Putting Wireless Intrusion Solutions to Work for You
Improved range and reliability, along with comparatively low installation costs, are making wireless solutions more than just practical for hospital, school and university security projects.
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Campus Stakeholders Appreciate Flexibility
The best wireless systems are designed to provide maximum satisfaction for their users. Once a wireless network infrastructure is in place, devices can be moved to allow for changing floor plans and the movement of large obstacles that may interfere with the signal. An example would be those found in warehouse environments.
Because it’s a simple matter to add devices, more applications can be added to the intrusion system. It’s also extremely cost-effective. Being able to amortize the cost of the wireless infrastructure across multiple applications presents the campus with a more efficient way to manage operating expenses of the facility.
Integrating security pendant or panic button devices wirelessly gives employees the ability to trigger an alarm from anywhere in the building, which is impossible with a wired system. Additionally, pendants can be used as safety buttons for workers in case of an accident. This added measure of security works alongside the intrusion system and enhances the overall value and dependability of the wireless network.
Wireless installations enable easy and inexpensive reconfiguration of the endpoints if the physical layout of the environment changes. Museums often install a wireless system to secure display cases that are part of traveling exhibits. If they already have a wireless system securing the entire premises, it’s as easy as adding additional sensors. Or in cases where a hardwired system is primary, it’s just as simple to add the sensors and operate a hybrid security system.
Wireless also simplifies system upgrades. A majority of locations have an existing security system in place, but campuses are usually performing a number of upgrades somewhere in their facilities.
As campus needs evolve, organizations can add wireless mesh and its endpoints to an existing system and panel. Hospitals, universities and schools that are able to adjust their systems as needed are pleased with the ability to have a wireless system in place that provides not only added value but increased customization.
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Challenges of Older Systems Have Been Resolved
During the past decade, wireless has become commonplace in our lives. Most everyone carries a cell phone or uses a wireless Internet connection. The acceptance of this technology has contributed to the changing perceptions about its use for security. Wireless security has advanced to the point where any past concerns about interference, reliability or range have been all but eliminated.
The wireless communication environment can be a perilous place due to signal crowding, noise, interference and physical obstructions. The rise in popularity of wireless communication devices such as radios, telephones and pagers along with wireless Internet devices that operate in the unli
censed radio frequencies further exacerbate interference issues.
Secondary effects associated with these devices such as interference and multipath propagation make it a technological wonder that communication is able to occur at all. For these reasons, wireless products of yesteryear were prone to interference and questionable reliability, and often had to be overengineered.
Today, new methods and protocols for handling wireless communication, such as digital transmission, have been developed. These methodologies are able to facilitate the increasing demand on the limited available spectrum. The net result is that even with the greater demands placed on a limited resource, the amount of communication possible keeps increasing along with its dependability. As wireless communication becomes more commonplace, the cost of related products is declining compared to the immense value provided.
The Future Looks Good for Wireless
Security-industry intelligence is increasing across the board. Networked devices, video monitoring, multisensor endpoints, database access and analysis, and more are making the future a reality. Because of campus security stakeholders’ increasing expectations, needs and demands, many existing security systems will need upgrades, an area in which wireless products excel.
Mark Jarman has spent nine years with Louisville, Colo.-based Inovonics, being named president in 2006.
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