F7 Fiber Optic Intrusion Detection System

Combines distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) with AI-powered event recognition to detect and locate intrusions along long perimeters while helping distinguish intrusion activity from environmental interference.

Core Advantages

Fully Embedded Architecture

Integrates signal acquisition and processing into a single device, enabling up to 10× faster signal processing, reduced data loss, and more accurate intrusion detection. Total system power consumption is below 100 W.

AI-Powered Intrusion Detection

Combines preconfigured AI models with custom training using field-collected intrusion and interference samples to identify intrusion events and filter environmental interference.

High-Precision Intrusion Localization

Locates intrusion events with positioning accuracy as precise as ±1 m.

Up to 140 km Perimeter Coverage

Supports up to 70 km per channel and 140 km across two channels, reducing the number of monitoring units needed for long perimeters.

±1 m

Positioning Accuracy

140 km

Maximum Range · Dual Channel

2

Max Channels

How It Works

01 / TECHNOLOGY

DAS Sensing Technology

Uses distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) to detect and locate intrusion-related vibrations along an optical fiber.

F7 uses distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) to detect vibrations along an optical fiber. By analyzing changes in backscattered light, the system identifies and locates intrusion events. It analyzes vibration patterns across time, location, and frequency to help distinguish intrusion activity from environmental interference.

DAS sensing fiber and intrusion event location diagram

02 / FENCE INSTALLATION

Fence-Mounted Sensing

Detects intrusion-related vibrations through sensing fiber installed on perimeter fences.

Detects intrusion-related vibrations transmitted through perimeter fences. Configurable detection zones and adjustable alarm thresholds help adapt monitoring to different fence sections.
Sensing fiber mounted along perimeter fencing

03 / BURIED INSTALLATION

Buried Fiber Sensing

Detects ground vibrations from people, vehicles, and digging through buried sensing fiber.

Buried at a typical depth of 30–50 cm, the sensing fiber detects ground vibrations from people, vehicles, digging activities, and heavy machinery. Concealed sensing helps protect perimeters without visible sensing cables above ground.

Buried sensing fiber installation at a typical depth of 30–50 cm

System Components

Gato F7 distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) host unit

F7 Host Unit

The F7 host unit analyzes signals from the sensing fiber to detect and locate intrusion events and generate alarms. Single- and dual-channel models are available for different perimeter layouts. Two independent 100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports provide physical separation between internal and external networks.

Fiber optic sensing cable and installation accessories for perimeter security

Sensing Cable & Accessories

The passive sensing cable is installed along fences or buried routes to detect vibrations without requiring power along the sensing path. Optical jumpers and splice accessories are selected to suit each installation.

F7 intrusion detection management software displaying alarm locations

Management Software

The browser-based software displays alarm locations on electronic maps, along with real-time and historical waveforms and event records. Operators can configure detection zones, adjust alarm thresholds, schedule arming and disarming, and manage whitelists and excluded areas. The F7 also supports video-linked alarm verification and integration with other security devices for coordinated alarm management.

Certifications

Gato F7 carries CE marking, with EMC compliance verified by SGS. FCC compliance documentation is also available for international projects.

CE

CE Marking

EMC compliance verified by SGS.

FCC

FCC Compliance

Compliance documentation for the U.S. market.

Case Studies

Niger–Benin Pipeline Station Perimeters

Niger–Benin Pipeline Station Perimeters

Project Challenge

Eleven stations along the Niger–Benin Pipeline required perimeter intrusion detection across geographically dispersed locations.

F7 Solution

Gato deployed 11 F7 fiber optic intrusion detection systems across 11 stations, protecting approximately 1 km of perimeter at each location.

Project Highlights

Eleven independent F7 deployments provide perimeter monitoring across geographically dispersed stations, with approximately 1 km protected at each location.

More Cases

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between DAS and traditional perimeter intrusion detection systems?

Unlike conventional systems that rely on individual sensors installed at fixed locations, distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) uses optical fiber as a continuous sensing element. This reduces the need for multiple detection devices along extended perimeter routes.

The suitability of existing fiber depends on its type, condition, routing, and connection requirements. A technical assessment is recommended to determine whether the available fiber infrastructure can support the intended installation.

Detection performance can be influenced by installation conditions, cable placement, environmental vibrations, and site-specific activity. Proper installation, detection zone configuration, and on-site calibration help optimize system performance.

The required cable length depends on the actual installation route, not just the physical perimeter length. Fence layout, cable routing, and installation requirements should all be considered when estimating cable length.

Yes. Excessive bending and poor-quality splices can introduce optical loss, which may affect signal quality and detection performance. Proper cable routing, bend radius control, and fiber splicing are important for reliable operation.

Yes. The F7 supports video-linked alarm verification and connections to other security devices. Integration options depend on the existing system and its interface requirements. Gato's technical team can help assess compatibility and recommend a suitable configuration.

Power requirements vary by sensing range and system configuration. Configuration-specific power specifications are available during project planning.

The appropriate configuration depends on perimeter length, cable routing, installation method, and required location accuracy. Sharing your site layout and monitoring requirements with Gato's technical team can help determine the suitable system configuration.

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    F7 installation video

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