IntroductionPerimeter security market: Big and growing

The perimeter security market is big - and it is growing. Two things account for the size of the market and growth trends in it:

The many technologies involved
A brief list of the technologies — and, hence, the companies - involved in perimeter security would include, according the Frost & Sullivan:

• Fencing Systems (taut wire, infrared/thermographic sensing): Fencing systems determine boundaries, deter casual intruders, control access, and create delays in the event of intrusion
• Fiber Optic: Glass fiber optic cable is used in video signals that communicate between short or long run locations. It is also used in remote sensing, buried under the secure side of a barrier and can sense light movements
• Intelligent CCTV: Intelligent CCTC analyzes specific behaviour patterns and algorithms and assesses the scene for security breaches. It possesses capabilities to alert the specific authorities through network systems
• Intrusion Detection System (IDS): Set detection systems and technologies that define, observe, control, and sense entry into a secure area
• Access Control System (ACS): This manages various combinations of entry, exit, and movement within sterile and non-protected areas. ACS is a subsystem that supports intrusion detection systems
• Next generation digital video recording: This refers to the video box that records, stores, manages and analyzes video streams
• Perimeter and access control: This refers to simple barriers, fences, identity badges and other means of intrusion control, as well as devices that help in access control at airports
• Closed-circuit Television (CCTV): This refers to the video system of a collection of CCTV cameras and surveillance that act as virtual barriers and assess the situation. The use of television cameras for close scrutiny and observation allows for quick response time
• Volumetric Sensing: Volumetric sending monitors the physical space adjacent to fence lines for system penetration
• Digital systems: Digital signal processing are used to evaluate alarms; characterized by very open architecture systems, large camera installations and a wide variety of technologies.

Booming passenger capacity
The increase in world travel — even if that increase has flattened during the recent economic slow down — will fuel technological upgrades and growth of strong perimeter security solutions.

According to F&S, increased efforts to protect critical airport infrastructure following 9/11 have led to increased budget allocations to combat security threats and protect airport perimeters. The result is that a more active approach has been adopted to install integrated security solutions that will be interoperable with new emerging technologies, as well as legacy security systems. Hence, large, system integrators are marking forays into the security market and forging partnerships with smaller niche companies to offer airport operators greater benefits.

The steady growth in the number of airline passengers means that airports will require strong, proactive security solutions. “The perimeter still remains a vulnerable target for terrorism, which, as history has shown, is highly adaptable,” remarks the author of a recent F&S study on the topic. “As a result, increased funds allocation is expected toward new technology and protection initiatives, especially in countries witnessing the largest influx of airline passengers.”

The direction: Layered technology solutions
The main boost in airport perimeter security will come from networking. A greater number of airports are switching to digital networks, making it essential to network all security solutions to the main command, control, and communications (C3) center. Further, as layered technology security solutions gain importance, integrated network systems are likely to drive increased airport sales. “Interoperable and layered security solutions, which feature open architecture structures will become crucial for existing airport operators,” notes the F&S analyst.