First a light-hearted look at one of the issues around railway security – Cable theft. Sing along to this 30 second video if you dare!
There are of course many other rail security threats such as vandalism trespass and terrorism to accompany theft, but we didn’t feel like we could make a video which would raise a wry smile on those topics!
As railways are a vital component of global transportation, ensuring their security against theft, terrorism, and vandalism has become increasingly important. Traditional security measures, while effective to some extent, often fall short in providing comprehensive coverage and real-time monitoring of the long linear assets that make up railways and railroads.
Enter Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), a groundbreaking technology that transforms fiber optic cables into a network of highly sensitive vibration sensors, offering a proactive solution to railway security challenges by providing covert coverage along the long boundaries of the railway corridor.
How DAS Works
DAS utilises often pre-existing fiber optic infrastructure to detect vibrations along the railway line. By sending laser pulses through the fiber, the system can measure minute changes in light caused by vibrations in the environment such as people’s footsteps or activities such as digging or vehicles nearby. This allows for the continuous monitoring of the railway corridor, providing real-time data on any disturbances that may indicate unauthorised activity.
Find more on how DAS works here
Detecting Unauthorised Access
One of the primary applications of DAS is its ability to detect unauthorised access to property. One of its most common applications is in perimeter security of international borders, pipelines or high value assets. All these applications share common ground with trying to secure railways. Whether it’s a trespasser on the tracks or someone attempting to tamper with equipment, DAS can identify unusual vibrations that deviate from the norm. By analysing these vibrations in realtime with sophisticated algorithms, railway operators can receive automated instant alerts, enabling them to respond quickly to potential threats before they escalate into damage, losses or worse.
Identifying Suspicious Activities
In addition to detecting trespassers, DAS can also identify suspicious activities that may pose an increased risk to railway safety. For instance, the algorithms used differentiate between the vibrations caused by normal train operations and those generated by unusual movements, such as a trespasser on site, someone attempting to dig up cables or cut through fences. This capability allows security personnel to prioritise and investigate potential threats in real-time, enhancing the overall safety of the railway system.
Find them fast with Fiber
The ability to both identify and accurately map threats to railway infrastructure in real-time delivers railway security teams new powerful insights. Here is an example of how it can work for you.
Enhancing Response Times
The integration of DAS into railway security systems can significantly improve response times to incidents. No longer do networks have to rely on driver/engineers’ tip-offs or calls from members of the public to supplement patrols and CCTV insights. With continuous monitoring and instant alerts, security teams can be notified of the scene of a disturbance immediately to allow them to co-ordinate an appropriate response. That might be to turn nearby CCTV cameras in the right direction to gather evidence, it could be to send a security drone to survey the situation, or it may be the dispatch security forces to the precise location. This rapid response ability is crucial in preventing theft and vandalism, or indeed deterring acts of terrorism, ultimately safeguarding both staff, passengers and cargo, cost effectively.
A Comprehensive Security Solution
DAS not only enhances the physical security of railways but also complements existing surveillance systems, such as integrating with pre-existing CCTV, and providing accurate geolocation data. By providing an additional layer of automated monitoring, it helps users create and develop a more comprehensive security strategy. The data collected can also be looked at over extended time periods to spot trends or quantify improvements made by other security interventions to provide a more holistic view of railway safety.
Conclusion
As the threats to railway security evolve, so too must the technologies used to combat them. Distributed Acoustic Sensing offers a cutting-edge solution that enhances the ability to detect and respond to theft, terrorism, and vandalism risks. By leveraging this innovative technology, railway operators can ensure a safer environment for staff, passengers and cargo alike, paving the way for a more secure future in rail transportation.
Want to find out more? Try these links or contact our team to discuss your specific requirements.
Our Security Application More about DAS Technology About Sensonic
Like this article? Did the silly song make you smile? Then share it via the button at the top
