Electronic Intrusion Detection Systems - Term Paper Example

Electronic Intrusion Detection Systems Student’s Name Institution Electronic Intrusion Detection Systems Introduction Security is a big concern for most individuals and organisations a like, which has led to development of various ways of developing security measures to keep out intruders. The aim of such security measures is to offer protection for valuables and to keep away intruders. This led to the idea of erecting perimeter walls as a way of keeping out intruders. However, perimeter walls have proven insufficient in keeping out intruders. This is return has led to loss of valuables and destruction of property by intruders. Therefore, in an effort to offer more protection electronic intrusion detection systems were developed. These systems are integrated with perimeter walls in ensuring that security is highly bolstered. However, unlike perimeter walls external intrusion detection systems, are capable of deterring intruders even before they intrude. This is based on the fact that EIDS are powered by technology that has the ability of detecting any activities out of the norm. Therefore, by integrating use of perimeter walls and EIDS security is highly assured (Purpura 2011). Additionally, intruders have devised new ways of intruding into protected area. This in return has proven to be quite a challenging factor for perimeter walls, meaning that even with perimeter walls erected intruders still manage to get in. however, with the integration with integration of EIDS it has become quite easy to fight off such intrusion. This in return does not mean that the systems do not face challenges in their effort toward off intruders. Therefore, this has led to development of various technological developments in an effort to ensure the best EIDS (Garcia 2007). As earlier stated EDISs are integrated with perimeter walls which could prove quite difficult in achieving their objectives. This is attributed to the fact that EDISs are exposed to harsh weather conditions which could greatly hamper the manner in which they perform their objectives. However, the technological developments have led to innovation of numerous EDISs. Each EDIS compares differently to each other in terms of how it detects intruders. Additionally, the various EDISs are affected differently by weather. Therefore, each type of EDIS has its own ways of adopting to weather changes (Spellman & Stoudt 2011). However, the type of technology or system adopted is dependent on various factors such as; Topography of an area The topography of an area greatly determines the type of system to be adopted. This is attributed to the fact that, certain systems such as microwave sensors perform best in flat areas. However, systems such as ported coaxial cables have the ability to perform in areas that are not flat. Therefore, before installing an intrusion system an individual should consider the topography of the region (Spellman & Stoudt 2011). Cost of maintenance The cost of maintenance and installation of an intrusion system also greatly determines the kind of system adopted. This is because certain system require higher costs of installation and maintenance. Therefore, cost does in deed play a great role in determining the kind of system adopted (Seger 2003). Property being protected In addition to the above factors, it is important to put into consideration the kind of property being protected. Certain properties would not require sophisticated intrusion detection systems. However, other properties will require complex systems. Additionally, certain properties will require integration of more than one system based on their value (Purpura 2011). Types of external intrusion detection technologies As earlier stated there are various type of EIDS that are used by individuals and organisations a like. The type of system adopted depends on its ability to keep out intruders and the various advantages associated with the use of such a system (Seger 2003). However, some of the most common detection systems are; Microwave sensors Microwave sensors are used to detect movement in a given area by use of electric fields flooded in the given area. Any movement in the given area break the electric field generates an alarm notifying security personnel of an intrusion. This method is usually used in flat areas so as to maintain an intact electric field. However, they can only be used in narrow perimeter regions, thus limiting their applicability to a small area. This is attributed to the fact that, a wide perimeter zone is more likely to dilute the strength of the electric field, thus making it quite impossible to detect intruders. The microwave sensors operate through the transition of microwave signals in the form of X band. However, it should be noted that these signals do not pose any health effects on humans. Therefore, this makes this system quite safe to use. As earlier stated the signal strength greatly determines the ability of the ability of the system in fighting off intruders. Therefore, in line with this statement, microwave signal are usually transmitted by the help of antennae. The antennae could be adjusted to a particular height and spaces in-between in an effort to ensure maximum strength of the signals (Fay 2010). Sources of nuisance alarms Microwave sensors are greatly affected by extreme weather which leads to constant triggering of alarms. The first few seconds of a heavy downpour is more likely to affect the microwave sensors causing nuisance alarms. Additionally, water puddles could also cause nuisance alarms especially when wind blows over them. This is because blowing wind generates ripples which interfere with microwave signals leading to nuisance alarm. In addition to this, flying debris could also cause nuisance alarms if such debris are icy or wet. This is attributed to the reflective nature of water. Therefore, going by these factors microwave sensors could prove to be a better option for detection of intruders (Garcia 2007). Electric field sensors Electric field sensors on the other hand comprise of poles connected together with wires strung in between them. However, the wire strung to the poles are normally two; the field wire and the sense wire and are normally parallel to each other. The filed wire is fed with an electric current leading to the creation of an electromagnetic field around it. The sense wire on the other hand, couples some of the energy and feeds the energy to a monitor. The monitor analyses the coupled energy and helps in detecting any changes in the energy level. Therefore, when an individual walks into the electromagnetic field the monitors is capable of detecting the intrusion. This is attributed to the fact that the monitors analyses the dielectric level, which in humans is 100 times more than that found in air. Therefore, a human being disturbs the coupled energy leading to the triggering of an alarm (Purpura 2012). Sources of nuisance Electric field sensors are prone to nuisance alarms especially in instances whereby they are poorly installed. Therefore, it is quite important to ensure that the poles are properly affixed to the aground and the wires are properly strung to the poles. Extreme weather conditions such as heavy rainfall and heavy snowfall could cause nuisance alarms. However, this should only be for a few minutes, since electric field sensors have the ability of recognize the raining pattern. Therefore, as it becomes accustomed to the rain it will ignore the rainfall. This is ability assists it in detecting intruders even in extreme weather conditions (Purpura 2013). Active infrared sensors Active infrared sensors involve the use of infrared beams that break upon disturbance by object. The break results from reduction or loss of the infrared being transmitted to the receiver. This in return leads to the triggering of an alarm. One of the most important advantage of infrared beams is the fact that they are invisible to naked eye. Therefore, this is means that it is quite impossible for intruders to detect the presence of infrared beams, thus making it a suitable form of detecting intruders. However, for infrared beams to be effective there have to be two columns parallel to each other. On one column is the transmitter which transmits the infrared beams. The other column, on the hand, contains receivers that picks and analyse the infrared beams transmitted. The receivers are capable of determining the volume of infrared beams being transmitted, thus the ability to detect intruders (Purpura 2011). Sources of nuisance Active infra-red sensors are prone to extreme weather especially when it snows heavily. This is attributed to the fact that, snow may cover the receiver triggering an alarm. Additionally, bright sunlight has the ability to cause nuisance alarm especially if it shines directly to the receiver. Therefore, going by these statement it is quite clear that infrared sensors are highly culpable to extreme weather which could compromise their ability to deter intruders (Spellman & Stoudt 2011). Fence disturbance sensors Fences disturbance sensors, on the other hand, are mounted on chain-link fences with an aim of detecting any disturbance of the fence. The disturbance constitutes anything from noise or motion on the chain-link resulting from an intruder trying to climb over the fence. Additionally, the sensors have the ability to detect intruders trying to cut their way through the fence. This is attributed to the fact that intruders in most cases will generate two kind of disturbances as they try to make their way over the fence. The first disturbance is reference to low frequency as a result of the friction of the intruder’s fabrics. The second disturbance on the other hand is high frequency which arises from the shocks caused by the chain-link as the intruder tries to make his way over the fence. Therefore, once these frequencies are generated, they are transmitted to processor which analyses the frequencies. If the frequencies surpass a set out threshold then an alarm is triggered off deterring the intruder while at the same time notifying security of an intruder (Seger 2003). Sources of noise Fence disturbance sensors could be affected by extreme weather such as heavy rainfall or strong winds. However, the frequencies generated by such events is dependent on the manner in which installation was conducted. Additionally, the tension of the chain-link will greatly determine the amount of frequencies generated (Spellman & Whiting 2009). Ported Coaxial Cable Systems This system is one of the most sophisticated type of the intrusion detection system compared to the other forms of intrusion detection systems. This attributed to the fact that, the system is placed below the ground. The system comprises of two ported coaxial cables buried in the ground and run parallel to each other. In addition to this, this system comprises of a processing unit which is responsible of analysing the disturbance. The system performs its duties by creating an electromagnetic field above the ground. This is achieved by placing the transmitter on one cable and the receiver on the other cable. When an intruder comes into contact with the electromagnetic field becomes distorted. This distortion triggers an alarm if it is deemed to have surpassed a set out threshold. Sources of noise The nuisance alarm rate of ported coaxial cables is quite low, however, the alarm could easily be triggered as a result of flowing water or ripples caused by wind blowing over the water. However, this is dependent on the set out threshold of disturbance. Therefore, this means that weather does not greatly affect the system in the detection of intruders. Conclusion In conclusion, perimeter wall have proven to be quite insufficient in offering protection to valuables and properties. This is due to the fact that, perimeter walls alone do not have the ability to detect intruders. Therefore, this means that intruders are capable of easily accessing the property without the knowledge of the owner. However, this could be remedied with the integration of external detection intrusion systems. These systems have the ability to detect intruders even before making their way into the property. Therefore, external detection intrusion systems have come a long way in ensuring that safety of property and valuables is assured. This is attributed to the fact that, the various existing EDISs have the ability to offer the required security. Additionally, the fact that the systems operate differently means that each system has its own benefits of the other. Therefore, an individual has a variety of security system to choose from for the benefit of the property being protected. References Baker, P.R & Benny, D.J (2012). The Complete Guide to Physical Security. Florida: CRC Press. Garcia, M.L (2007). Design and Evaluation of Physical Protection Systems (2nd ed.). Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann. Fay, J (2010). Contemporary Security Management (3rd ed.). Elsevier Landoll, D (2012). The Security Risk Assessment Handbook: A Complete Guide for Performing Security Risk Assessments, Second Edition (2nd ed.). Florida: CRC Press. Seger, S.A (2003). Utility Security: The New Paradigm. PennWell: PennWell Books. Spellman, F.R & Stoudt, M.L (2011). Nuclear Infrastructure Protection and Homeland Security. Government Institutes. Spellman, F.R & Whiting, N.E (2009). The Handbook of Safety Engineering: Principles and Applications. Government Institutes. Purpura, P (2011). Terrorism and Homeland Security: An Introduction with Applications. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann. Purpura, P (2013). Security and Loss Prevention: An Introduction (6th ed.). Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann. Purpura, P.P (2011). Security: An Introduction. Florida: CRC Press. Read More

Therefore, before installing an intrusion system an individual should consider the topography of the region (Spellman & Stoudt 2011). Cost of maintenance The cost of maintenance and installation of an intrusion system also greatly determines the kind of system adopted. This is because certain system require higher costs of installation and maintenance. Therefore, cost does in deed play a great role in determining the kind of system adopted (Seger 2003). Property being protected In addition to the above factors, it is important to put into consideration the kind of property being protected.

Certain properties would not require sophisticated intrusion detection systems. However, other properties will require complex systems. Additionally, certain properties will require integration of more than one system based on their value (Purpura 2011). Types of external intrusion detection technologies As earlier stated there are various type of EIDS that are used by individuals and organisations a like. The type of system adopted depends on its ability to keep out intruders and the various advantages associated with the use of such a system (Seger 2003).

However, some of the most common detection systems are; Microwave sensors Microwave sensors are used to detect movement in a given area by use of electric fields flooded in the given area. Any movement in the given area break the electric field generates an alarm notifying security personnel of an intrusion. This method is usually used in flat areas so as to maintain an intact electric field. However, they can only be used in narrow perimeter regions, thus limiting their applicability to a small area.

This is attributed to the fact that, a wide perimeter zone is more likely to dilute the strength of the electric field, thus making it quite impossible to detect intruders. The microwave sensors operate through the transition of microwave signals in the form of X band. However, it should be noted that these signals do not pose any health effects on humans. Therefore, this makes this system quite safe to use. As earlier stated the signal strength greatly determines the ability of the ability of the system in fighting off intruders.

Therefore, in line with this statement, microwave signal are usually transmitted by the help of antennae. The antennae could be adjusted to a particular height and spaces in-between in an effort to ensure maximum strength of the signals (Fay 2010). Sources of nuisance alarms Microwave sensors are greatly affected by extreme weather which leads to constant triggering of alarms. The first few seconds of a heavy downpour is more likely to affect the microwave sensors causing nuisance alarms. Additionally, water puddles could also cause nuisance alarms especially when wind blows over them.

This is because blowing wind generates ripples which interfere with microwave signals leading to nuisance alarm. In addition to this, flying debris could also cause nuisance alarms if such debris are icy or wet. This is attributed to the reflective nature of water. Therefore, going by these factors microwave sensors could prove to be a better option for detection of intruders (Garcia 2007). Electric field sensors Electric field sensors on the other hand comprise of poles connected together with wires strung in between them.

However, the wire strung to the poles are normally two; the field wire and the sense wire and are normally parallel to each other. The filed wire is fed with an electric current leading to the creation of an electromagnetic field around it. The sense wire on the other hand, couples some of the energy and feeds the energy to a monitor. The monitor analyses the coupled energy and helps in detecting any changes in the energy level. Therefore, when an individual walks into the electromagnetic field the monitors is capable of detecting the intrusion.

This is attributed to the fact that the monitors analyses the dielectric level, which in humans is 100 times more than that found in air.

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