Fiber Optic Intrusion Detection System Helps Protect Texas Airport

  • Sep 15, 2010

In mid-2009, a fiber optic intrusion detection system was installed on McAllen-Miller International Airport's perimeter fence. The system, known as Secure Fence, was developed by Future Fibre Technologies and, one year on, the airport's security department reports the system has performed impressively.

According to Donald "Buck" Taft, airport security coordinator at McAllen-Miller International Airport, the intrusion detection system was installed in response to security concerns over the number of commercial flights and the airport's proximity to Mexico.

"Overall, the Secure Fence system has provided an excellent enhancement to the physical security at McAllen-Miller International Airport," Taft said. The solution is cost effective and ideally suited to airport perimeter protection because of its ability to detect the location of intrusions anywhere on the airport's entire perimeter.

"Installation was extremely quick and simple -- the vendor simply zip-tied the cable onto the fence and connected it to a single head end controller in a central location. It took around two weeks to install and required very little construction, just a few hand holes for fiber splices along the fence."

The Secure Fencesystem consists of a single pass of fiber optic cable along the fence fabric for the entire protected perimeter. This passive sensor required no maintenance and is completely immune to EMI, RFI and lightning.

"MFE has a five mile perimeter and the Secure Fence(TM) system map identifies the event location with user-defined zones along with the GPS co-ordinates," Taft said.

The McAllen-Miller International Airport is located in the center of Texas' Rio Grand Valley, close to the U.S.-Mexican border.

"The Rio Grande Valley is located at the southern tip of Texas and is subject to heavy winds, high humidity and extremely hot temperatures," Taft said. “In fact, hurricanes and tropical storms have hit the area three times in the year and a half since Secure Fence was installed. In spite of these extreme weather conditions, the perimeter protection system has operated successfully without nuisance or false alarms.

"The system features a rain mitigation algorithm that accurately detects the location of an intrusion, regardless of weather conditions. The system has transformed the standard chain link fence surrounding the airport into an intelligent sensor that detects intruders automatically."

Featured

  • Maximizing Your Security Budget This Year

    Perimeter Security Standards for Multi-Site Businesses

    When you run or own a business that has multiple locations, it is important to set clear perimeter security standards. By doing this, it allows you to assess and mitigate any potential threats or risks at each site or location efficiently and effectively. Read Now

  • New Research Shows a Continuing Increase in Ransomware Victims

    GuidePoint Security recently announced the release of GuidePoint Research and Intelligence Team’s (GRIT) Q1 2024 Ransomware Report. In addition to revealing a nearly 20% year-over-year increase in the number of ransomware victims, the GRIT Q1 2024 Ransomware Report observes major shifts in the behavioral patterns of ransomware groups following law enforcement activity – including the continued targeting of previously “off-limits” organizations and industries, such as emergency hospitals. Read Now

  • OpenAI's GPT-4 Is Capable of Autonomously Exploiting Zero-Day Vulnerabilities

    According to a new study from four computer scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, OpenAI’s paid chatbot, GPT-4, is capable of autonomously exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities without any human assistance. Read Now

  • Getting in Someone’s Face

    There was a time, not so long ago, when the tradeshow industry must have thought COVID-19 might wipe out face-to-face meetings. It sure seemed that way about three years ago. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
Most   Popular

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • ComNet CNGE6FX2TX4PoE

    The ComNet cost-efficient CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is a six-port switch that offers four Gbps TX ports that support the IEEE802.3at standard and provide up to 30 watts of PoE to PDs. It also has a dedicated FX/TX combination port as well as a single FX SFP to act as an additional port or an uplink port, giving the user additional options in managing network traffic. The CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is designed for use in unconditioned environments and typically used in perimeter surveillance. 3

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening. 3

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis. 3