Fence Sentry
The FenceSentry series of Distributed Acoustic Sensors (DAS) are optimised for Perimeter Intrusion Detection and provides detection and location of intrusion events with minimal nuisance events and false alarms.
FEATURES
Resistance to Cable Cut and Sabotage
Bandweaver’s FenceSentry is dual channel, with each channel monitoring up to 10km of cable. When used in a loop configuration, the two-channel variant will continue to provide uninterrupted detection along the perimeter. This remains true even if the cable is cut or damaged.
Minimising Nuisance Alarms
Our market-leading detection algorithms can distinguish between genuine security risks and extraneous environmental noise.
Location Accuracy
Advanced signal processing technology combined with intelligent algorithms enables fast and accurate identification of the specific location of a potential threat to within ±2m.
Lower Cost of Ownership
Overall reduced cost of installation and maintenance when compared with alternative technologies, plus no power or communications infrastructure needed in the field.
Integration
MaxView integrated monitoring platform is capable of seamlessly integrating FenceSentry with a wide variety of commonly used third-party systems, giving operational teams real-time information from a range of devices via a single interface. In addition, FenceSentry has 20 onboard relays for hardware interfacing.
Multiple Fence Types
Due to its unique configuration capabilities, FenceSentry is suitable for a wider variety of fence and wall types without compromising location accuracy.
BENEFITS
- Location of events to within 2m
- Based on single fiber optic sensing cable – no individual sensors, no metal or moving parts
- Robust and reliable instrumentation with no moving parts (fan free) and utilising high reliability telecom components
- Ability to react to precise location of event for rapid action and effective troubleshooting
- Easy to install and low cost of ownership with low ongoing maintenance costs
- High percentage system uptime (mean time between failures > 19 years) always giving complete coverage
APPLICATIONS
FenceSentry can be used as a PIDs system on a wide range of perimeters and fences. See the sector section for more details on the specific sectors in which FenceSentry can be deployed.
HOW IT WORKS
The Distributed Acoustic Sensor (DAS) measures the temperature along the fiber optic cable using a technique called Coherent Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (COTDR). The distributed acoustic sensor rapidly sends laser pulses into the fiber optic and measures the reflected light from the optical fiber sensing cable. The COTDR system returned a scattered signal that is mixed with a local oscillator and then filtered. By analysing the returned light at the Rayleigh frequencies, the distributed acoustic sensing system can create a distributed acoustic (or vibration) measurement along the entire length of the fiber, effectively turning the telecoms cable into a continuous series of microphones.
SYSTEM INTEGRATION
The Maxview Advantage
The FenceSentry system has an extremely flexible system architecture, enabling it to integrate either with Bandweaver’s Maxview SCADA software or with any third-party control systems.
With Maxview's loose coupling architecture, it can integrate multiple systems across multiple sites through a single, coherent, customisable, easy-to-install, and user-friendly interface.
INTRUSION DETECTION
Bandweaver utilises Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDS) to ensure that organisations are fully secure and to help reduce operational risk.
With ever-increasing threat levels, it’s important that organisations properly secure their assets. This starts at the perimeter of their sites, where there has never been a more important time to deploy robust, reliable and secure detection strategies to mitigate operational risk.
Prompt and highly accurate location information of a would-be intruder ensures a fast and appropriate response to minimise any loss. Ensuring that your perimeter intrusion detection system is fully integrated into your security solution provides real-time data. Therefore, creating the ability to track and respond to intruders.
Fiber optic technology is fast becoming the technology of choice. Especially for those organisations looking to deploy a cost-effective, reliable solution with a significantly lower full life cost of ownership.
Bandweaver’s advanced range of fiber optic intrusion detection solutions provides both covert buried and fence – or wall-mounted – detection capabilities from a single detection unit. With fully scalable systems for sites less than 5km to more than 100km, Bandweaver has the solution for you.
Sectors
POWER & UTILITIES
BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
TRANSPORTATION
LAW ENFORCEMENT
OIL & GAS
IT & TELECOMS
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Product Overview & Technical Capabilities
What is FenceSentry?
FenceSentry is a high-sensitivity fiber optic intrusion detection system designed specifically for fence-mounted applications. It detects cutting, climbing, lifting, and other tampering attempts on perimeter fences.
What types of fences can it be installed on?
It works on chain link, palisade, welded mesh, and many custom fence types, including topped fences with barbed or razor wire.
Is FenceSentry visible to intruders?
The fiber optic cable is discreet but can be made more visible with high visibility sheathing for deterrence.
How long a fence can FenceSentry protect?
Up to 10km per channel which means a single controller can protect up to 20km, depending on configuration.
What is the detection accuracy?
Typically within ±2 meters of the disturbance location.
How does it handle environmental conditions?
FenceSentry is immune to electromagnetic interference, cold, heat, heat mist and other low visibility conditions. With regards to hash rain or wind the system deploys environmental algorithms to filter out nuisance alerts caused by wind or rain.
Can it detect multiple intrusions at once?
Yes – multiple simultaneous events can be located and alarmed in real time.
What is the false alarm rate?
Very low – typically <1 per km per day when correctly installed and tuned.
Does it require power in the field?
No – the sensing cable is entirely passive; power is only needed at the control unit.
Installation & Integration
Can FenceSentry be retrofitted to an existing fence?
Yes – it attaches to existing fence fabric or posts with simple clips or cable ties.
Will installation damage my fence?
No – it uses non-invasive mounting methods.
What is the typical installation time?
Around 1–2 km per day per crew for standard chain link fencing.
Is the system scalable?
Yes – you can extend protected lengths and add new zones as your site grows.
Can it integrate with CCTV?
Yes – alarm zones can automatically cue cameras to the point of intrusion through the DASCM software. More advanced integration can be carried out with VMS/PSIM through MaxView.
Can I mix FenceSentry with buried detection?
For hybrid installations, DualSentry is recommended as it supports both fence and buried modes on one cable.
Commercial & Support
What is the typical warranty period?
Standard two years, extendable up to five years with a service agreement.
How long does the cable last?
Fiber optic sensing cables have a lifespan of 25+ years under normal conditions.
What maintenance is required?
Minimal – periodic system checks and cleaning of terminations.
Is training available for operators?
Yes – Bandweaver offers remote and on-site training for installers and end users.