ETA Custom Print - May/June 2008 - (Page 9) BOOT CAMP: As Fiber Optic Technology Improves, many new uses for fiber are emerging ˛ II IlPERIMETER SECURITY FIBER OPTICS FOR ENHANCING W by Bob hicKey, FoI hile fiber has traditionally been used for data and voice communications, novel applications for fiber optic cables are increasing, such as lighting in homes, pools, and camera systems. Now there is an exciting new application for fiber optics in perimeter security. Securing the perimeter around buildings and grounds is a costly endeavor. Electrified fences require a great deal of power and cameras need to be monitored. A new option, the fiber fence, uses fiber optics to detect intrusion attempts faster and with fewer false alarms than traditional methods. Basic fiber fences, which retrofit an existing fence, as well as newly installed fiber mesh or fences made with fiber optics installed inside of the fence tubing, can provide much greater security when coupled with a traditional chain link fence to slow or stop intrusion. How does this all work? A laser light travels down the fiber and any change in the amount or speckle pattern of the light at the sensing device will set off an alarm. The speckle pattern is used with multimode fiber, whereas a loss of light is used with single-mode fiber. Different sensing devices are used for different fiber fence designs. An Optical Time Domain Reflectometer is interfaced with the sensor and will show a trace to pinpoint the exact location of the intrusion. With a digital base-map of the fence line, the intrusion location can be viewed with security cameras linked to the system. One of the main advantages of a fiber system is its immunity to EMI and RFI; fiber is a dielectric cable. What we have looked at so far is a basic overview of a fiber optic fence. This is not a plug and play system. Anyone looking to work in the fiber optics field needs to be trained and understand fiber optic theory and fiber cabling performance. Technicians also need to know the proper procedure for terminating optical cable. The knowledge to test the optical cable and to understand test results is also required. Additionally, another interesting intrusion sensing technology to consider is fiber optic cable buried into the ground that detects intrusions by pressure. As the Fiber Optics industry continues to mature, we will undoubtedly see many more good uses for fiber optics in the coming years. HTN Bob Hickey, FOI, Program Manager for Redwood Education Services, Inc. works on a fiber enclosure. Continued from page 7 terference (RFI). “With all the electronics in the home today, EMI has increased. Another advantage that end users would appreciate more with fiber being installed is the cost savings and increased capabilities that would allow them to do more, but using less. For example, more and more businesses are going to a virtual workplace or what is better known as telecommuting. With the increased bandwidth available with fiber, businesses can take advantage of the use of HD video and for video conferencing, therefore eliminating the need for employees to travel to the office. Employees can live in different counties, states, or countries and it wouldn’t matter.” Both Woodward and Jacobi strongly encourage technicians to learn fiber optics. “Verizon is advertising that they are bringing fiber to the home over a period of 10 years. That means for those 10 years there will be a demand for installers to help bring the fiber to the home,” Woodward points out. “Technicians who are sitting on the fence as to whether or not Fiber is going to continue to grow are highly encouraged to take action now, or very soon,” Jacobi advises. “Getting an industry recognized certification validates your skills and knowledge of the competencies based on industry standards. There are not many trade positions where you can get certified in a relatively short time frame and then enter into a new position earning at least $35k. There are examples all throughout the industry that point to the fact that if this is a trade you like, now is the time to learn. For example, AT&T has recently announced that they are committed to bringing Fiber-to-the-Premises regardless of the status of the economy. New players, like FairPoint are beginning to penetrate the landline business, and recently acquired Verizon’s landline business in Maine. All of the large telecom players are offering a “Triple Play” in the home market in order to stay competitive. In order to build the infrastructure throughout the country they will need trained personnel in Fiber Optics, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.” HTN MAY/JUNE2008 | etainternational.org | 9 http://www.etainternational.org
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