DSL in the security mix

Video surveillance, air-quality sensors and employee tracking add up to a complete security solution.

Security is more than metal detectors and alarms. With the unquestionable need for security, a complete solution–with real-time video surveillance, air-quality sensors, employee-tracking systems, automatic data backup and systematic emergency shutdown–is realistic, using an existing telephone line installed with digital subscriber line (DSL). Using this high-speed connection, an independent security system, compatible with existing applications and equipment, can be created. In the event of emergency loss of power, the security/support system runs off dedicated communications equipment on small, compact and inexpensive battery backups on normal phone lines.

To track employees, set up a camera on a timer at the company entrance. A motion detector/door alarm activated at a set time can trigger a computer video camera to snap pictures every time someone enters. The system instantaneously sends the image to the office/security manager’s e-mail box, and to an off-site file archive, via DSL. Available systems also can track movement with pager-like devices that send infrared signals to a monitoring device or tracking beacon on the floor of any room. Piggybacked onto DSL infrastructure, the data alerts any security reporting system or e-mail box.

For surveillance of visitors/deliveries, a still/video camera outside the entrance, with a trip button-doorbell connection, snaps/records when the bell rings, instantly sending images via e-mail over DSL. If no one is on premises, the images can be sent for viewing to any specified e-mail box. This instant notification allows the appropriate person the option of recording and/or communicating with that visitor/courier. Using voice over IP wired to an intercom system, a remotely located business recipient could speak–without revealing his location–with the visitor/courier.

Existent systems that detect, notify and track airborne foreign substances and chemicals can also be run on DSL. Around San Francisco Bay, gas stations installed DSL lines to underground sensors next to gas tanks and to above-ground sensors near the pumps, which track leakage, spills and inappropriate chemical combinations. Even changes in moisture, humidity, temperature and vapors can be instantly tracked and reported directly via a DSL connection to off-site store managers and, if necessary, local authorities. If a chemical response team is required, information providing situation status/severity can be relayed via e-mail/fax systems immediately or checked/monitored by remote dispatchers, prior to the team’s arrival.

Applied to an office environment, such systems could potentially save lives and deter building damage. A sensor set up to detect carbon monoxide, smoke or other deadly gases can be tracked, stored and reported continuously. Due to the amount of sensor analysis needed in a biological incident, response time can be up to 30 minutes. Via a DSL connection, sensors could report problems to office managers and authorities, and even notify hospitals/pharmaceutical manufacturers to prepare for an emergency. The detection would still allow time to treat any infection or ingestion with an antigen.

An innovation in water sprinkler systems to help avoid machinery damage and loss of data has been to interface the fire alarm system, installing sensors in pipes leading to the sprinklers. These sensors can power down all servers/computers in the area of a fire just prior to sprinkler activation. The power-down sequence also includes an instant data backup of the most current information to an off-site facility.

A seismic detection system can track not only a bomb explosion or an airline crash impact, but can distinguish between them and determine the severity. If seismic detectors were attached to DSL lines, a readout of the total damage area, using infrared video cameras sending freeze-frame pictures by e-mail, could tell rescuers where heavily damaged areas are within buildings, what damage has occurred and where possible openings are located so rescue workers can save trapped victims.

The costs of creating a safety net and implementing a simple risk-avoidance system are well worth protecting information and employees.

Southworth is a board member of the DSL Forum, Fremont, CA. 
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