Intrusion detection products are shifting towards wireless and hybrid technology

Intrusion prevention software is well integrated with security hardware to offer ease of installation, modular designs and outstanding system flexibility

By Richa Chakravarty

Tuesday, September 16, 2014:  As the security and surveillance sector continues to grow, intrusion detection products are more in demand and have become increasingly advanced. Intrusion prevention systems (IPS), also known as intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS), are network security appliances that monitor network and/or system activities for malicious activity. The main function of an IPS is to identify malicious activity, log information about this activity, attempt to block or stop it and then report it.

What’s new in the market

Breaking the reign of decade-old wired technology, intrusion and detection devices are moving towards wireless technology. Manufacturers are now providing full-featured security systems for both residential and commercial requirements, as well as fire detection systems that comply with false alarm standards. The intrusion and prevention software is well integrated with security hardware devices to protect the premises and property. Hence, with the help of intrusion and detection systems, access to all major critical areas can be barred for unauthorised people. Let’s take a look at the latest products in the intrusion and detection space.

Wireless systems: Remote monitoring and management is one of the most critical features of a wireless intrusion and detection system. With remote management capabilities, there is no need for onsite programming, or the enabling and disabling of certain functions, which keeps service costs to a minimum. Wireless networks transfer information over the air. Earlier, reliability was a major issue for both manufacturers and users. But with advances in technology, false alarms in wireless systems and their reliability are no longer major challenges. These systems are easy to install and simple to use. They are available in modular designs with advanced software ensuring outstanding system flexibility to meet the needs of virtually any residential or commercial security application.

“The new wireless systems are more technologically advanced since they are stable, reliable, secure and user-friendly. They use the advanced GSM digital signal technology, which has highly integrated wireless communication code, remote appliance control and text messaging technology. This has been introduced with the idea of enabling ‘do-it-yourself’ techniques,” shares Prateek Verma, director of sales, Vantage Integrated Security Solutions (P) Ltd.

Bosch Security Systems offers intrusion panel integration that allows users to connect their security centre system to the Bosch GV2, GV3 and GV4 series of intrusion alarm panels. Communication with the panel is possible by using the Bosch intrusion panel protocol over a serial connection or a network TCP/IP network connection. Integration of intrusion devices is achieved through the security centre’s intrusion protocol.

Honeywell’s intrusion prevention systems range from intruder alarms, control panels and motion sensors to fully integrated intrusion and door control security installations. Its 5853 Wireless Glassbreak detector uses a FlexCore signal processor with an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) detector that gives false alarm immunity. It permits sound frequency, duration and amplitude to be analysed pretty fast, which minimises false alarms while maintaining a high level of detection. It can be mounted on any wall or ceiling within a range of 63.5 cm with no minimum range limitation. The LEDs in this wireless device indicate test mode, alarms and trouble conditions.

Smart sensor-based devices: Highly effective sensors are being integrated with wireless intrusion devices to sense hazardous emissions, harmful activity or the presence of intruders. These smart wireless tags are capable of communicating without raising false alarms. Most of the sensors can help in mitigating a particular situation via a central control station, automatically.

ADT MotionViewer is an innovative, sensor-based video intrusion detection system introduced by ADT Security Services. It integrates both digital motion sensor detection and video camera technologies in a simple battery-operated device. Hence, on detecting a motion, a 10-second real-time video capture is transmitted to ADT’s 24/7 central monitoring station. Through instant video confirmation, the monitoring station responds immediately by sending the video clip to the user, or neutralises the alarm in case of a false alarm. Being wireless and portable, MotionViewer can be installed anywhere, and the sensors can be hidden at any location specified by the user.

Manufacturers are also using infrared (IR) sensors that detect security breaches effectively and in real time, to generate spot alerts as well as remote alerts. Unlike the ultrasonic and photoelectric sensors, these IR sensors offer a wide range of detection techniques as well as operating accuracy.

PervCom Consulting Pvt Ltd, a Kolkata-based company, has developed a wireless infrared intrusion detection (WIID) device based on real time locating system (RTLS) and real time sensing system (RTSS) technology. The WIID system is an infrared-based perimeter security monitoring system that consists of multi-beam infrared sensors integrated with dual band (2.4 GHz) GSM wireless communication devices. These are placed along the designated perimeter. Wireless infrared sensors have the ability to operate in such dual radio bands, which guarantees that there is absolutely no loss of information.

Hybrid systems: Most manufacturers offer both wired and wireless solutions for intrusion and detection systems. The ability to add advanced wireless capabilities to a hardwired system makes this solution a preferred choice. Vantage’s intelligent intrusion alarm system,

VA-GS100K-W, can integrate with a lot of alarm accessories including a door sensor, smoke detector, gas detector, etc. It supports the GSM mobile network, and provides redundancy for extra stability. It allows up to 120 wireless defence zones and two wired zones. There are different zones in this system and, according to the requirements or during an emergency, it can dial a pre-set phone number. It supports the ISD automatic voice mailbox feature for playing back messages upon receiving an alert. It supports configuration via the keyboard, handset or SMS messages to the system. It allows remote control via the phone for arming, disarming, monitoring, remote announcements, etc.

Secureye’s S-A300 is a hybrid panel with GSM connectivity. It supports wireless as well as wired detectors and sends alarm notifications by GSM; hence, there is no need for a telephone line. “The best feature of the S-A300 is that the user can operate and control this detection system like any other electronic gadget such as an AC, oven, sliding doors, etc. It comes with eight wired and 16 wireless zones,” informs Krishna Mohan, product manager, biometrics and access control, Fortune Marketing Pvt Ltd, which offers Secureye products.

How to choose the right product

When buying an intrusion detection or prevention system, a buyer should always assess the benefits of both wired and wireless alarm systems. While wireless technology offers various benefits, its reliability is one major concern. Hence, the user should ensure that the product is procured from a reliable vendor who has thorough knowledge about installation and can provide good support. Though wireless systems and their components are more expensive compared to their hardwired counterparts, the installation time for wireless systems is shorter and involves far less hassles compared to a wired system.

When investing in a wireless solution, the buyer should weigh the benefits against the return on investment. The user should also look at the alert system required—whether an audio or video clipping of the alarm system is needed. Intrusion detection devices do tend to raise false alarms, so the user should be careful during the selection process.

“A buyer should consider the scalability and rigidity of the product. It is important to evaluate the best proposition, that is, examine all the security features and ascertain if the product delivers value for money. Also, rather than depending on any third person for installation or support, one should buy a product which is easy to install and manage,” concludes Prateek Verma.