Zone Sentry
ZoneSentry is a zone-based perimeter intrusion detection system, which utilises fiber optic sensing technology. The solution provides real time monitoring of vibrations on the perimeter and key assets within, enabling rapid detection and communication of intrusion events.
The system is based on fiber optic vibration monitoring technology. By attaching the fiber optic sensing cable to the external perimeter or on key assets you can detect the vibrations associated with intrusion events and rapidly detect and take action to prevent damage or theft.
FEATURES
The system has a zone-based approach and can have up to eight zones per unit. Each zone can be 1km in length (with up to a 10km lead-in, insensitive length). Each zone is effectively a fiber optic loop with a Zone Activation Unit at the start, which activates the zone – making it sensitive to vibration. The zones can be configured individually and so different sensitivities can be applied across the installation.
BENEFITS
- Simple and low cost of installation
- Cable immune to radio frequency or electromagnetic interference
- Up to 8km of perimeter monitoring per unit
- Location of event within a user-defined zone
- Custom configuration of zone sensitivity – minimise nuisance alarms
- Flexible and versatile
- Simple integration with existing software
APPLICATIONS
- Power, utilities and substations
- Renewable energy including Solar PV farms and battery storage
- Telecoms cell towers
- Storage yards and compounds
- Wellheads, block valves and pumping stations
HOW IT WORKS
The ZoneSentry system is based on the principle of the Sagnac interferometer. Fiber-based Sagnac loop sensors, as opposed to all other types of common interferometers, have the unique advantage of providing the same physical path for the two counter-propagating light waves that create the optical interference, hence eliminating signal fading problems due to path instabilities caused by environmental disturbances.
This technology has a number of benefits, including:
- High stability
- Self-balancing characteristics
- Compact structure
- Simplicity – single-zone activation unit and otherwise standard fiber optic cable
SYSTEM INTEGRATION
The MaxView Advantage
The ZoneSentry can be integrated as a standalone system or with Bandweaver’s MaxView integration software and so has very good versatility with regard to interfacing with different security VMS and PSIM packages.
Below is an example of a four-zone integration with integration for CCTV for each of the respective zones through a DVR system:
SENSING CABLE CONFIGURATION
Bandweaver recommends the use of the FenceLine vibration sensing cable (see datasheet). Installation of the cable should be carried out according to Bandweaver installation guidelines.
Please contact your Bandweaver representative for more details.
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 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 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 ZoneSentry?
ZoneSentry is a fiber optic intrusion detection solution designed for short-to-medium range applications where detection is required in clearly defined zones rather than along the entire cable length.
How is ZoneSentry different from other Bandweaver intrusion detection systems?
Unlike FenceSentry or DualSentry, which give precise intrusion location, ZoneSentry is configured to alarm when activity occurs anywhere within a predefined zone, making it cost-effective for smaller perimeters or specific assets.
What types of perimeters or assets can it protect?
ZoneSentry is ideal for gates, access points, building façades, storage compounds, substations, and rooftop perimeters.
Is it suitable for high-security sites?
Yes – it’s commonly used for critical infrastructure where perimeter breaches must be immediately detected.
How many zones can ZoneSentry monitor?
The ZoneSentry has four or eight zones per controller. However, some sites use multiple ZoneSentry controllers per site if more than eight zones are required.
What is the detection method?
Vibration and movement sensing via fiber optic cable, using zone specific filtering to reject environmental noise.
What is the detection range per zone?
Each zone length can be configured from 50m to up to 2km.
How does it handle environmental conditions?
ZoneSentry is immune to electromagnetic interference, cold, heat, mist and other low visibility conditions. With regards to hash rain or wind the sensitivity of each zone can be tuned to find the balance between minimising nuisance alerts while maintaining a high probability of detection for intrusion events.
Does it require power in the field?
No – the sensing cable is completely passive; power is only needed at the control unit.
Installation & Integration
Where is the fiber cable installed?
It can be mounted to fences, walls, or rooftops, or placed underground for certain applications.
Is installation disruptive?
No – cable can be surface-mounted or clipped with minimal site disturbance.
Can it be used with existing security infrastructure?
Yes – integrates easily with CCTV, alarms, and access control systems.
What integration protocols are supported?
TCP/IP, dry contact relays & Modbus. Additional integration and visualisation can be provided with MaxView software.
How is a zone defined?
A zone is a physical cable section between Zone Activation Units (ZAU) and spliced loop termination points.
Is it scalable?
Yes – more zones can be added by expanding the system or adding additional controllers.
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.
Can the system be monitored remotely?
Yes – via Bandweaver’s MaxView platform or integration into your existing monitoring system.