What types of security systems are there? How do they work?
A security system is a solution that uses technologies and measures—such as intrusion detection sensors, surveillance cameras, and burglar alarm systems—to protect lives, property, and data from risks including intrusion, theft, disasters, and information leaks.
These systems can operate individually or in combination and are widely used in homes, commercial facilities, factories, warehouses, airports, and data centers, contributing to enhanced security and the assurance of safety and peace of mind.
This article introduces the types of security systems and how they work.
1. Security by security guard
Security guards are required at various sites and applications and are the primary security method in the Southeast Asia. It is a popular security system because in some cases, they work not only for security but also for guiding vehicles or people entering the site.
Main roles of security guard are
- to stand and protect at places where vigilance is required.
- to monitor CCTV videos in a monitoring room.
- to judge and execute countermeasures when they receive alarm signals from alarm system.
In recent years, in Southeast Asia, fixed costs for security guards have been increasing due to the increase in personnel expenses. Particularly, in large sites, a number of security guards are necessary to guard the entire site, so the impact of increasing cost becomes bigger. As a solution for this problem, recently, more facilities install hybrid security system that combines security guard, CCTV and burglar alarm systems. Such hybrid security doesn’t only reduces security fixed costs, but also improves security quality by reducing the risk of human error.
2. CCTV Securty system
Security systems with CCTV are used to monitor both the inside or outside of buildings. They’re used in a wide range of applications from high-security to residential use.
Because there are a lot of affordable CCTVs and it allows visual confirmation of images / videos through smartphone apps or dedicated software, it’s a very popular security system for homes, offices, stores etc..
Recorded video can be a influential clue and evidence in the search for criminals in the event of an emergency. Another reason for its popularity is that it can be expected to have a crime deterrent effect just by being installed.
Some are monitored remotely or locally by specialized monitoring centers, while others are monitored from home or building owners by themselvs.
● Type of Power supply
Wired cameras require wiring to the power supply. When installing on a wall or ceiling at existing building, it requires work to drill holes in the wall or ceiling for wiring and connect the cables to the power supply.
On the other hand, battery-powered (wireless) cameras can be installed anywhere you like without worrying about the location of the outlet, although it takes time and effort to charge them. There is also a solar-powered model in outdoor cameras that can generate electricity from the sun.
● Type of Connection (Communication)
Wired cameras which are mounted on wall or ceiling, it requires to route the LAN cable through the wall or ceiling. This point would be a disadvantage, on the other hand, it also becomes an advantage that communication is more stable than wireless system.
Recently, a lot of wireless security systems using Wi-Fi have been released, mainly for residential and small-scale buildings / facilities. The wireless cameras doesn’t require wiring work and can be easily connected to start by yourself, however, connection is not always stable because it’s affected by the signal strength of Wi-Fi and there are concerns about jamming. So wireless cameras is rarely used for places which quite high security level is required.
● Popilar functions for MIY system (Monitor It Yourself system)
Night vision and speakers are features which are focused on when selecting.
The night vision function allows you to check the face and clothing of a suspicious person in dark nights or places with little light.
A type equipped with a speaker can issue a voice warning to a suspicious person confirmed by the camera image. Like the siren, it is effective in warding off suspicious persons.
3. Burglar alarm system
Burglar alarm system is a security system that detects intrusions by sensors and send an alert to the preset reporting address when the sensor is triggered.
Burglar alarm system consists of a control panel and devices such as indoor/outdoor burglar alarm sensor, magnetic contacts, panic buttons, glass break sensors, vibration sensors etc. connected to the control panel.
Emergency are detected by sensors and magnetic contacts and the control panel recognizes them. After that, it makes a loud siren sound to notify the unauthorized entry to nearby people or send an alert to preset reporting address.
The loud sound of a siren is effective in frightening intruders and making them leave the area immediately. The advantage of the alarm system is that it can send alerts so that intrusions can be recognized and take a necessary action with in real time.
Same as CCTV security system, Some are monitored remotely or locally by specialized monitoring centers, while others are monitored from home or building owners by themselvs.
Some bugler alarm systems mostly for residential use have “home automation functions” that enable certain triggers to control lights, air conditioners, etc. Such systems are popular.
It’s very useful because you can control both your security system / check notifications and set home automation functions with the same smartphone app.
● Related articles for more information
Security system integrating CCTV and security sensors
Residential and small-scale buildings / facilities don’t have so many security cameras installed, but applications such as large buildings, industrial sites, power plants, and data centers with finely divided security zones have a large number of cameras installed. And they are monitored remotely or locally.
Of course, not only installation of cameras but also human resources such as security guards and operators who monitor videos of surveillance cameras are required. It can be difficult for operators to monitor footage from a large number of cameras without overlooking them and always respond immediately to emergencies, and they may miss important scenes. Therefore, it is necessary to build a system to detect intrusions and suspicious persons efficiently and reliably, and to always respond promptly.
OPTEX’s security sensors and system can provide a highly accurate warning system which enables you to immediately confirm alarm scenes locally or remotely by linking with security cameras. Integration with OPTEX security sensors which can minimize false alarms makes video surveillance more efficient.
● Related articles for more information
4. Access Control system
Access control system is a common system that is installed to prevent unauthorized intrusion or information leak by restricting access to a building or room to only authorized specific persons. Access is restricted by installing an authentication protection system at the entrance with electronic locks such as keycards, fingerprint scans, etc..
The record of people who entered the room after authentication can be an evidence to identify the criminal when emergency happens.
OPTEX’s anti-tailgating system can detect attempts to enter a room following an authenticated person. It’s possible to prevent unauthorized entry of companions who try to enter the room as tailgating, and to warn it in real time.
This can make authentication systems more secure for access control.
● Related articles for more information
5. Summary
There are various types of security systems, each with advantages and disadvantages.
The best security system depends on your budget, location, purpose and level of protection required etc..
It’s important to choose appropreate ways which can acheve your purpose and sometimes it’s necessary to combine some methods or devices.
OPTEX has been in the field of security sensing solutions for over 40 years and trusted by thousands of customers worldwide for the accuracy and reliability of its sensing technologies. We are always eager to support you and propose a solution that suits your needs so please feel free to contact us.
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Please feel free to contact us for further information.
We are always eager to support you and propose a solution that suits your needs.