CASE STUDY 2 – Data centre infrastructure specialist

Beacon’s Role:

The security brief for the new data centre called for a “state of the art” comprehensive risk-based, multi-layered security regime, aligned to ISO27001, BS25999 and JSP440.

On winning the contract, we used our extensive technical expertise to suggest an alternative approach to the original design. The result was an end-to-end fully IP integrated security management system, with “future proofing” fundamental to the design.

Details of the completed security scheme are naturally confidential, however a large part was the selection of the LED infrared illuminators as they require substantially less power and maintenance than conventional IR lamps and therefore met two of the clients sustainability criteria:
Low energy consumption
Low environmental impact – Bats

The camera images and telemetry are transmitted to control via a fully resilient “ruggedized” fibre optic network, designed and installed by Beacon. An Axis encoder at the camera end converts the analogue images and telemetry into digital format for transmission. A Zenitel public address system was also installed at each camera tower, and again, data transmission was achieved via the network.
Within the data centre, a Lenel OnGuard security management system integrates all of the security elements onto a single management system. Access control is managed by a combination of HID biometric and iClass readers. Internal images from 25 Axis megapixel dome cameras – positioned throughout the data centre – are recorded and monitored by the Lenel OnGuard system. All this security management information is controlled from a central control location, where security functions including access control, badging, cctv monitoring, alarm monitoring, intercom and PA are managed by a single integrated GUI, from their operating position.

Key challenges:

There were a myriad of technical issues involved in integrating the various technologies into a central system. However, the main challenges related to the tight timelines, as the security package was one of the final contracts to be awarded. Our team worked closely with the client and other contractors to ensure the security system was delivered to meet the requirements of the client and to comply with the standards specified.

The external works were inhibited by the weather, with heavy snow making conditions very difficult.
Despite difficulties, the final result was a fully integrated, resilient, state-of-the-art integrated security solution that empowers users with real-time information. It is a powerful system that coordinates the interaction between people, technologies and responses.