The 7 Best Business Perimeter Security Solutions: All You Need to Know

This is the most complete and easy-to-read list of all the business perimeter security solutions.

How can you decide which of the many outdoor perimeter security solutions on the market today is best for your business? Each has its own pros and cons, fits different budgets, meets various needs, and has its own limits.

No need to worry. We’ve got you covered.

Here, we look at how each security solution compares in terms of coverage, cost, dependability, pros, and cons. We also give you extra helpful information based on our many years of working in the physical security industry.

Plenty of perimeter security solutions are available right now in the market but if you want to find an exterior perimeter security solution that fits your organization’s needs and is right for your industry, you’ll love our in-depth look at the top 7 solutions.

Let’s get started.

1. Surveillance cameras and remote video monitoring

Surveillance cameras and remote video monitoring make the outside of your business more secure by using real-time video footage to confirm alarms.

COVERAGE

It depends on the specific cameras and live monitoring system in use.

Usually between 100 and 1800 feet.

BUDGET

It will differ depending on the number and type of security cameras used, as well as the sophistication of the monitoring system.

Usually between 300$ and 6500$ / camera.

RELIABILITY

It varies depending on the quality and durability of the cameras and other system components, as well as the quality of installation and maintenance.

APPLICABLE INDUSTRIES

Most industries including car dealerships, construction, condos, cities, parking lots, truck yards, and others.

PROS

• There are different configuration customization choices depending on the needs of the company.
• Surveillance cameras and remote video monitoring enable continuous security camera monitoring of a location even when no one is present.
• A security operator can confirm the alarm before your pre-set procedure is carried out. For example, the operator can use voice-talk down or call the police to stop the crime before it is too late.

CONS

• The configuration is more complex than for other perimeter security solutions.
• Sometimes alarms go off for no reason or do not go off when they should. So, it is important to set up the cameras correctly and check the performance of the monitoring system regularly.
• Ask your security installer to collaborate with the security operation center to schedule regular walkthroughs.

For the most cost-effective solution for your business, should you use regular or thermal cameras with advanced analytics?

Here are some quick facts about each to help you decide which one to choose.

Regular camera with advanced analytics

How it works

Regular surveillance video cameras with advanced analytics generate an alarm when a specific object or type of object is recognized. We count human bodies as objects. 

It usually involves using computer vision and machine learning algorithms to examine the security camera footage in real-time.

To set up such a system, the user must classify the object or type of object they want to be able to detect. It involves labeling many examples of the object in question so that the system can learn to recognize it.

Detecting priorly classified objects based on their shape

Once the system has learned from these examples, it should be able to find the object in future video feeds and trigger an alarm if it does.

Conclusion

Regular cameras can protect your business from crimes by recognizing the presence of certain objects or types of activity in real-time in well-lit areas.

This is our top pick for sites with adequate light sources because it is typically less expensive than thermal cameras.

Thermal cameras with advanced analytics

How it works

Thermal cameras can find people by picking up the heat that they give off. The camera comes with a sensor that is sensitive to infrared light. When the sensor detects infrared radiation in its field of view, it renders an image that shows how warm different things are in the scene.

Detecting humans behind obstacles and in darkness

The human body gives off a lot of heat, and as a result, people tend to stand out in an image produced by a thermal camera.

Even if a person is hiding behind a wall or another obstacle, the camera can still pick up the heat coming from their body.

Because they do not need visible light to see, thermal cameras can also find people when there is not much light or when it is completely dark.

Conclusion

Thermal cameras are effective for protecting your business against crime when lighting is insufficient and the coverage area is expansive.

For more scenarios where thermal cameras are the best choice to protect your business, read “Thermal Cameras: 3 Good Reasons to Get Them for Top Perimeter Security”

Summary

	SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS + REMOTE LIVE MONITORING
TECHNOLOGY	Cameras with AI analytics
COVERAGE	100 to 1800 feet
BUDGET	300$ to 6500$
INDUSTRIES	Most industries
MAIN ADVANTAGE	Numerous configuration customization option based on the demands of the organization.
MAIN DISADVANTAGE	Configuration is complex.

2. Security radars

Security radars employ radio waves to detect the presence and movement of objects in a certain area.

COVERAGE

It depends on the range and capabilities of the specific system in use.

Usually between 120 and 2000 feet.

BUDGET

It varies according to the system’s size and complexity, as well as the exact features and capabilities requested.

Usually between 600$ and 10 000$ / radar.

RELIABILITY

It is determined by the system’s quality and the conditions in which it is employed.

Factors such as system maintenance quality and environmental conditions can also have an impact on reliability.

APPLICABLE INDUSTRIES

Industrial, automotive dealerships, and cities are among the businesses that can benefit from security radars.

PROS

• It can find the presence and movement of people and objects in a large area, whether there is light or not. 
• It offers the most security for the money paid. It runs continuously without the need for direct human oversight.

CONS

• It might not be able to give accurate information about the objects it detects.
• It may be sensitive to interference from other sources.
• As perimeter security solutions, radars can be expensive to buy and maintain.

How can you improve the performance of your security radars?

Add a PTZ camera to your radar security system

A PTZ (Pan, Tilt, Zoom) camera zooms in and provides security video footage when the radar detects the presence or movement of an object. The security operator can then analyze the situation and put the pre-determined security procedure into action.

There are many kinds of PTZ cameras.

Summary

	SECURITY RADARS
TECHNOLOGY	Radio waves
COVERAGE	120 to 2000 feet
BUDGET	600$ to 10,000$
INDUSTRIES	Industrial, Car dealerships, cities, and more
MAIN ADVANTAGE	It does not require light to operate.
MAIN DISADVANTAGE	It is expensive.

3. Short-range outdoor motion detectors (dual-tech)

Dual-tech short-range motion detectors use two different technologies, like infrared and microwave, to identify people or objects in a small area.

COVERAGE

Depending on the product, it is intended to cover a small to the medium-sized area.

Usually 40 x 40 feet.

BUDGET

It varies according to the device’s sensitivity, range, and durability.

Usually between 80 to 200$ / device.

RELIABILITY

In general, it is considered reliable for short distances. However, keep in mind that every security device is prone to false alarms or other issues.

Before making a purchase, it is important to read reviews carefully and look into the company’s reputation as a whole.

Your security installer can help you figure out which solution is best for your business.

APPLICABLE INDUSTRIES

Although this device is suitable for the majority of organizations, we rarely advise its use due to the impracticality of testing it.

PROS

• The detections are immediate.
• By using two technologies together, this device can make it less likely that weather or animals will cause false alerts.
• Most dual-tech outdoor motion detectors with a short range are easy to set up and can be mounted on the ceiling or the wall.
• It is among the most affordable perimeter security devices & systems available on the market.
• Depending on the device, the user may be able to change the sensitivity levels or customize the coverage area to better suit their needs.

CONS

• This device is meant to cover a short distance, so it might not be good for large areas.
• The only way to find out if these types of motion detectors are broken is to do a test that requires someone to be on the site. So, if the device is broken and we do not know about it, an intrusion might not be noticed.

*** We do not recommend short-range motion detectors due to the impracticality of testing them.

Summary

	SHORT RANGE MOTION DETECTORS
TECHNOLOGY	Infrared and / or Microwave
COVERAGE	40 x 40 feet
BUDGET	80$ to 200$
INDUSTRIES	Can fit most, though not generally advised
MAIN ADVANTAGE	The detections are immediate
MAIN DISADVANTAGE	The detecting range is short

4. Long-range outdoor motion detectors

Long-range motion detectors use infrared or microwave technology to find people or objects in large outdoor areas.

COVERAGE

It varies depending on the product, but it is usually intended to cover a vast area, such as a perimeter fence or a large outdoor space.

Usually between 70 to 330 feet.

BUDGET

It fluctuates according to the device’s sensitivity, range, and durability.

Usually between 200 to 1000$ / device.

RELIABILITY

It relies on the product’s quality and the conditions in which it is utilized.

It can generate many false events for no clear cause.

APPLICABLE INDUSTRIES

Any area without any obstacle nearby.

PROS

• It can detect movement from a great distance away and immediately.
• It is not expensive.

CONS

• It can give off a lot of false alarms for no clear reason, making it hard to figure out what is wrong.
• Just like with short-range motion detectors, the only way to tell if this type of long-range motion detector is broken is to do a test that requires someone to be at the site. So, if the compromised device is not found, an intrusion might not be identified.

*** We can no longer recommend long-range motion detectors due to the impracticality of testing them.

We believe that it was a good product many years ago, but today there are significantly superior and more reliable technologies available today.

Summary

	LONG-RANGE MOTION DETECTORS
TECHNOLOGY	Infrared and / or Microwave
COVERAGE	70 to 330 feet
BUDGET	200$ to 1000$
INDUSTRIES	Any organization whose perimeter is clear of obstacles.
MAIN ADVANTAGE	The detections are immediate.
MAIN DISADVANTAGE	If there are moving obstacles on the perimeter, the false detection rate is significant.

5. Photoelectric sensors

Photoelectric sensors use a beam of light to identify the presence of an object or an individual.

They add an extra layer of security to the outside of your facility.

COVERAGE

It depends on the model and the intensity of the beam of light. Some models have a narrow beam that detects objects a few inches away, while others have a wide beam that detects objects at many feet away. 

Usually between 50 to 500 feet.

BUDGET

It varies greatly based on the product’s characteristics and quality.

Usually between 300$ to 5000$ / sensor.

RELIABILITY

It relies on the product’s quality and the conditions in which it is utilized.

Trustworthy brands provide a high level of detection reliability.

APPLICABLE INDUSTRIES

Any business whose outdoor perimeter is linear.

PROS

• It detects the existence of an object with great precision and has a low false detection rate.
• It has a long lifespan and requires little upkeep, making it cost-effective in the long run.
• It comes in many different shapes, sizes, and beam intensities so that it can be used for a wide range of tasks.

CONS

• There is no volumetric detection within the perimeter. Volumetric detection is a method for detecting objects or changes in a defined three-dimensional space, usually by analyzing data from sensors or perimeter security camera systems. Photoelectric sensors rely on image-based object detection. It looks at each frame or image separately.
• To work right, there can be nothing between the receiving and sending terminals. Because of this, it is very important to keep the detecting path clear during the winter.
• You might need more than one of the security devices to cover a height of 12 feet.

Summary

	PHOTOELECTRIC SENSORS
TECHNOLOGY	Beam light
COVERAGE	50 to 500 feet
BUDGET	300$ to 5000$
INDUSTRIES	Any organization whose outdoor perimeter is linear.
MAIN ADVANTAGE	Low rate of false detection.
MAIN DISADVANTAGE	No volumetric detection within the perimeter.

6. Underground vibration sensors

Underground vibration sensors are usually used to protect critical infrastructure, military bases, and other high-security sites.

They measure how the ground or soil moves in order to find any possible intrusions.

COVERAGE

It is determined by the type of sensor and its range.

Some sensors have a few meters of range, while others can span several kilometers.

BUDGET

It depends on the sensor’s characteristics and capabilities, as well as the number being purchased.

Prices can range from a few hundred dollars for a sensor with few features to several thousand dollars for a sensor with many features.

RELIABILITY

It varies according to the quality of the sensor and the operating conditions.

A vibration sensor’s reliability can be affected by its surroundings (such as temperature, humidity, and debris), the type of soil or ground material, and the frequency and strength of the vibrations being measured.

APPLICABLE INDUSTRIES

Data centers, high-security government buildings, and laboratories are all places that can benefit from underground vibration sensors.

PROS

• Criminals cannot figure out where the detection zone is, which makes it hard for them to cheat the system.
• It allows for continual monitoring of the ground around a facility, which can help spot potential intruders before they reach the perimeter.
• It operates in hazardous or difficult situations and is ideal for locations with numerous obstacles.
• It can be used to measure a wide range of frequencies and levels.

CONS

• Snow can stop the system from working because it stops the vibrations. So, the snow needs to be cleared from the detection points.
• You cannot put the vibration sensors near a road. Depending on how far away they are, cars and trucks can set off the system and cause false alarms.
• This perimeter security solution can be somewhat expensive due to the installation time and required technology.

Summary

	UNDERGROUND VIBRATION SENSORS
TECHNOLOGY	Vibrations
COVERAGE	Few meters to several kilometers
BUDGET	Few hundreds to several thousands
INDUSTRIES	Data centers, High security government buildings, laboratories, and more.
MAIN ADVANTAGE	Invisible secured area making it an undetectable perimeter security solution.
MAIN DISADVANTAGE	It is expensive.

7. Fence sensors

Fence perimeter security sensors detect and warn when someone enters or exits a perimeter through a fence.

They are frequently used to enhance security and prevent unauthorized access in high-security establishments such as prisons.

COVERAGE

Depending on their type and sensitivity, they cover a certain length of the fence.

Some fence sensors cover a vast region, while others target specific points or portions.

BUDGET

The size, complexity, and features of the system and sensors affect perimeter security fence solutions costs.

They may cost several thousand to several hundred thousand dollars.

RELIABILITY

It depends on product quality and usage conditions. Some fence perimeter security sensors work better in specific climates or settings.

To choose the best product, you should talk to your security expert or any good perimeter security companies.

APPLICABLE INDUSTRIES

Any gated facility that requires a high level of protection.

PROS

• When it is well-maintained, it gives off few false alarms and can tell if someone cuts, climbs, or lifts the steel mail.

CONS

• This perimeter security solution must always be in perfect working order. If the meshes are not tightened when it is windy, there will be a lot of false alarms.
• A person can be lifted into the yard without setting off the alarm using a platform. In this way, a possible thief could do a lot of damage.

The first line of defense

As a first line of defense, we recommend installing fence sensors. We believe a second protection zone is necessary.

So, if a break-in happens, an extra solution like monitored security cameras will be capable of catching it.

Summary

	FENCE SENSORS
TECHNOLOGY	Fiber optic, Cable-based, etc.
COVERAGE	Precise points or vast areas
BUDGET	Several thousand to several hundred thousand dollars
INDUSTRIES	Organizations requiring a high level of security.
MAIN ADVANTAGE	Low rate of false alarms.
MAIN DISADVANTAGE	It requires extensive upkeep.

Conclusion

Here you have it.

You need to know all the important facts about the 7 most popular perimeter security detection systems so you can decide which is best for your business.

Now, do you think there’s one technology that would work better to eliminate trespassers on your site?

Or has this complete list made you want to change the technology you already have?

We’re curious! Put your answers in the box below.

Sirix gives free advice to its partners. Please feel free to get in touch with us if you need help or more recommendations about these solutions.