Horizon – DAS
The Bandweaver Horizon technology is a sophisticated Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology which forms a key part of a perimeter monitoring and intrusion detection solution.
Bandweaver’s Horizon solution provides detection both above and below ground from a single unit or even with a single fibre optic cable. This can be applied to covert, buried, fence-mounted and wall-mounted perimeters.
FEATURES
Resistance to Cable Cut and Sabotage
Bandweaver’s Horizon DAS is dual channel, with each channel monitoring up to 50km of cable. When used in a loop configuration, the two-channel variant will continue to provide uninterrupted detection along the entire length. This remains true even if the cable is cut or damaged.
Minimising Nuisance Alarms
Our market-leading detection algorithms are able to develop an acoustic fingerprint of different events, enabling the distinction 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 ±5m
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 Horizon 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.
Multiple Fence Types
Due to its unique configuration capabilities, Horizon is suitable for a wider variety of fence and wall types without compromising location accuracy.
Combined Fence and Buried
Horizon can operate in fence/wall-mounted and buried scenarios using the same channel. This means there is no need to purchase multiple units or run separate cables to cover each application, enabling large cost savings.
Artificial Intelligence
Some of the key detection algorithms utilise advanced machine learning in order to improve detection and reduce nuisance alarms even further.
BENEFITS
- Location of events to within 5m
- Based on a 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 the precise location of an event for rapid action and effective troubleshooting
- Easy to install and low cost of ownership with low ongoing maintenance costs
APPLICATIONS
It is a very versatile technology and can be deployed across multiple applications. These include:
- Perimeter Intrusion Detection
- Pipeline Security
- Conveyor Belt Condition Monitoring
- Power Cable Integrity
- Telecoms Infrastructure Monitoring
- Rail and Road Monitoring
- Border Security
HOW IT WORKS
The Distributed Acoustic Sensor (DAS) measures the temperature along the fibre optic cable using a technique called Coherent Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (COTDR). The distributed acoustic sensor rapidly sends laser pulses into the optical fibre and measures the reflected light from the optical fibre 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 fibre, effectively turning the telecoms cable into a continuous series of microphones.
SYSTEM INTEGRATION
Bandweaver’s Maxview SCADA integration software is a proven solution to provide advanced visualisation and integration with existing security technologies deployed on site. Maxview provides a system mapping function, along with real time event management.
The Horizon IPC units also provide alarm management capabilities using event database management and seamless integration with other security technologies including DCS, CCTV and access control, to provide an effective integrated security solution.
INTRUSION DETECTION
With ever increasing threat levels it is 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 significantly lower full life cost of ownership.
Sectors
POWER & UTILITIES
BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
TRANSPORTATION
LAW ENFORCEMENT
OIL & GAS
IT & TELECOMS
Case Studies
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July 15, 2026
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June 17, 2026
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APPROVALS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Product Overview & Technical Capabilities
What types of threats can Horizon detect?
Horizon can categorise events into mechanical digging, manual digging, vehicles, and personnel walking near or on the protected boundary. Other user or project specific algorithms can also potentially be configured.
Is Horizon visible to intruders?
When installed underground, it is completely covert. Fence installations use a discreet fiber optic cable, which can be low-visibility or brightly marked if deterrence is desired.
What makes Horizon different from other intrusion detection systems?
It uses advanced signal processing to distinguish between real intrusion attempts and environmental noise, reducing false alarms.
How long a perimeter can Horizon protect?
Up to 100km with a single controller (50km in either direction on each of the channels).
What is the detection accuracy?
Depending on the configuration this typically is the range of 5-10m from the event.
Does it work in all weather conditions?
Yes – when buried it is unaffected by rain, snow, fog, extreme temperatures, or electromagnetic interference. When mounted on fence or walls, environmental algorithms can be used to minimise nuisance alerts due to wind or rain.
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 the system detect multiple, simultaneous events along the cable length?
Yes – the technology does not have limitations in detecting multiple events along the length at the same time.
Does the system use artificial intelligence?
Yes – the DASCM has machine learning capabilities for some of the detection algorithms that can be used to.
Does it require power in the field?
No – the sensing cable is completely passive; power is only needed at the control unit.
What is the difference between FenceSentry and Horizon?
The main differences are that Horizon can be mounted on both walls and can be buried. When it is buried, it can provide event classification in addition.
What is the difference between Horizon DAS and DualSentry DAS?
Horizon DAS is a longer-range system and can detect up to 50km per channel (up to 100km per system) whereas DualSentry can detect up to 10km per channel (up to 20km per system).
Installation & Integration
Can Horizon be retrofitted to an existing fence?
Yes – it can be attached to most chain link, palisade, or welded mesh fences without major modifications.
How is the buried cable installed?
In a narrow trench, typically 20–30cm deep, using ploughing or trenching machines.
Can the same cable be used for both fence and buried detection?
Yes – a single continuous cable can transition between fence-mounted and buried zones.
What is the typical installation time?
Varies by site; approx. 1–2km per day for fence installs, 3–5km per day for buried installs.
Is the system scalable?
Yes – additional zones or lengths can be added as required.
What interfaces does it support?
TCP/IP, dry contacts, Modbus, SNMP, and ONVIF for VMS integration.
Can the system be monitored remotely?
Yes – via Bandweaver’s MaxView software or customer’s existing security platform.
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.