and improves incident response, all while decreasing reliance on manual patrols and static security personnel.

In fire detection and prevention, MaxView plays a critical role in environments where early intervention is vital, such as tunnels, data centres, and power grids. Overheating cables or equipment can lead to devastating fires if not caught in time. Utilising DTS, MaxView continuously monitors temperature profiles along infrastructure, issuing real-time alerts when heat levels exceed safe thresholds. Integrated with existing fire safety systems, the platform enables operators to act swiftly and effectively, preventing costly damage, unplanned outages, and potential safety violations.

Rail and transportation networks also benefit significantly from MaxView’s integrated approach. Infrastructure like tracks, tunnels, and signalling systems must operate reliably to avoid service disruptions and safety incidents.. The platform also enhances security by identifying unauthorised access, including trespassing or cable theft, which are common causes of downtime. By providing predictive maintenance insights, MaxView helps operators act proactively, minimising repair costs and reducing the risk of accidents or delays that could impact passenger safety and service punctuality.

The future of industrial decision-making

In high-stakes industries where every second counts, integrated monitoring is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. Fragmented systems can no longer keep pace with the speed and complexity of modern operations. Bandweaver’s MaxView software bridges that gap, delivering a unified platform that transforms disconnected data streams into real-time operational intelligence.

By combining advanced analytics, centralised dashboards, and intelligent alerting, MaxView empowers teams to respond faster, act smarter, and stay ahead of potential risks. Whether it’s detecting a pipeline leak, identifying a security breach, or predicting system failures before they happen, MaxView brings clarity and control to even the most complex environments.

Ready to see how MaxView can elevate your operations? Get in touch with Bandweaver today to schedule a demo or consultation.

Perimeter security systems are vital for protecting critical infrastructure such as airports, seaports, oil and gas facilities, defence compounds, and much more. Yet despite the importance of these systems, we commonly see organisations being let down by inefficient or unreliable solutions. The perimeter security landscape needs to change; organisations need reliable, cost-effective solutions that enhance perimeter security without causing additional issues such as false alarms, continuous breakdowns, or even missed threats.

At Bandweaver Technology, we’re making that change. Our cutting-edge fiber optic sensing solutions are designed to transform perimeter security, taking it from outdated, inefficient practices to new and improved solutions that keep organisations and their infrastructure safe. Step into the future of perimeter security and discover the unlimited potential of fiber optic sensing technology in this blog post.

False alarms & missed threats

Where security breaches are evolving, becoming more intelligent, more common and more devastating, perimeter security systems are failing to keep up. A common problem we’ve seen with several outdated systems is the frequency of false alarms; these waste both time and money as security teams must spend hours investigating harmless events such as animals, weather, or moving vegetation.

Traditional perimeter security systems like CCTV cameras, motion sensors, and fence-mounted sensors struggle with a range of problems. Blind spots are a frequent occurrence with these systems, limiting coverage areas to allow intruders to avoid detection if they can locate these blind spots. When used outdoors for perimeter security, these systems are susceptible to environmental interference from fog, rain, snow, and even bright sunlight, all of which affect reliability. One of the most significant issues with these systems is the delayed response times, that allow intruders to cause more damage. In high-security environments in particular, such as airports, ports, and oil refineries, just one delayed response could lead to catastrophic consequences.

What if your security system could think smarter?

Imagine the benefits of a system that can distinguish between threats, detecting if an event is an intruder climbing a fence or a stray animal, if a vehicle is approaching or if it’s just a strong wind, if it’s digging activity or normal vibrations. What if your system could even pinpoint the exact location of an intrusion, even miles away around the perimeter?

Fiber optic perimeter intrusion detection

Fiber optic sensing like our ZoneSentry, FenceSentry, and DualSentry systems revolutionises perimeter security. These systems use distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) technology to detect unusual or malicious vibrations as a result of an intrusion, monitoring the entire perimeter in real time with no blind spots. Fiber optic systems can be tailored to each application, allowing users to configure the system to account for environmental elements while still detecting real threats, reducing the likelihood of false alarms.

Owing to its design, fiber optic security systems will work in all conditions, no matter how extreme, as the system withstands fog, rain, darkness, or electromagnetic interference. This makes fiber optics the ideal solution for perimeter security in areas facing extreme weather conditions or remote locations. Yet the system’s durability doesn’t hinder its efficiency; fiber optic cables act as highly sensitive acoustic sensors, detecting vibrations along the perimeter and listening for specific patterns to distinguish which vibrations are caused by a threat. Using these vibrations, the system can identify an intruder climbing a fence, unaccounted-for vehicles approaching, or digging activity that indicates an attempted underground intrusion or damage to underground assets such as oil and gas pipelines or water supply. Intrusions are detected in real-time to allow for prompt response and are located at the precise point of the intrusion to allow organisations to head right to the source of an intrusion.

Why fiber optic sensing is a game-changer

The flaws of traditional security methods are common knowledge, not only to those providing or using the system but also to criminals and intruders as well, making them more vulnerable.

Alternatively, fiber optic-based perimeter intrusion detection offers users a wide array of benefits such as minimal false alarms, using intelligent configurations to filter out false alarms whilst still detecting real threats to allow security teams to respond promptly. Organisations also benefit greatly from 360-degree, real-time coverage with no blind spots, as fiber optic cables monitor the entire length of the perimeter simultaneously, making it the perfect solution for large or remote sites where physical security is difficult to extend across the entire perimeter.

The robustness of our fiber optic systems allows for all-weather, all-conditions protection as the sensing cables operate unaffected by rain, snow, fog, total darkness, and extreme temperatures as there is no reliance on cameras or motion detectors. This also means fiber optic is immune to electromagnetic interference, which makes it ideal for applications such as substations or industrial sites. For large perimeters, fiber optics is incredibly cost-effective. Just one fiber optic cable is able to cover tens or even hundreds of kilometres without requiring any active electronics or additional hardware along the perimeter. This means that the larger the site, the cheaper fiber optic is, with just one operator covering a vast area, making the cost per square meter lower as the coverage increases. Fiber optic is also low maintenance compared to security cameras and motion detectors, which can become damaged easily.

These factors make fiber optic sensing systems ideal for high-security industries such as airports and seaports to detect unauthorised access across vast areas, data centres, and substations to protect critical infrastructure from intrusions and sabotage, and oil and gas facilities to secure remote pipelines and refineries.

Smarter security for a safer future

Why waste your time and money on ineffective, costly, unreliable systems?

It’s time for a change; if your current system triggers too many false alarms, requires continuous maintenance just to keep running, or, most importantly, misses real threats, then it’s time you upgraded to fiber optic. At Bandweaver, we offer a range of intelligent, highly effective fiber optic sensing solutions specifically designed for high performance and continuous monitoring even in the toughest environments. No blind spots, no delayed responses, just simple, effective monitoring to keep businesses and their assets secure.

Ready to invest in the future of perimeter security?

Learn more about our cutting-edge fiber optic sensing systems and the vital role they play in securing organisations perimeters here.