The history of perimeter alarm system
Perimeter alarm systems are a cornerstone of the security industry, serving as a critical component of technical defense systems and the first line of defense in security alarm systems. All security product technologies are closely related to perimeter alarms.
The history of perimeter alarms dates back to ancient times, starting with physical barriers like fences and walls, and evolving to modern advanced technologies such as electronic fences and electromagnetic sensing cables.
*The Ancient And Contemporary Perimeter Alarms
Over the past two decades, China’s perimeter alarm system market has grown rapidly, achieving a leading position globally in terms of both market size and technological advancements. Various product solutions have given rise to multiple technical branches, involving electronics, mechanics, optics, computer technology, and communication technologies.
*Technical Branches Involved In Perimeter Alarm Systems
Types of Perimeter Alarm Systems
Currently, widely used perimeter alarm systems include infrared beams, pulse electric fences, tensile electric fences, and vibration fiber optics systems, each based on different principles.
*Perimeter Alarm Product Portfolio
Infrared beam systems are the most widely used due to their low cost and simple installation. They work by emitting two or more infrared beams; when an intruder breaks the beam, an alarm is triggered. However, their simple detection principle makes them susceptible to interference from small animals, vegetation, and weather changes, leading to blind spots in detection.
*Infrared Beam System
In the mid-to-late 1990s, electric fences began to be used in China. When the front-end fence is touched or damaged, it interrupts the current loop, triggering an alarm. These systems are popular in residential areas, power facilities, and factories due to their dual function of blocking and alerting, despite their complex installation and inability to precisely locate intrusion points.
*Electric Fence
In recent years, vibration fiber optics have also been employed in perimeter alarms. These systems detect changes in light signals caused by vibrations, triggering an alarm. Vibration fiber optics systems have more complex algorithms than infrared beams and electric fences, allowing them to detect intrusions and locate their positions. They can be installed discreetly and are more aesthetically pleasing. However, strong winds can cause false alarms, and their installation is complex, with less-than-ideal detection effects when buried.
 |
 |
*Fiber Optic System
Despite advancements, perimeter alarm systems still face certain security risks in linear and area protection scenarios. Some niche products, like leaky cables, offer three-dimensional protection but suffer from poor environmental adaptability and frequent false alarms, making them nearly unusable.
The comprehensive product for perimeter security
So how to solve the problems of single-dimensional protection and low alarm accuracy? After eight years of research, Gato has successfully developed an electromagnetic sensing cable (buried sensors) that combines electromagnetic detection technology and intelligent analysis, achieving true three-dimensional protection in perimeter security products.
 |
 |
The electromagnetic sensing cable (buried sensors) creates an invisible electromagnetic field when buried underground or within walls. Any intruder entering this field triggers the host alarm. This innovation fundamentally addresses the issues of single-dimensional protection and low alarm accuracy, heralding a new era of three-dimensional protection in perimeter alarm systems.
 |
 |
This advancement signifies a significant leap forward, ensuring more comprehensive and accurate security solutions for various environments.
Conclusions
Perimeter alarm systems have come a long way, from basic physical barriers to sophisticated smart technologies. Each type of system offers unique benefits while facing certain trade-offs.
The right choice depends on factors such as terrain, threat level, budget, and maintenance capabilities. No single solution is perfect for every scenario—what matters is aligning technology with real-world security needs. As AI and IoT integration advance, future perimeter systems will likely become even more adaptive, reducing false alarms while improving accuracy. For now, businesses and homeowners must weigh reliability, scalability, and environmental fit to build an effective security strategy.
With continuous advancements like Gato’s electromagnetic sensing cable and various product portfolios, the future of perimeter security promises even more reliable and comprehensive protection, tailored to meet the demands of modern safety challenges.
