Conductive Sensor Cables for Perimeter Intrusion Detection

Many sensors for outdoor perimeter security detection use sensor cables deployed along the route of expected intrusion, such as buried in the ground, attached to a fence, or on a building wall or roof. Many of these distributed sensors rely on propagation of signals along continuous metallic conductors and interpretation of signal changes representative of an intrusion. These sensors may operate on widely different electrical phenomenologies to provide their guided means of detection and communication of the detected events. This paper provides a survey of these different sensor detection methods, and unlike past or companion papers, which focus on a specific detection technology, looks at the application from the cable viewpoint outward. This review is believed to be of interest to both sensor users and developers as it cuts across the array of sensor technologies from a different physical viewpoint. This review starts from "no conductor" optical cables, progresses through single conductors, and moves on to multi conductor cables. The primary focus is on dual conductor, metallic sensor cables, since they are the most prevalent. The different principles of detection, and their application to security sensors is addressed. This paper further addresses the elements of sensor cable design, manufacturing, installation and use, with specific intrusion detection sensor examples for illustration.